Managing Principal

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent architectural firm in Vancouver is seeking a Managing Principal to lead its Western Canada practice. The successful candidate will demonstrate over 10 years of management experience in the architecture field. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, client relationship development, and overseeing project management activities. This role offers an opportunity to influence community well-being through high-quality architectural solutions and requires a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and professional registration.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Commitment to employment equity

Living Wage Employer

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years management experience in architecture.
• Experience leading diverse teams and projects.
• Capacity to handle multiple client presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Western Canada architecture practice in Vancouver.
• Develop client relationships and pursue new projects.
• Oversee personnel activities and direct marketing strategies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Client relations

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Professional Architectural registration

Job description

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. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings; it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them.

Responsibilities

We are currently searching for a Managing Principal to lead our Western Canada architecture practice based in Vancouver. The primary responsibility of the Managing Principal is for strategic vision, leadership, inspiration, quality assurance, and profitability of the office to ensure the annual plan is implemented. This individual will increase the awareness of HDR’s architectural practice in British Columbia and Alberta while contributing to the reputation of the firm domestically and internationally.

To achieve success, the Managing Principal will work directly with the business development group to develop relationships with target clients and pursue new projects in British Columbia and Alberta. The pursuit of new work will be carried out collaboratively with local designers, technical leaders, and national and global experts as required. This individual will oversee and direct the activities of personnel within the operation, implementing annual plans, marketing strategies, public relations, project planning, financial planning and management, staff planning and oversight, and other related matters. The position will be responsible for establishing local office policies and procedures, adherence to corporate policies, project contract financial fee and budget information in conjunction with Marketing and Project Management, and the establishment and/or maintenance of quality control processes and procedures. The Managing Principal may be required to lead and manage teams on projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years previous management experience
• Professional Architectural registration
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• Service‑ and client‑related personality
• Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience
• Extensive experience in development and management of diverse teams
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience working in an architectural practice; previous management experience preferred.
• Capacity to lead teams and make client presentations.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Ability to travel.
• Preference will be given to individuals with strong ties and connections in the local market.
• Stronger consideration will be given to candidates with Healthcare, Higher Education, Science + Technology and/or Civic project experience.
• Preferred candidate will be required to be in Vancouver, BC.

Location

Primary Location: Vancouver, BC

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class: Marketing and Admin

Employment Equity

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.

Accessibility & Other Information

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.

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.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.