Canada Architecture Director

HDR; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Canada is seeking a Canada Region Architecture Director to lead business initiatives, support studio growth, and manage client relationships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in architecture, strong local market connections, and proven leadership skills, driving the company towards its strategic goals. This role emphasizes inclusivity and employee ownership.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years' experience in related field.
• Strong ties in the local market.
• Demonstrated experience with leading diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead business group initiatives for the region.
• Support the studio leads in meeting their P&L goals.
• Build and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong business skills

Leadership of diverse teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field

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 and Location

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 will be in the Toronto or Vancouver architecture studios.

Practice pillars

The foundation of the Architecture practice is grounded in three pillars: Toward a Regenerative Future, Transforming the Delivery of Design, and Community Well-being. These aspirations describe what, how, and why we do what we do. 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

Expectations for this role include the overall leadership of the architecture practice in Canada. Responsibilities to include:

• 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.

Qualifications

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 & Our Commitment

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.