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Executive Director - Architecture
Job Description
We’re looking for an Executive Director, Architecture to lead a growing architectural practice specializing in multi-family residential developments.
Our client is a well-established architectural firm with a strong reputation for delivering innovative, practical, and high-quality design solutions across Manitoba. Working in close partnership with one of Canada's leading residential developers, the firm provides integrated architectural services from concept through construction, contributing to some of the province's most significant residential communities.
This is a rare leadership opportunity that offers more than executive responsibility - it provides the opportunity to become an owner in a respected and growing architectural practice.
The Executive Director, Architecture will serve as the firm's senior architectural leader, overseeing architectural operations, design excellence, project delivery, and team development. This role will influence design standards, mentor a talented team of professionals, and collaborate closely with development, construction, and consulting partners to deliver exceptional multi-family residential projects.
Responsibilities
- Provide executive leadership for architectural operations, project delivery, and overall business performance.
- Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, staffing, and operational initiatives to support the firm's continued growth.
- Oversee project budgets, schedules, financial performance, and delivery objectives across multiple complex projects.
- Establish and monitor performance metrics focused on quality, efficiency, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
- Champion architectural excellence by guiding projects from early feasibility through construction while ensuring designs are innovative, functional, and buildable.
- Establish and maintain firm-wide design standards, quality assurance processes, and technical best practices.
- Lead design reviews, technical oversight, and value engineering initiatives while maintaining architectural integrity.
- Guide project teams through all phases of design and construction, ensuring alignment with project goals and client expectations.
- Mentor, coach, and develop Project Architects, senior designers, and architectural professionals through career development, performance management, and succession planning.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, municipalities, contractors, and industry partners.
- Lead client presentations, strategic discussions, and stakeholder meetings throughout the project lifecycle.
- Collaborate closely with development and construction teams to ensure alignment between design vision, business objectives, and project execution.
- Drive innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies, BIM workflows, AI-enabled design processes, sustainable design strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support municipal approval processes, rezoning, entitlement requirements, and regulatory compliance.
- Registered Architect in good standing with a Canadian provincial architectural association.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive architectural experience with demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
- Proven experience leading multi-family residential projects from concept through completion.
- Strong background managing architectural teams within a collaborative design environment.
- In-depth understanding of wood-frame, concrete, and hybrid construction systems.
- Experience managing multiple complex projects while balancing design, operational, financial, and client priorities.
- Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and strategic decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of municipal approvals, rezoning, entitlement processes, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience with Revit, BIM workflows, and Autodesk Construction Cloud is considered an asset.
- Experience working within design-build or integrated project delivery environments is preferred.
- The discussed salary range is 140,000 – $160,000 CAD, depending on experience
- Comprehensive health and benefits program.
- Pension program.
- Opportunity to lead the design and delivery of landmark multi-family residential developments across Manitoba.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Unique opportunity for ownership participation and the ability to influence the firm's future direction and success.
Meet Your Recruiter
Ben Coakwell
Senior Recruitment Consultant & Calgary Team Lead
Operations, Construction, Engineering
Ben specializes in recruiting top talent in operations, construction and engineering. With a unique background that includes winning an Olympic medal in bobsleigh, he leverages the collaboration, networking and relationship-building skills that he built in his athletic career into the world of recruitment. His previous experience in recruiting for the construction industry honed his expertise, making him adept at understanding the needs of both clients and candidates. His commitment to self-improvement and integrity drives him to provide exceptional service and exceed expectations in every interaction.
Ben takes pride in helping companies grow successfully by ensuring they have the right people in place. His dedication to understanding the impact of a well-matched candidate makes him a trusted and reliable recruiting partner. Motivated by the opportunity to impact lives for the better, he helps candidates make positive career changes.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys staying active through exercise and spending as much time outdoors as possible. He finds relaxation in painting and is relishing the phase of his life where sports have transitioned from a profession to a hobby, allowing him to attend events as a fan.