REGIONAL PEOPLE & OPERATIONS LEAD for Western Canada  Preference for candidates to be in BC (Vancouver, Vancouver Island or Interior) or AB (Calgary)

The Western Canada region is renowned for a collaborative and client-focused mindset. Inspired by the natural resources that are abundant across the region, our team thrives on designs that align with the goals our clients seek to achieve. Specializing in sports and entertainment venues, transportation infrastructure, science and technology labs, and industrial spaces, our Western Canada team seamlessly blends functionality with technical excellence. Our locations in Vancouver, Calgary, and Kamloops make for a cutting‐edge practice surrounded by  natural wonders that inspire our team to define what is possible.

Qualifications

• Professional designation/ education in a design/construction-focused field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a focus on day-to-day operational and people management.
• Preference given to candidates with 10+ years of experience. 

 

Responsibilities Reporting directly to the Western Canadian Region Managing Principal, as the Regional People & Operations Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our practice within the region. This role ensures that office operations run smoothly and are successful in supporting  business activities. In the role you will be responsible for a wide range of duties pertaining to the day-to-day functions of the practice, with the objective to promote operational efficiency, creativity, and positive morale. Responsible for oversight of regional operational functions of office administration, hiring and training, resource management, Design Through Technology, Reconciliation, and Inclusion & Diversity considerations. 

The overall goal is to ensure that the work environment and culture is aligned with A49’s guiding principles, code of conduct and brand, and that office operations are efficient and add maximum value to the organization.   

Key attributes include senior level experience in project design and delivery and strong business acumen. You will have demonstrated experience and success in managing multiple teams productively, be skilled in project management, project finance, and resource management.   The role has strategic, operational practice and thought leadership requirements with responsibilities related to: 

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability 

• Analyze processes and procedures to identify opportunities to increase efficiency, productivity, and practice performance. 
• Responsible for regional resource planning and forecasting, including engagement in national resource coordination meetings to optimize staff availability and utilization. 
• Support the planning and implementation of projects, including staff allocation and project timelines. 
• Support the development and administration of regional revenue/ project development to achieve A49’s financial goals and growth targets. 

 

Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement 

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices. 
• Encourage research and experimentation within the firm to push the boundaries of practice innovation and deliver unique and impactful solutions to clients. 

Employee Engagement & Alignment 

• Identify hiring requirements and lead regional talent attraction and recruitment with the support of talent acquisition resources. Support hiring managers in the approvals process, IT and equipment procurement and onboarding process.
• Identify training development and continuing education opportunities. Ensure regional staff compliance with timely mandatory training completion. 
• Demonstrate capacity building, training, and mentorship of A49 regional staff to deepen knowledge. 
• Work with regional people leaders to ensure performance reviews, goal setting and career development is done consistently and is in alignment with the Managing Principal’s business objectives. 

Operational Excellence and Project Quality 

• At the discretion of the Managing Principal, may be responsible as ‘Office Leader’, interfacing with WSP facilities. 
• Review monthly operational data, including core team utilization, project multipliers, revenue analysis (profit/loss), hard and soft backlog, marketing and business development initiatives, client/ consulting invoicing, work in progress, accounts receivable, overhead optimization, client/ colleague satisfaction and overall quality of work produced. 
• Lead major projects (as warranted). 
• Contribute to local management of A49’s Vancouver, Calgary and Kamloops offices. 

 

Compensation: AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $124,900 to $167,800  MB & ON: $114,000 to $159,200  NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $112,800 to $152,000  Disclosure: The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Why Choose Us?

Architecture49 is a growing firm with promising career opportunities for talented people.  Our offices, situated from coast to coast across Canada, house a diverse and accomplished group of architects, interior designers, technologists, landscape architects, and support staff, and we are always looking for new people to enrich our team.

At A49, we foster friendly, open working environments where employees can thrive in a culture that values collaboration. We seek meaningful projects where we can build on our focused expertise and impact the communities in which we work. We strive to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. We recognize the quality, motivation and commitment of our employees and celebrate their achievements.

Our offices have strong regional legacies, yet we are also a forward-thinking national firm focused on creativity, initiative, quality, sustainability and social responsibility. That sense of social responsibility extends to our employees and our commitment to their well-being and success.

Strategic Partnership

Architecture49 maintains a strategic business relationship with WSP, a global engineering consultancy. This provides enhanced opportunities for exposure to international projects and a wide range of multidisciplinary expertise. Further, WSP provides Architecture49 with a range of shared services, such as comprehensive benefits, training, and corporate programs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Architecture49, we strive to create inclusive work environments for everyone. We are committed to supporting a workplace where diversity is embraced and our people are respected, valued, accepted, and are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) help us celebrate diversity and build a culture of belonging: Black Professional People Network; CIRCLE (Indigenous); VIBE (2SLGBTQIA+); Women of WSP; and the Developing Professionals Network.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and achieving a representative work environment that reflects our people, communities and clients. We encourage people from systemically marginalized groups to apply, including Indigenous Persons, Persons identifying with a disability/ies, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons, Persons identifying as a visible minority, and Women.

At A49, we take accessibility seriously and accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For accommodation queries/requests please contact: inclusion@architecture49.com [inclusion@architecture49.com]

Reconciliation

Architecture49 is committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and to Call to Action #92. We recognize that our practices directly build upon and benefit from the gifts of the earth, and affirm our commitment to continued learning, respect, and ongoing collaboration as we work to engage in decolonization and reconciliation.

Please Note

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of A49.  Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).