Design Manager

• Pay Rate: $73.53/hour, depending on experience
• Contract Length: 2 years
• Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
  
  

Raise is currently hiring a Design Manager on behalf of our client. They’re expanding their team to meet growing needs, making this a unique opportunity to work with an industry leader. Our client is a market-leading financial institution.

Note: The primary pay rate is based on T4 classification; however, we will also consider applications from candidates interested in an INC classification, where applicable.

Description

As the Design Manager, you will be an integral part of our client’s dynamic People Places & Spaces (PP&S) team, leading the charge in creating innovative and inspiring spaces that reflect their brand and culture. You will help oversee a talented team of external designers and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, sustainable, and aligned with business objectives. Your passion for design, leadership skills, and collaborative approach will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client’s workplace environments. PP&S is our client’s real estate and facilities business unit and leads real estate strategy, workplace optimization & experience, spatial design, construction, project management, leasing & subleasing management, facilities management & maintenance, asset management, facility operations, occupational health & safety, and physical security. PP&S oversees 1.5 million square feet of space across Canada and is deeply connected to transforming banking through client-facing locations, while leading the way with award-winning corporate spaces that bring their mandate to life and power possibility for Albertans.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management: Provide overall leadership and direction on all physical design-related initiatives within the organization, fostering a collaborative work environment that aligns with strategic objectives and values.

Portfolio Oversight & Project Delivery: Oversee the design aspects of a diverse portfolio of construction projects, ensuring successful project delivery across corporate and retail spaces. Monitor project timelines, budgets, and quality standards, ensuring alignment with business needs.

Performance Management & Process Optimization: Establish performance metrics, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of design processes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal business partners, external vendors, and relevant authorities. Communicate effectively, ensuring alignment and collaboration across all stakeholders.

Risk Management & Mitigation: Develop and implement proactive risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate potential project risks. Ensure business continuity and minimize disruptions to project timelines and budgets.

Specification Management & Standards Control: Oversee the development and management of design standards and associated specifications, ensuring cost-effective execution and adherence to financial targets.

Quality Assurance & Compliance: Champion a culture of quality and compliance, ensuring all design projects adhere to internal standards, specifications, and applicable regulations. Implement quality control measures and conduct regular audits and site visits.

Lead Space Planning & Programming: Work to create all relevant construction and fixturing documentation at all stages of assigned projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in design management.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in contract administration, project management, or a related role, preferably within a retail-facing capacity.
• Deep understanding of design principles, practices, and techniques, as well as familiarity with building codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex construction or design projects, including planning, execution, risk management, and financial control.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Strategic Vision: Ability to translate business objectives into a long-term design strategy, aligning project priorities with overall organizational goals.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor a team of construction professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, influence stakeholders, and convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Ability to confidently navigate complex situations, analyze information, evaluate options, and make sound decisions that drive project success and mitigate risks.
• Change Management & Adaptability: Ability to embrace change and navigate evolving priorities, adapting strategies and approaches to meet new challenges and opportunities.
• Delegation & Empowerment: Ability to effectively delegate tasks and empower team members to take ownership, fostering individual growth and maximizing team performance.
• Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: Proficiency in resolving conflicts constructively, facilitating open dialogue, and negotiating mutually beneficial solutions.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Passion for developing others, providing guidance, support, and feedback to nurture the growth and professional development of team members.
  
  

Additional Information

A requirement for candidates to be considered for this role will be to complete a criminal and credit check (including Canadian Credit Risk Score).

Looking for meaningful work?

We can help! Raise is an established hiring firm with over 65 years of experience. We believe strongly in making the world a better place through work, which is why we’re a certified B Corporation and donate 10% of our profits to charity. We strive to build teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we work in. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including people from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, veterans, and people with visible/nonvisible disabilities. We have a dedicated webpage for accommodations where you can learn more about what we offer and request accommodation: https://raise.jobs/accommodations/

To submit candidates for roles, our clients will sometimes require personal information to confirm the identity of applicants and their legal status to work. Raise will never ask you for personal or banking information unless you have been selected for a job. If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of this or any other Raise job posting (or have any other questions), please contact us at +1 800-567-9675 or hello@raiserecruiting.com. #WES