Driving success through JDI IT: Elisa Poitras

Elisa Poitras has a long family history with J.D. Irving, Limited. Her dad and grandfather worked for the company and her great-great grandfather was a log driver.

But Elisa has a long personal history too. The Business Solutions Director, leading IT for Master Packaging in Moncton, N.B., has worked for the company her entire professional career of 21 years.

Elisa started as a Business Analyst. The clear career progression, supportive leaders and the chance to work on some major projects for the company early on in her career have all been factors that have kept her job fresh and exciting.

“I got to see big, dynamic changes in the business that technology was bringing,” she said. “I like the variety. For me, I was a Business Analyst, but I was learning about different industries all throughout the value chain. So, it was really like changing jobs but not changing companies.”

IT Business Analysts are embedded in businesses across the company’s operations. They work to understand current processes at their assigned business and identify the technology pieces to find solutions to business challenges and fuel growth. It’s a job that champions connecting with people and is a way into an IT career without necessarily having a traditional technical background. 

In her current position, Elisa also oversees the development of Business Analysts across the company. She’s driven by a passion for seeing others reach their full potential.  The Business Analyst Development Program is a unique and important feature for Business Analysts at JDI IT as it provides standardized development, support and mentorship as they progress through their careers. It offers a chance for fellow Business Analysts to learn from one another and helps form a sense of community.  To Poitras, something that stands out about the Business Analyst role is its people focus. 

“It really is for those technology-inclined people that don’t want to let go of the human connections. Everything we do is IT, but it’s all still very human in the way we implement and approach solving problems,” Elisa said.

“Our Business Analysts are really encouraged to be out there in the business, face-to-face with the customers living these processes, so that they can better do their job.”

Interested in a career like Elisa’s with JDI IT? Current postings are available here: https://careers.jdirving.com/#en/sites/Careers/job/2092?keyword=business+analyst&mode=location