Regional People and Operations Lead, Western Canada

WSP•Vancouver, BC

2d•CA$112,800 - CA$167,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Western Canada region is renowned for a collaborative and client-focused mindset. Inspired by the natural resources that are abundant across the region, our team thrives on designs that align with the goals our clients seek to achieve. Specializing in sports and entertainment venues, transportation infrastructure, science and technology labs, and industrial spaces, our Western Canada team seamlessly blends functionality with technical excellence. Our locations in Vancouver, Calgary, and Kamloops make for a cutting‐edge practice surrounded by natural wonders that inspire our team to define what is possible. Reporting directly to the Western Canadian Region Managing Principal, as the Regional People & Operations Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our practice within the region. This role ensures that office operations run smoothly and are successful in supporting business activities. 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 promote operational efficiency, creativity, and positive morale. Responsible for oversight of regional operational functions of office administration, hiring and training, resource management, Design Through Technology, Reconciliation, and Inclusion & Diversity considerations. The overall goal is to ensure that the work environment and culture is aligned with A49’s guiding principles, code of conduct and brand, and that office operations are efficient and add maximum value to 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 Targeted Growth & Brand Enhancement Employee Engagement & Alignment Operational Excellence and Project Quality

Requirements

Professional designation/ education in a design/construction-focused field.
Demonstrated leadership experience with a focus on day-to-day operational and people management.
Preference given to candidates with 10+ years of experience.
Senior level experience in project design and delivery.
Strong business acumen.
Demonstrated experience and success in managing multiple teams productively.
Skilled in project management, project finance, and resource management.

Nice To Haves

Preference for candidates to be in BC (Vancouver, Vancouver Island or Interior) or AB (Calgary)

Responsibilities

Analyze processes and procedures to identify opportunities to increase efficiency, productivity, and practice performance.
Responsible for regional resource planning and forecasting, including engagement in national resource coordination meetings to optimize staff availability and utilization.
Support the planning and implementation of projects, including staff allocation and project timelines.
Support the development and administration of regional revenue/ project development to achieve A49’s financial goals and growth targets.
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.
Identify hiring requirements and lead regional talent attraction and recruitment with the support of talent acquisition resources. Support hiring managers in the approvals process, IT and equipment procurement and onboarding process.
Identify training development and continuing education opportunities. Ensure regional staff compliance with timely mandatory training completion.
Demonstrate capacity building, training, and mentorship of A49 regional staff to deepen knowledge.
Work with regional people leaders to ensure performance reviews, goal setting and career development is done consistently and is in alignment with the Managing Principal’s business objectives.
At the discretion of the Managing Principal, may be responsible as ‘Office Leader’, interfacing with WSP facilities.
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, accounts receivable, overhead optimization, client/ colleague satisfaction and overall quality of work produced.
Lead major projects (as warranted).
Contribute to local management of A49’s Vancouver, Calgary and Kamloops offices.