Director of Operations

Job Description

Established in 1976, hcma designs buildings, brands, and shared experiences that connect people. They believe that with collective strength, communities can work together to make a difference to the issues that matter.

The company has four locations: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Victoria, with a total headcount of 120. The team consists of designers, architects, researchers, and strategists who work together to create the lasting change they want to see in our communities. Their common thread is a genuine spirit of curiosity and care. All their projects advocate for inclusive, accessible design that embraces everyone and minimizes environmental impact.

With the company's growth, hcma has reached a stage where it is essential to hire a Director of Operations to join the leadership team. This role will help drive the internal success and efficiency of the hcma teams across all four offices.

Based in the Vancouver office, the new Director will oversee business operations through improved system integration, effective project staffing, proper budgeting, timely reporting, planned change management, and elevated technology usage (increased use of AI). By taking on these responsibilities, the Director will allow the current Partner who manages these areas to focus more on client engagements.

What you will be responsible for:

• Translate vision into action, working closely with the Managing Principal and Head of Strategy, to operationalize big-picture ideas.
• Improve interdisciplinary systems and processes that allow individual service offerings and functions to shine, while ensuring a consistent standard across hcma.
• Lead transparent and collaborative change management, ensuring long-term adoption of any new systems or processes, while maintaining some current systems.
• Manage hcma's operating calendar, chair various leadership meetings, and lead firm-wide initiatives and communications with timely reporting to Principals.
• Lead their tech strategy, overseeing the adoption and maintenance of AI systems and new technology to advance the work of hcma.
• Develop and nurture strong professional relationships (internally and externally) for effective collaboration and a positive workplace culture.
• Provide legal oversight and risk management.
• Align operational strategies with financial objectives and profit targets to ensure seamless integration between operations and finance functions.
• Support organizational success by developing and implementing people-focused initiatives.
• Improve project management processes and workflow efficiency to better meet client needs, expectations, and feedback.

Who are we looking for?

hcma is very proud of the team of professionals they have hired over the years across their four offices and are now looking for a seasoned leader to ensure all staff have what they need to succeed and thrive in their respective roles.

For that reason, in partnership with the leadership team at hcma, they are seeking professionals who meet the following:

• A network-thinker who excels at transforming visionary concepts into actionable strategies.
• A gifted spoken and written communicator with strong listening skills and a knack for building consensus.
• A flexible, proactive, patient, and persistent leader, who's people-focused and open-minded.
• A business-minded strategic thinker who can lead planning while also championing tactical implementation.
• A leader with a thirst for knowledge and continuous learning aimed at innovation and delivery of excellence.

Specific criteria include:

• 10+ years' experience in business operations, firm management, project delivery, or a related field (we're flexible on the 10 years if you can demonstrate skill in change management, implementation, and keeping things running smoothly long-term).
• A bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
• A demonstrated track record successfully implementing strategy operational concepts to improve design, project quality, and financial performance.
• Proven experience in identifying, analyzing, and finding solutions for complex and interconnected business issues.
• Success in managing teams and helping people with diverse skillsets and backgrounds to thrive.
• Previous experience within a professional services firm, creative firm, or business consultancy is a definite asset (but not a requirement).

Compensation

hcma offers a competitive salary range for this role that is based on experience, ideally within the $160K to $200K range. There is also a firm performance-based bonus and 4 weeks' vacation. hcma's benefits package is offered through Manulife with a 50% contribution model.

Just as rewarding, you will be part of a collaborative creative team spread across 4 offices. hcma also offers flexible work hours within a hybrid model consisting of 3 days (Tuesday to Thursday) in the Vancouver office with occasional travel to other offices and conferences.

Interested?

HCMA has partnered with KasaHR Consulting to fulfill this important hire. To be considered for this role, please apply by sending your resume and cover letter directly through this site. In the cover letter, please highlight why you think you are a good fit for the role and their team.

For a more detailed job profile or additional information, feel free to contact us.

KasaHR was founded on the basis that all applicants deserve respect and care when they apply for jobs. All applications will be reviewed with care, and we look forward to hearing the personal journey and story of those applicants whose backgrounds best match the needs of our clients. All other applicants will be informed of the status of their application within days of applying. If you have not heard back from us within a week of the submission of your application, please don't hesitate to contact us for an update.