National Sector Lead & Security & Defense

WSP; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 145,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural firm is seeking a National Sector Lead, Security & Defence based in Ottawa. The successful candidate will have over 15 years of experience in the Security & Defence market, contribute to strategy and growth in this critical sector, and be responsible for client retention and large-scale infrastructure projects. Bilingual candidates are preferred. This role offers a chance to lead innovative projects important to Canada’s national security.

Qualifications

• Architecture degree needed with licensing capability across Canada.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in Security & Defence.
• Proven thought leadership in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive success in the Security & Defence market nationally.
• Collaborate with regional principals for market growth.
• Assess regional opportunities for infrastructure projects.

Skills

Bilingual (English and French)

15+ years of experience in the Security & Defence market

Recognized thought leader in the field

Education

Architecture degree with ability to be licensed across Canada

Job description

National Sector Lead, Security & Defense

and 4 more

Job Description

NATIONAL MARKET SECTOR LEAD Security & Defence

Location: Preference for Ottawa based

Architecture has the power to transform, to unite and to inspire. It is the physical manifestation of an organization’s goals and objectives. More importantly, it can be a catalyst for new discoveries, academic discourse, business process improvement, cultural exploration, medical innovation, protecting the sovereignty of the nation or pushing the physical boundaries of sport.

Architecture49 boasts a history spanning over half a century of profoundly significant contributions to cities and communities across Canada and beyond. Our people share a depth of experience in designing award winning, high-profile projects around the globe. Together, we create inspiring spaces that elevate the health, social vitality and sustainability of our communities. At Architecture49 we thrive when we are bringing the built environment to life for our clients. We offer complete interdisciplinary Architectural Services from project inception long past opening day. We connect with our clients early through project feasibility, site and funding analysis and needs assessment. Workplace strategy and functional programming set the framework for complete design services. Through the lens of project first thinking, we strive to create a studio environment characterized by continual information sharing, resourcefulness, collaboration and efficient decision making.

SECURITY & DEFENCE AT A49

The landscape of national security and defense is complex, highly regulated, and constantly evolving. Our Security and Defence practice is recognized as a national leader in the optimization, design and engineering of high security infrastructure for the Canadian public sector. This requires a skilled blend of interpreting government policy, analyzing how it affects the security and defence sector and calling upon the collective expertise of a highly specialized team to create the ultimate in secure facilities serving all Canadians. This sector includes a broad range of building types including highly secure infrastructure for some of Canada’s most critical governments organizations, to buildings that house and service the newest of equipment supporting critical operations across the country on all land, air and sea bases.

At A49 our practice is dedicated to transforming Security & Defence environments into places of innovation and secure state of the art operational hubs, all the while considering the human centred needs of Canada’s Armed Forces. We work closely with Security & Defence providers, industry partners, and stakeholders to understand their unique vision and operational requirements. Through this collaborative process, we ensure that our designs align seamlessly with the goals of our clients, resulting in durable facilities that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, safe and help to protect critical program personnel, equipment and related infrastructure.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Architecture degree with the ability to be licensed across Canada.
• 15+ years of experience in the Security & Defence market.
• Recognized thought leader in the field.
• Bilingual (English and French) would be considered an asset

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the National Sector Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our Security & Defence marketnationally targeting new client development that is aligned with the A49’s growth objectives. Reporting to the National Director of Business Development you will work collaboratively with the Regional Managing Principals and Security & Defence leads to drive market growth across Canada. You will help to assess development opportunities in key regions that will be required to position A49 to successfully capture and deliver unprecedented large scale infrastructure projects expected to protect arctic sovereignty, strengthen our military readiness and house new large scale equipment to modernize the Canadian armed forces. Additionally, in this role you will identify local client retention strategies and ensure that project specific goals are met and leveraged both regionally and nationally to help build the sector.

The role has strategic, operational practice and thought leadership requirements with responsibilities related to:

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability

• Lead in the development and administration of the National and Regional Security & Defence Sector revenue/ project development to achieve A49’s financial goals and growth targets.
• Lead in go, no-go proposal decisions to ensure profitability targets are achievable and national sector and regional strategic direction is supported.
• Lead the development of net revenue forecasts for business development.
• Establish and track hard and soft revenue backlog for the sector, considering national, regional and client base.
• Lead strategy sessions for proposals/ presentations/ interviews and assist in developing win themes.
• Lead the development of strategies including proactive market positioning of A49 services and value offerings.
• Responsible to manage risk of project lead contracts as per the A49 proposal / projects ‘DOA Delegation of Authority Matrix’. Co- ordinate final sign off as required by the President.
• Provide professional architectural seal on drawings and contract documents where you are the supervising architect.

Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement

• Build and evolve the Security & Defence practice nationwide and in your regional area and act as a knowledgeable thought leader in Security & Defence on behalf of A49.
• Represent A49 Security & Defence at relevant industry conferences through presentation work, networking functions and public speaking.
• Lead and build the national sector competencies.
• Develop the national sector strategy for the Canadian market.
• Work with regional Managing Principals to prepare strategic plans for future development of the sector at the regional levels.
• Maintain strong long-term client relationships and develop new clients.
• Work with A49 National Director of Business Development to develop strategy for growth and execution plan to support.

Deepen industry expertise and credibility by developing and positioning knowledge development (i.e. white papers, speaking engagements).

• Establish and maintain relationships with key partners in the market (i.e. contractors, consultants, etc.).

Employee Engagement & Alignment

• Conduct performance reviews for your sector core team/ project team members as identified and support their career development and knowledge development.
• Conduct performance reviews for direct staff reports.
• Jointly with regional Managing Principals, set salary range and review final candidate selection for new hires under your supervision.

Operational excellence and project quality

• Review monthly operational data including core team utilization, Security & Defence project multipliers, revenue analysis (profit/loss), hard and soft backlog, marketing and business development initiatives, client/ consulting invoicing, work in progress and accounts receivable, overhead optimization, client/ colleague satisfaction and overall quality of work produced.
• Action any/ all required corrective activities to KPI metrics that are trending or deviating from targets.
• Lead major sector projects (as warranted).
• Conduct regular monthly National Sector meetings to communicate regarding project and operational concerns and issues.
• Attend monthly national A49 management meetings.
• Oversee contract negotiations for project work and oversee dispute/ claims management for Security & Defence projects that you are identified as PIC.

Work collaboratively with other regional A49 firm leaders (sector leaders, etc.) to document A49 processes, practices, methodology and knowledge.

Core Competencies

At A49 we believe that clearly defining core competencies helps align our staff with the company's strategic goals. It provides a framework for hiring, training, and retaining talent that aligns with the skills and capabilities essential for our success. The following competencies are essential for the role of National Sector Lead, Security & Defence:

• Effective Communicatorable to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely in both verbal and written format ensuring that messages are easily understood by diverse audiences.
• Experienced Decision-Makerwith strong decision-making skills and the ability to consider relevant information, analyze options, and choose the best course of action to achieve organizational goals.
• Adaptablewith a demonstrated ability to be open to change, embrace new ideas, and adjust strategies to meet evolving business challenges.
• Strategic Thinker able to see the bigger picture, understand the long-term goals of the organization and develop and implement strategies to achieve those goals, considering both internal and external factors.
• Influencer and Motivator able to inspire and motivate team members by using effective persuasion, fostering a positive work environment, and leading by example to encourage high levels of commitment and performance.
• Emotional Intelligencedemonstrated byself-awareness, empathy, and cultivating positive relationships.
• Team Builderthat can create cohesive and high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and recognize and leverage individual strengths.
• Integrity and Ethicscharacterized by a history of honest, ethical behavior, and consistency in decision-making, serving as a role model for ethical conduct.
• Results Orientationfocused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving performance while maintaining a commitment to quality.

Compensation:

• AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YK: $159,300–$211,000
• MB & ON: $145,300–$200,100
• NB, NL, NS, PEI & QC: $143,900–$191,100

Disclosure:
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

About Us

Why Choose Us?

Architecture49 is a growing firm with promising career opportunities for talented people. Our offices, situated from coast to coast across Canada, house a diverse and accomplished group of architects, interior designers, technologists, landscape architects, and support staff, and we are always looking for new people to enrich our team.

At A49, we foster friendly, open working environments where employees can thrive in a culture that values collaboration. We seek meaningful projects where we can build on our focused expertise and impact the communities in which we work. We strive to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. We recognize the quality, motivation and commitment of our employees and celebrate their achievements.

Our offices have strong regional legacies, yet we are also a forward-thinking national firm focused on creativity, initiative, quality, sustainability and social responsibility. That sense of social responsibility extends to our employees and our commitment to their well-being and success.

Strategic Partnership

Architecture49 maintains a strategic business relationship with WSP, a global engineering consultancy. This provides enhanced opportunities for exposure to international projects and a wide range of multidisciplinary expertise. Further, WSP provides Architecture49 with a range of shared services, such as comprehensive benefits, training, and corporate programs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Architecture49, we strive to create inclusive work environments for everyone. We are committed to supporting a workplace where diversity is embraced and our people are respected, valued, accepted, and are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) help us celebrate diversity and build a culture of belonging: Black Professional People Network; CIRCLE (Indigenous); VIBE (2SLGBTQIA+); Women of WSP; and the Developing Professionals Network.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and achieving a representative work environment that reflects our people, communities and clients. We encourage people from systemically marginalized groups to apply, including Indigenous Persons, Persons identifying with a disability/ies, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons, Persons identifying as a visible minority, and Women.

At A49, we take accessibility seriously and accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For accommodation queries/requests please contact: [e-mail]

Architecture49 is committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and to Call to Action #92. We recognize that our practices directly build upon and benefit from the gifts of the earth, and affirm our commitment to continued learning, respect, and ongoing collaboration as we work to engage in decolonization and reconciliation.

Please Note

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of A49. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

Job Info

• Job Identification 78434
• Job Category Architecture
• Posting Date 01/21/2026, 06:48 PM
• Job Schedule Full time