Architecture Studio Leader - Christchurch

WSP Global Inc.; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. is seeking an Architecture Studio Leader based in Christchurch, New Zealand. The role involves providing strategic leadership within the architecture team, managing tier 3 projects, and driving business development efforts while ensuring high-quality client service. Candidates must possess a BArch or equivalent qualification, be a registered architect, and have at least 15 years of professional architectural experience. Strong leadership and business acumen are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years' professional architectural experience.
• Proven leadership experience of consultancy resources and teams.
• Experience in workforce planning to ensure skills and capability alignment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership within the architecture discipline.
• Lead a local architectural team and manage tier 3 projects.
• Drive business development while ensuring high-quality client service.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Education

BArch or equivalent tertiary qualification in Architecture

Registered Architect in New Zealand or equivalent

Job description

Architecture Studio Leader - Christchurch

Job Description

Fantastic opportunity for a commercially and technically focussed Architecture Studio Lead to join our Architecture business in Christchurch.

You will provide strategic leadership as part of our governance team, setting the overall direction and performance of the Architecture discipline and its contribution to the NZ Property & Buildings business and WSP as a whole.

The role encompasses leading a local architectural team, managing tier 3 projects, and driving business development while ensuring high‑quality client service and team performance.

• Provide leadership which drives change, fosters best‑practiced design, technical and commercial delivery and facilitates continuous improvement.
• Attract, retain, develop, motivate and lead consultancy resources which are capable of achieving client needs and WSP strategies.
• Provide inspirational leadership, acting as a positive role model, committed to guiding and motivating with enthusiasm and a compelling vision.
• Lead client relationship management, maintaining and strengthening existing relationships and building and developing relationships with key stakeholders and clients.
• Achieve Annual Contribution Margin target by maintaining strong client and interdisciplinary relationships, ensuring strong project delivery, securing revenue, managing utilisation and indirect costs.
• Ensure that project direction, project management and technical roles are assigned to appropriately skilled and qualified individuals, that they have the resources to deliver and that there is absolute clarity of accountability at individual level in all projects.
• Ensure that in securing and delivering projects, sound commercial and technical rigour is applied.
• Ensure the technical quality of outputs, provides guidance on complex design and problem‑solving, keeps knowledge current on standards and practices, and supports team training and development. They oversee project pricing, risk management, contract compliance, budget control, invoicing, and seek opportunities for additional client value.
• Drive the early identification of strategically important opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate positioning for major projects, collaborating appropriately with the Sectors.
• Ensure prioritisation of opportunities that provide optimum returns.
• Manage the overall portfolio of risk across the business’ operations, in particular ensuring that appropriate risk management is applied to projects that have high risk potential.

About you:

• A BArch or equivalent tertiary qualification in Architecture.
• Registered Architect in New Zealand, or equivalent registration with a recognised overseas body.
• Minimum of 15 years’ professional architectural experience.
• Proven leadership experience of consultancy resources and teams.
• Experience of workforce planning to ensure skills and capability of team and capacity level are in line with pipeline of activity.
• Strong strategic leadership skills with demonstrable experience in the leadership of a commercially successful business.