MANAGING PRINCIPAL for Ottawa

Based in Ottawa

Nestled in the heart of Canada’s capital city, our region boasts a rich history and specialization in public buildings for government clients and a diverse range of community buildings across our other market sectors. Our expertise shines through work in the Security and Defence sector. Moreover, we have been privileged to lead historical preservation initiatives including Parliament Hill, safeguarding the iconic symbols of Canadian democracy for future generations. From government facilities that foster collaboration and efficient public service delivery to community centers that enrich the lives of residents, our team in Ottawa is dedicated to creating exceptional spaces that meet the needs of our clients and the communities they serve.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional designation/education in a design/construction focused field, with a preference for an architect eligible for professional registration in the province of Ontario.

• Demonstrated leadership experience building market presence and fostering team engagement.

• Preference given to candidates with 15+ years’ experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting directly to the CEO of Architecture49, the Managing Principal is responsible for overseeing the practice leadership and operations in Ottawa. The Managing Principal works with a team of regional leaders to drive business growth, foster client relationships, mentor and build the team, and ensure operational excellence. In the role you will be responsible for a wide range of duties pertaining to the day-to-day functions of the practice, with the objective to grow a team of people and expand the reach of A49 in Ottawa. Additionally, the Managing Principal is part of the pan-Canadian A49 national leadership team working collaboratively to balance national goals with regional priorities, fostering shared success across the organization.

Key attributes include senior level experience in project design and delivery and strong business acumen. You will have demonstrated experience and success in managing multiple teams productively, be skilled in project management, project finance, and resource management. 

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

Business Rigour & Financial Accountability

• Identify new opportunities, convert them into revenue-generating projects, and establish strategic partnerships to expand the firm’s presence in Ottawa and surrounding area. 

• Manage regional budgets and financial results, ensuring monthly, quarterly, and annual financial goals and growth targets are met.

Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement regional business strategies that align with the firm’s vision and lead in the development of hard backlog/net revenue forecasts. Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices.

• Encourage research and experimentation within the firm to push the boundaries of practice innovation and deliver unique and impactful solutions to clients.

• Represent the firm in the market and promote A49 to clients, partners and potential employees.

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Employee Engagement & Alignment 

• Capacity building, training, and mentorship of A49 regional resources to deepen knowledge and future proof the region through active succession planning.

• Identify hiring requirements and lead regional talent attraction and recruitment with support of talent acquisition resources. 

• Work with regional people leaders to ensure performance reviews, goal setting and career development are done consistently and is in alignment with the Managing Principal’s business objectives.

Operational Excellence and Project Quality         

• Ensure quality and efficiency in project execution, providing guidance and support to teams. 

• Review monthly operational data including core team utilization, 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.

• Lead major projects (as warranted).

 

• 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 Managing Principal: 

• 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.

 

Compensation: AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $159300–211000 MB & ON: $145300–200100 NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $143900–191100 

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.

 

 

 Interested applicants can apply with an expression of interest to Glen Klym by July 27, 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 [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).