Architectural Manager

Aecom; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure consulting firm in Kitchener is seeking an experienced Architectural Manager to lead a team of architects. The role involves managing ongoing projects, sourcing new work, mentoring staff, and overseeing architectural designs for public safety and commercial sectors. Candidates should have over 8 years of architecture experience, be a licensed architect, and possess strong problem-solving and leadership skills. This position offers a chance to significantly influence projects within the local and Canadian markets.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work options

Professional development programs

Qualifications

• 8+ years of architectural design experience in public safety, commercial, and municipal buildings.
• Licensed architect with experience managing integrated design teams.
• Hands-on technical knowledge of project phases from design to closeout.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the architectural team.
• Develop and grow the architecture department.
• Prepare innovative designs for clients.
• Oversee architectural project proposals and studies.

Skills

Architectural design

Project management

Team leadership

Client communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect with OAA

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

Photoshop

Sketchup

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM’s growing Architectural Design practice Building & Places is currently seeking an Architectural Manager for immediate employment in the Kitchener office. This position is for a newly created position.

The appropriately qualified candidate will be responsible for managing the Architectural Team as the group works together to put out Architectural designs for important clients. This person will be responsible for overseeing our active projects, as well sourcing new work with our Market Sector Leaders to keep the architectural group strong and growing with the goal to expand AECOM’s architectural presence within the local and Canadian marketplace.

We are seeking someone passionate about architectural design, someone ambitious who is interested in advancing their career.

Job Summary

The Kitchener Buildings + Places Team is a multi-disciplinary group consisting of 50+ professionals across Architecture; Project Delivery, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical engineering; and landscape disciplines.

The Architectural Studio specifically consists of 16 talented professionals currently working on projects mostly in the public safety, commercial and public realm sectors. As a people manager, the Architectural Manager will be responsible for mentoring and guiding the team to continue their ongoing success. In addition to overseeing the practice of architecture, the Architectural Manager will also be responsible for client communication, consultant coordination, overall performance of the Team, business strategy, hiring and developing talent.

The Architectural Manager will also participate in the Canada Region discipline lead calls and ongoing development and growth of the national architecture and interiors practice.

The successful candidate must be a licensed architect with strong, hands‑on technical knowledge as well as proven experience leading a team through all phases of a project from conceptual design through to a successful project closeout.

Responsibilities

• Perform as Senior Architect
• Maintain, develop and coordinate all aspects of the architectural practice
• Prepare creative, functional and innovative designs for clients
• Develop, manage and grow the architecture department
• Supervise and mentor within a team environment. Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced architects, designers and technical staff; provide directions to help others meet objectives
• Manage financial and cost control aspects of architectural led projects
• Meet with clients to discuss potential new work and/or review project requirements
• Collaborate with management on preparation of project proposals; oversee architectural development proposals and feasibility studies, attract new clients and retain current clients as required
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization
• Lead and manage a design team to produce fully coordinated design and contract documents, document checking, conduct construction review and contract administration throughout the duration of a project
• Communicate with construction team to provide information and solve problems

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Masters professional degree in Architecture
• Professional Architect, licensed with the OAA
• Eight (8+) years of architectural design experience of public safety, commercial and municipal buildings including experience managing projects, an integrated design team and people.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10+) years of architectural design experience of public safety, commercial and municipal buildings, including experience managing large complex projects.
• Demonstrated strong creativity in design.
• Exceptional team building, talent development and mentoring skills.
• Broad skills in all phases of project delivery.
• Thorough knowledge of building systems and construction detailing.
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Exceptional technical knowledge of building construction and the Ontario Building Code
• Strong business acumen and people manager skills.
• Ability to coordinate with a multi‑disciplinary in‑house consultant engineering team. Ability to work within and lead in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. Strong presentation skills.
• Ability to supervise production of a number of projects simultaneously. Multi‑tasking is very important for this position, combined with attention to detail, time management and organizational skills
• Microsoft Office (Excel and Word), Outlook, Adobe
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, REVIT, Photoshop, Sketchup, Bluebeam and other artistic methods necessary to convey creative ideas
• High level of sound and independent judgement and reasoning
• Must be dedicated to working hard with an all‑hands‑on‑deck attitude towards completing the work efficiently and accurately
• Must possess a valid driver's license

Additional Information

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well‑being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public‑ and private‑sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting‑edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award‑winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.