Here at DIALOG, we are passionate about design and believe it can and should meaningfully improve the wellbeing of our communities and the environment we all share.
We are a multi-disciplinary practice of architects, interior designers, urban designers and planners, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, landscape architects and sustainability experts who design for community wellbeing and urban vibrancy. We are a fun-loving bunch of big thinkers and city-shapers, who are collaborative in our approach, diverse in our perspectives, aspirational in our pursuits, and optimistic about what’s next. We’re always looking for passionate people who share our values and care as much about our communities as we do. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation and one of Canada's Greenest Employers, committed to using our design practice as a force for good in the world.
The Studio Operations Manager (SOM) is a unique position that is responsible for managing our design studio on behalf of the Partnership. Through effective management of the practice and the business, you’ll help create an environment that enables pre-eminent design and supports the local studio culture. You will also collaborate with your SOM peers across DIALOG, connecting the studios and helping us work seamlessly as one design practice without internal borders. Your understanding of our industry along with your business acumen, and your demonstrated evidence of delivering impactful results set you up for success as SOM. You are an optimistic, organized person who loves collaborating with others.
- Reporting to the Director of Studio Operations, the SOM serves as the Managing Partner’s representative within the studio and works closely with the Studio Chair, Partners, Senior Management Team, and other leaders. The SOM drives operational excellence by improving the efficiency of processes and procedures, strengthening and sustaining DIALOG’s internal capacity and performance, and fostering a positive studio culture that supports DIALOGer engagement and success.
- The SOM is responsible for the day-to-day business operations of a DIALOG studio. Working closely with the Studio Chair and partners, and working across teams, the SOM provides leadership for the implementation of the strategic plan and oversight of studio financials and administrative services
- The SOM monitors overall studio Design Practice project performance, resourcing, team capacity, and collaborates with SOM peers for problem solving and providing cross studio support to the practice and project delivery
- Your leadership and guidance will help the studio both strategically and operationally. You will co-chair studio weekly Partners’ meetings; facilitate inter-studio coordination and collaboration; and make certain that teams are performing effectively
- By regularly taking the pulse of projects, you will collaborate with teams to monitor project team wellbeing, achievements of sustainability targets, and financial performance
- Your management of studio business will include implementation and improvement of guidelines, policies, and processes such as financial projections, receivables, expenses, effort, overtime, and vacation accruals
- You will lead the general administrative services team for the studio, aligning approaches with DIALOG’s overall direction and yet responding to the local needs of the unique culture of your studio
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in professional services, project management and leadership experience
- Post-secondary education in Business Administration, the design professions or related fields
- Broad understanding of accounting, human resources, technology, project management, marketing, and general administration
- Prior experience in strategic development, business development, project management and client management is considered an asset
- Possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, flexibility and resourcefulness
- Ability to collaborate with many stakeholders with an openness for distributed leadership and decision making
- Can prepare and present high impact business cases, analyses, and recommendations to the partnership and leadership team(s)
- Proficient change management skills, ability to challenge and contribute to leadership development
- Shape and run operational activities of the studio teams and set clear targets to achieve studio goals
$130,000 - $155,000 a year
At DIALOG, we believe compensation should reflect the unique talent each person brings to our team. We look at annual market data to understand how different roles are compensated in our industry, but we also recognize that your experience, skills, location, and the impact you make all play a part in shaping your total rewards. Because of this, final offers may differ from the ranges listed - we want to make sure everyone is recognized in a manner that is fair, competitive, and true to the value they bring.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply! We’re looking for future DIALOGers who are eager to learn, bring unique perspectives, and want to make a real difference in the world—even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification.
Perks & Benefits
Parental leave top-up programs for all parents upon the birth or adoption of a child, RRSP matching, competitive medical and dental benefits coverage upon the first day of employment, discounted memberships, encouraged work/life balance with gifted time off during the holiday season and Vacation Buy-Up program, and reimbursement for professional memberships and dues are just a few of the benefits that DIALOGers enjoy.
Professional Development
DIALOG offers continued professional growth through leadership development opportunities specifically designed for our collaborative culture. Among others, some of our programs include: CoachDIALOG which equips our coaches with essential communication and feedback strategies for building great teams; Integrateducation™ supports DIALOGers in accredited continuing education opportunities; technical skills development via e-learning pathways; and financial support for relevant external learning opportunities.
Equal Opportunity
DIALOG celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive environment for all, free of discrimination and harassment. Employment-related decisions are made without regard to sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and race. In accordance with DIALOG’s Accommodation Policy, accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates throughout the selection process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
