NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT - GROWTH

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 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.

GROWTH LEADERSHIP

As the National Vice President, Growth, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our Architecture49 from coast to coast. This executive role is responsible to lead market expansion, sector diversification, competitive positioning and an aligned business development to build a national growth roadmap. Reporting to the CEO and working in partnership with the executive team including the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and the Vice President of Finance & Operations, as well as the National Market Sector Leads and regional leadership teams, with the objective to drive sustainable revenue growth and long-term client relationships in support of a diversified business.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in architecture, business, marketing, or a related field; professional designation and/or MBA is an asset.
• Degree in architecture, or related design discipline.
• Executive level experience in an architectural practice, gained through progressively more impactful national roles.
• Senior leadership experience in architecture, or the broader built-environment sector, with a track record of delivering growth (new clients, sector expansion, and/or geographic expansion) in Canada.
• Deep understanding of public and private procurement pathways (RFQ/RFP, qualifications-based selection, design-build, progressive design, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.) and how to position teams to win.
• Proven ability to build and lead business development functions, including pipeline management, pursuit governance, and coaching technical leaders in client development.
• Strong client-facing presence with the ability to develop trusted executive relationships and represent the firm externally.
• Comfort working with financial targets and metrics (forecasting, conversion rates, revenue mix), with high accountability.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills; able to align diverse stakeholders across offices and disciplines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key attributes include executive level experience in a growth focused portfolio including strategy development, project delivery models, market sector analysis, client facing experience and strong business/ financial acumen. You will have demonstrated experience leading people, and success managing larger scale projects and client groups.

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

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability

• Analyze market sector financial performance and other KPI’s to inform future growth projections and market development/ focus.
• Monitor market sector trends relative to backlog development and book to burn ratios to ensure course corrections as required to meet yearly revenue targets.
• Oversee the development of business cases for growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial viability.

Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement

• Growth strategy and planning: Develop, communicate, and continually refine the firm’s national growth strategy and annual growth plan, including national business targets by sector, region, and client type.
• Business development leadership: Lead strategies to acquire new clients and projects, expand key accounts, and improve conversion across the pipeline.
• Regional growth execution: Partner with regional leaders to translate national priorities into regional pursuit plans, resourcing needs, and relationship strategies.
• Sector development: Strengthen and scale priority sectors (e.g., healthcare) by shaping go-to-market plans, identifying capability gaps, and supporting recruitment and internal development.
• Client and partner relationships: Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with clients, developers, institutions, consultants, and strategic partners; represent the firm in industry networks.
• Market intelligence: Monitor trends in the Canadian built environment (funding, procurement, regulations, and sector investment) to identify emerging opportunities and threats.
• Represent A49 at relevant client events and/ or targeted industry conferences.
• 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

• Capacity building, training, and mentorship of A49 leaders to deepen knowledge and future proof A49 though active succession planning.
• Support talent attraction and recruitment.

Operational excellence and project quality

• Review monthly financial data with Executive Team including but not limited to revenue analysis (profit/loss), hard and soft backlog, marketing and business development initiatives, overhead optimization, and client/ colleague.
• Action any/ all required corrective activities to KPI metrics related to growth objectives that are trending or deviating from targets.
• Assist in structuring the delivery methodology of major sector projects (as warranted), project team organization, meanwhile balancing equitable Regional revenue sharing strategies for successful project delivery.

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, Healthcare:

• Effective Communicator able 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-Maker with strong decision-making skills and the ability to consider relevant information, analyze options, and choose the best course of action to achieve organizational goals.

• Adaptable with 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 Intelligence demonstrated by self-awareness, empathy, and cultivating positive relationships.

• Team Builder that can create cohesive and high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and recognize and leverage individual strengths.

• Integrity and Ethics characterized by a history of honest, ethical behavior, and consistency in decision-making, serving as a role model for ethical conduct.

• Results Orientation focused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving performance while maintaining a commitment to quality.

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: inclusion@architecture49.com

Reconciliation

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).