We’re constantly learning, evolving, and approaching the world around us with a curious eye. As a result, we’ve grown into a complex ecosystem with varied and nuanced perspectives – they bring depth and character to our work, but demand strong connections and alignment to work cohesively as a large team. Our success and rapid growth in recent years has meant day-to-day processes haven’t always kept pace with the demand for our services – so, we’re looking for a Director of Operations to help shore up these systems and equip our team with the tools they need to thrive.

Who is the Director of Operations?

An executor who’ll work with the Partners, Head of Strategy, and Director of Finance to turn ideas and vision into action. A people person who is excited to solve complex issues in creative and compassionate ways. Someone who thinks a little differently; who sees the big picture and excels at breaking it down into consistent tools, systems, and processes that connect us. Someone who brings a bit of fun to the more mundane sides of administration, and enables our wider team to flourish without quashing the richness of individual voices.

What will you do?

Lead firm operations

• Play a key role in the leadership of hcma through the effective management of our business operations;
• Lead people operations: manage internal teams focused on hr, admin, and project ops who will support you in creating and implementing systems that empower hcmaers to do their best work;
• Work with our leadership team to actively create, manage, and evolve systems to help meet our performance goals related to people, finances, and projects;
• Lead our tech strategy, including the relationship between hcma and our external IT providers.

Enhance project delivery processes

• Be a key voice within leadership on project delivery;
• Work with design and project ops teams to enhance, refine, and coordinate project management and delivery processes to maximize our impact, effectiveness, and the experience we provide our clients and hcmaers;
• Enable project managers and teams with systems and tools that foster improved and consistent project delivery, quality, and profitability;
• Ensure processes are transparent, understandable, and adaptive to change as needed, with frequent reporting to the Partners.

Be responsible for change management and its communication

• Lead change management collaboratively and transparently: behavioural and habit changes are key to the success of change at hcma;
• Ensure ways of working across different project types and disciplines are compatible and constructive;
• Ensure new systems and processes gain traction long-term, including training for new hires and periodic refreshers for existing hcmaers;
• Build strong relationships – getting to know people well is an integral part of the job;
• Track how things are going: ensure data is current and communicate it simply (love a visual dashboard more than a Word document? You have found your people!).

We’re looking for someone who…

• Is people-focused and open-minded, with a curious attitude;
• Understands the complexity that comes with being a collaborative and co-creative enterprise with clients, communities, consultants, and constructors;
• Contributes eagerly, learns continuously, and always looks for improvement;
• Understands inertia: doesn’t default to reinventing the wheel;
• Is able to identify and focus on priorities without letting perfection halt progress;
• Is tech savvy, confident developing enterprise systems and technology strategies. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform is a bonus (we currently use Deltek Ajera);
• Applies strategic thinking to all levels of planning and delivery;
• Is flexible, proactive, and can see when a process needs to change along the way;
• Holds leadership qualities that bring out the best in people;
• Is an excellent communicator – spoken and written – with a knack for explaining complex issues in lay terms;
• Knows when to put pencils down, get out of office, and reflect on work in a different way.

What experience you might have...

• Handled the delivery of strategic operational change in a previous role;
• 8+ years’ experience in business operations, firm management, project delivery, or a related field (we’re flexible on the 8 years, as long as you can demonstrate you’re highly skilled in change management, implementation, and the ability to keep things running smoothly over the longer term);
• Previous experience at a professional services firm, creative firm, or business consultancy is a definite asset;
• Knowledge of operational concepts, practices, and procedures;
• Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and creative problem-solving are required;
• Proven experience identifying and analyzing complex and interlinked business issues;
• Experience managing teams and juggling different skillsets and personalities;
• Strong listening skills, with the ability to manage and de-escalate conflict and build consensus.

How to apply

If this opportunity in Vancouver excites you and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca. We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what you are passionate about and why hcma might be right for you.

We’re deeply committed to improving the social outcomes of our work, and tracking how the spaces we design and build can increase community capacity. As part of that process, we’re seeking a motivated Inclusive Design Coordinator to join our Impact Team, to support the development of innovative and industry-leading accessibility and inclusivity policies, guidelines, and design solutions for our clients.

Who is the Inclusive Design Coordinator?

You’re a detail-oriented team player who loves turning ideas into achievable action plans. As part of our Impact Team, you’ll support our growing inclusive design practice. You’re organized, reliable, and proactive, looking for ways to help our evolving team deliver outstanding service to our clients. You’ll embrace opportunities to learn and grow, and look for ways to put your own unique creative stamp on your work.

What will you do?

• Support the development of accessibility and inclusivity standards and guidelines;
• Support the development of design solutions that address accessibility and inclusivity challenges;
• Assist with site visits and accessibility audits;
• Assist with providing advisory services for clients pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification;
• Help conduct Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification assessments;
• Support primary and secondary research efforts and draft reports;
• Help design clear and visually-appealing report layouts;
• Learn to create new graphics and diagrams to help communicate information clearly and simply;
• Support the team in conducting structured decision-making and prioritization analyses.

We’re looking for someone who is …

• A team player: you love collaborating with others to achieve a shared goal; you’re an encouraging presence in any group, and believe the key to success is the diversity of voices at the table;
• Adaptable: you’re a skilled multi-tasker who can pivot projects and tasks at a moment’s notice. You love working in a fast-paced environment and can keep focused on the end goal – even when faced with uncertainty, challenges, or change;
• Detail-oriented: you can spot a mistake a mile away and take care to ensure your work presents complex information effectively and consistently;
• Organized: Love a good spreadsheet or to-do list? You’re skilled at setting priorities, developing a work plan, tracking data and activities, and making sure the team keeps on track for crucial milestones.
• Open to learning and growth: you’re someone who tucks past experiences – good or bad – into your wheelhouse for future reference. You actively pursue opportunities to improve and seek feedback as part of your self-development journey. You view each experience as a chance to get better, and actively incorporate others’ advice into your work.

What experience you might have...

• 1-3 years’ work experience in a design or consulting services context
• Degree or diploma/certificate in a design discipline (Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design or similar) or an equivalent combination of skills and experience;
• Software skills:
  • Intermediate-level Adobe Illustrator and InDesign skills;
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook);
  • Familiarity with CAD and Revit.

Is this you? Apply now.

If this opportunity excites you and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca. We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what you are passionate about and why hcma might be right for you.

We’re deeply committed to improving the social outcomes of our work, and tracking how the spaces we design can help build community resilience. As part of that process, we’re seeking a motivated Inclusive Design Advisor to join our Impact Team, to develop innovative and industry-leading accessibility and inclusivity policies, guidelines, and design solutions for our clients.

Who is the Inclusive Design Advisor?

You’re a detail-oriented problem solver who sees roadblocks as opportunities to chart a better path. You’ll work with our Impact Team to turn ideas and vision into action, and help shape our rapidly-expanding inclusive design practice.

What will you do?

• Develop accessibility and inclusivity standards and guidelines;
• Develop design solutions to address accessibility and inclusivity challenges;
• Conduct site visits and accessibility audits;
• Conduct primary and secondary research on a range of accessibility and inclusivity topics
• Provide advisory services in support of clients pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification;
• Conduct Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification assessments;
• Prepare clear and visually-appealing reports;
• Visualize graphics and diagrams to help communicate information clearly and simply;
• Conduct structured decision-making and prioritization analyses.

We’re looking for someone who …

• Is adaptable: you’re a skilled multi-tasker who can pivot projects and tasks at a moment’s notice. You love working in a fast-paced environment and can keep focused on the end goal – even when faced with uncertainty, challenges, or change;
• Takes initiative: you’re confident and proactive, always keeping an eye out for new opportunities and ways to help our team improve its processes, outputs, and outcomes;
• Is a critical thinker: you’re able to explore problems, questions and situations with a clear and rational mind, using research and data from multiple sources to form and substantiate your position;
• Loves problem solving: you hunt for the root cause of issues, understanding the complexity and nuance of different perspectives, and you’re great at coming up with innovative ideas and solutions;
• Is people-focused: you’re creative and open minded, with a curious attitude;
• Is willing to travel: our projects take us to all corners of Canada and beyond.

What experience you might have...

• 5-7 years of experience in a role focused on accessibility and inclusivity;
• Degree or diploma/certificate in a design discipline (Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design or similar) or an equivalent combination of skills and experience;
• Knowledge of BCBC, NBC, VBBL;
• Software skills:
  • Expert-level Adobe Illustrator and InDesign skills;
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook);
  • CAD and Revit skills are desirable.
• Professional registration in your field is desirable;
• Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional designation is desirable.

Is this you? Apply now.

If this opportunity excites you and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca. We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what you are passionate about and why hcma might be right for you.

Never satisfied with the template, our new team member will have a boundless curiosity to try something new and challenge the status-quo. They have an eye for design and understand the value of a first impression. But they’ll also leverage best practices and process to make sure deadlines are met, communication is clear and constant, and things run smoothly. They’re a natural leader, guiding their teammates and collaborators to get the best possible outcome. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this role will join a congenial team of marketers, while also working closely with Partners and other firm leaders.

What will you do:

Proposal process leadership

• Evaluate incoming RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, EOIs for alignment to practice objectives
• Evaluate and refresh existing proposal language (boilerplate) to ensure it is technically accurate, persuasive, and aligns with brand voice
• Understand and develop best practices for creating persuasive proposals and developing effective back-end processes
• Conduct market research to forecast opportunities, analyze competitors and identify trends and growth opportunities
• Track submission outcomes, coordinate debrief sessions, and ensure feedback influences processes and future pursuits

Proposal submission coordination

• Manage the entire proposal submission process, from the Go, No-Go Decision, to the interview.
• Manage large pursuit teams, including external sub-consultants and partners, maintaining a high standard for deliverables and driving accountability
• Engage with project team members to identify and articulate compelling project stories
• Write engaging content that communicates our value proposition and unique differentiators
• Evaluate and edit content, both technical and non-technical, to ensure messaging is consistent, engaging, and appropriate
• Take responsibility for content, design layout, production, and timely delivery of proposal submissions
• Gather information and assets on current and past projects to develop project sheets, update team resumes, and maintain a current repository of work
• Work in a highly collaborative environment with a team looking to streamline processes while increasing impact

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Technical

• Exceptional writing and editing ability
• A writing sample, or other examples of creative storytelling, may be requested upon interview.
• Experience in proposal writing or creative storytelling
• Strong design eye: experience with digital arts or graphic design
• Advanced user of Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign

Interpersonal

• Strong listening and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Team player and highly adaptable, demonstrates initiative and positive attitude, ability to thrive in a team environment
• Able to work independently; seeks input and asks for help from team members when needed
• Effective project manager; self-motivated and confident coordinating and motivating multiple team members and deadlines

Professional

• Responsive, assertive and resourceful
• Detail-oriented and precise
• A creative and innovative design thinker
• Demonstrated multitasking abilities, can work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Strong organizational, planning, time management and prioritization skills
• Represents hcma in the best possible light to internal and external clients

If this opportunity excites you and you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at careers@hcma.ca. We’d love to see your resume, and more importantly, know more about you – what you are passionate about and why hcma might be right for you. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

You’re well-suited for this Architect position if you:

• Are passionate about architecture and design’s role in solving complex societal challenges
• Have a minimum of five-seven plus years as a registered Architect (AIBC, AAA, OAA, etc.), in designing public buildings and community spaces, as well as experience in planning or designing urban space
• Have a progressive understanding of architecture, the design of public spaces, and future technology trends
• Appreciate high-quality architectural design and the ability to apply rigor and design intent to all levels of detailing
• Are experienced in developing projects from start to finish with minimum supervision, including conceptualizing, designing, construction, contract documents, and liaising with contractors, specialist sub-consultants, and clients
• Are proficient in SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe InDesign Suite
• Have strong technical, graphic, organizational, and communication skills
• Are committed to professionalism and can either self-direct your work or collaborate as a team
• Direct site supervision and construction administration experience an asset

We are looking for people who:

• Believe in design excellence and have a strong portfolio to back it up
• Are committed to developing their technical abilities and understanding of how buildings are realized
• Have strong communication skills (written and verbal/interpersonal) and a positive attitude

If this new opportunity excites you and you want to express your interest, please prepare a submission to us: include your resume, portfolio and most importantly we want to know what you are passionate about and why hcma is right for you. Send this along to careers@hcma.ca Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

If you’re well-suited for this position, you possess the following:

• A passion for architecture with a broad spectrum of experience in the process of achieving architectural objectives through participation in the design process, producing visualizations for design review and technical resolution, research of systems and products and developing standards for constructability and sustainability;
• An appreciation of high quality architectural design and the ability to apply rigour and design intent to all levels of detailing;
• A deep understanding of how to put together a set of construction documents that provides clarity to those who implement them;
• Demonstrated experience detailing larger scale institutional buildings and market residential;
• Construction Administration experience an asset;
• Strong technical, graphic and organizational skills;
• A high level of proficiency in Revit is necessary; AutoCAD knowledge is an asset;
• A Diploma in Architectural Technology or equivalent;
• A commitment to professionalism with an Architectural Technologist AIBC or AAA designation (preferred);
• Ability to work independently and through collaboration and co-creation with a team;
• Knowledge of the AB and BC Building Code and its application to construction detailing;
• Minimum five years post-graduation of relevant work experience in a similar role;
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with consultants and other stakeholders;

If you've got what it takes to be a part of hcma, show us. Email careers@hcma.ca with a statement on why you are right for our team.  Get creative, convince us you’re the kind of person who appreciates design and can translate that vision into a well-executed project, and that we’d be foolish not to hire you.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted, no phone calls or drop-ins please.