Director, Design & Engineering

The Opportunity

The Director, Design & Engineering, leads the design, engineering, and capital cost planning required to convert prospective and existing buildings into T&T stores. The role assesses site and building conditions, defines store conversion and preparation requirements and costs, and coordinates design development with internal teams, landlords, consultants, contractors, and public authorities. The Director leads the existing design and cost-estimating resources and remains engaged through construction handoff to help ensure the store is delivered in keeping with the agreed design and technical requirements.

You Will:

• Assess prospective sites and existing buildings for suitability as T&T stores; identify fit-out requirements, constraints, risks, and preliminary capital needs.
• Develop and review fit-out cost plans and capital estimates for building conversion, including scope assumptions, contingencies, and cost drivers.
• Evaluate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements and costs, including HVAC, refrigeration, water, gas, and related building systems.
• Review contractor and consultant estimates, validate scope and pricing, identify gaps or risks, and guide the existing cost estimator in preparing reliable budgets.
• Coordinate with landlords on base-building and tenant work responsibilities, lease obligations, and Schedule C requirements; clarify scope, cost allocation, timing, and deliverables.
• Lead the general contractor selection and bidding process, including preparing and issuing RFPs, coordinating bid submissions, reviewing and evaluating bids, and recommending or selecting contractors in partnership with internal stakeholders. Coordinate equipment selection with the appropriate internal teams.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop practical store layouts that meet operational, merchandising, food safety, and customer needs.
• Lead or coordinate design development with architects, interior designers, engineers, and other consultants; review drawings and specifications for completeness, functionality, code compliance, and alignment with T&T requirements.
• Coordinate plans, submissions, and approvals with landlords, consultants, and city officials, including permits and other required authorizations.
• Coordinate a clear design and scope handoff to the construction team, communicate key requirements and decisions, and remain available during construction to resolve design or engineering questions and support alignment with the approved design.
• Lead, coach, and develop the design and cost-estimating resources; establish priorities, review work quality, and support capability development. A future interior design role may report to this position.
• Identify opportunities to improve fit-out standards, estimating practices, landlord coordination, design quality, project outcomes, and cost effectiveness.

You Should Have / Be:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in building engineering and/or the construction industry; experience supporting supermarket, retail, restaurant, or other complex multi-site development is preferred.
• Experience leading or coordinating architects, engineers, interior designers, cost estimators, contractors, landlords, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of architectural and structural systems and construction costing; knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration systems is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to perform cost analysis, exercise sound technical judgment, and work effectively with general contractors, consultants, and landlords.
• Significant experience in strategic facilities and construction planning, capital construction management, real estate development, and/or asset management within a large, multi-site organization.
• Working knowledge of applicable Canadian regulations, building requirements, and legal/compliance considerations relevant to construction and facilities activities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities and to interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to connect technical and construction decisions to operational and business requirements.
• Strong leadership, coaching, delegation, problem-solving, decision-making, critical-thinking, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and influence across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professional judgment, with the ability to work independently and operate effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with project management tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to communicate in Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin) is an asset.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel as required.

This is an active job posting for a currently vacant position. We are recruiting to fill this role as part of our ongoing operational needs.