Who is design for? At hcma, we’re asking big questions about how we can help solve some of the world’s wicked challenges, through design. We create buildings, brands and shared experiences that connect people – all driven by a genuine spirit of curiosity and care.
We are interdisciplinary by intention. Designers, architects, researchers, strategists and others, all working together to create the lasting change we want to see in our communities.
And that’s where (we hope!) you come in.
We’re looking for a Director, Operations:
Who is this person?
- A network-thinker who excels at transforming visionary concepts into actionable strategies; you’re adept at breaking down the ‘big picture’ into consistent tools, systems, and processes that connect us
- A gifted spoken and written communicator; you have a knack for explaining complex ideas in ways everyone can understand
- A flexible, proactive, patient and persistent leader, who’s people-focused and open-minded; you’re keen to bring a little fun to the more mundane sides of administration, and eager to help our wider team flourish
- You apply a business mind and strategic thinking to all levels of planning and delivery, while also comfortably handling tactical implementation
- You embody a spirit of curiosity and continuous learning; you never stop looking for ways we can improve (without reinventing the wheel)
- You strive for excellence in the details – but don’t let perfection halt progress
What experience will they have?
- 10+ years’ experience in business operations, firm management, project delivery, or a related field (we’re flexible on the 10 years if you can demonstrate skill in change management, implementation, and keeping things running smoothly long-term)
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, operations, or a related field
- A demonstrated track record successfully implementing strategy operational concepts to improve design, project quality, and financial performance
- A thorough knowledge of operational concepts, practices, and procedures, expertly identifying, analyzing and finding solutions for complex and interconnected business issues
- Experience managing teams and helping people with diverse skillsets and backgrounds thrive
- Strong listening skills, with a knack for building consensus
- Previous experience with a professional services firm, creative firm, or business consultancy is a definite asset
What will they do?
- Play a key role in the leadership of hcma, through effective management of our business operations
- Lead the implementation of interdisciplinary systems and processes, developing adaptive solutions that allow our individual service offerings and functions to shine, while still maintaining a consistent standard across hcma
- Lead transparent and collaborative change management, ensuring long-term adoption of any new systems or processes, and maintaining current systems that work well for us
- Track our progress and communicate data / concepts in ways that are easy to understand, with frequent reporting to hcma’s Principals
- Manage hcma's operating calendar, chairing various leadership meetings, and leading firm-wide initiatives and communications
- Develop and nurture the strong professional relationships essential for effective collaboration and a positive workplace culture
- Foster and facilitate cross-functional conversations, creating space for diverse perspectives and input; synthesize feedback and succinctly outline the path forward
- Lead our tech strategy, overseeing the adoption and maintenance of necessary technology / infrastructure for service delivery, including:
- systems that optimize operational efficiency and drive innovation
- managing the relationship between hcma and our external IT providers
- Provide legal oversight and risk management, including:
- contract management (act as key liaison with external legal advisors)
- insurance management
- In collaboration:
- Translate vision into action, working closely with the Managing Principal and Head of Strategy, to operationalize big-picture ideas
- Provide administrative oversight and direction to support our four offices in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Calgary, working closely with hcma’s Studio Manager
- Align operational strategies with financial objectives and profit targets to ensure seamless integration between operations and finance functions, in collaboration with the Senior Director, Finance
- Support organizational success by developing and implementing people-focused initiatives, including employee engagement strategies, workforce planning and talent development, in collaboration with our Director, Human Resources
- Help develop and improve project management processes and workflow efficiency, in collaboration with the Director, Architectural Services
- Implement systems to understand client needs, expectations and feedback, in collaboration with the Director, Architectural Services
- Help integrate client feedback into service delivery strategies, working with our marketing, business development, and service delivery leads
Intrigued? Get in touch. If you are interested in this opportunity in Vancouver, please email careers@hcma.ca with your portfolio and a statement telling us why you think you’re a good fit for this role and our team.