Canada Architecture Director

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global architecture firm seeks an experienced Architecture Director for its Canadian operations. This role involves leading initiatives, managing client relationships, and ensuring growth in all architectural practices. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, over 15 years of experience, and a strong presence in the local market. This full-time position is based in Toronto or Vancouver.

Benefits

Living Wage Employer

Inclusive employee network groups

Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience in related field.
• Strong ties and connections in the local market.
• Healthcare, Higher Education, Science and Technology project experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead business group initiatives for the region.
• Work with studio leads to ensure growth strategies are in place.
• Build and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Financial management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering

Job description

Overview

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch our story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Role Overview

The Canada Region Architecture Director will serve as a member of the Global Architecture Business Group leadership team. In this role, you will be expected to sustain, grow and develop all aspects of HDR’s Architectural practice in Canada. Working in collaboration with the Architecture Global Market Sector Directors and Regional Operations Directors, you will establish a business plan and guide and direct the efforts of HDR’s multi‑disciplinary studios and teams in Canada to deliver or exceed the plan. Your actions will be expected to directly contribute to the overall growth in enterprise value of HDR, benefiting all HDR employee‑owners.

Location: Toronto or Vancouver architecture studios.

Three Pillars of Our Practice

• Toward a Regenerative Future

• Transforming the Delivery of Design

• Community Well‑being

Your leadership in this role will exemplify these aspirations, holding yourself and the Region accountable to develop and achieve the goals that move HDR toward the overarching goals of the three pillars and HDR’s long‑range strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead business group initiatives for the region.
• Work directly with the studio leads and Managing Principals in Canada to ensure growth strategies are in place and office operating plans are being met.
• Actively engage in all aspects of the annual alignment and planning meetings.
• Support the studio leads and Managing Principals in meeting their goals in all aspects of their P&L.
• Build and maintain client relationships and client satisfaction.
• Work with studio leadership in staff recruitment, training and development, guidance, compensation, and retention efforts.
• Collaborate with architecture Market Sector leadership to support Business Development teams and achieve top‑line goals.
• Actively partner with Market Sector leadership to identify strategic hires/talent gaps and aid in those recruitment efforts.
• Share responsibility with the respective Regional Operations Directors for joint management of the Profit and Loss of the Region, including management of revenue, direct and indirect costs.
• Engage in regular GNG and fee review calls and provide leadership guidance on pursuit strategy and project delivery approach to increase likelihood of project success.
• Assist with strategy for communications planning, to elevate HDR’s brand and thought leadership throughout the local markets.
• Prepare monthly reports for the Executive Leadership Team.
• Perform other duties as needed, including regular travel to architecture studios and project locations within Canada.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience in related field.
• Strong ties and connections in the local market.
• Healthcare, Higher Education, Science and Technology and/or Civic project experience.
• Previous operational management experience.
• Maintains professional registration and has related technical experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field.
• A minimum of 12 years experience in related field.
• Demonstrated experience with leading diverse teams.
• Works cooperatively with other regional business group directors, regional and local office managers, technical and marketing directors.
• Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values.
• Strong business skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Health, Safety & Accessibility

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.

HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Jul 7, 2025

Equal Opportunity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative‑action and equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.