Director of Pre-Construction at Axis Recruitment — NeverHard

Job DescriptionJob Description Description of the company: Our client is a well-established custom architectural ceiling and wall products manufacturer for the commercial construction market. They serve architects, designers, and contractors on high-end projects, and they run production across both Canadian and U.S. facilities. This is a hybrid role based in the Greater Toronto Area. Why is this role open: Current person in the role is retiring next year. Responsibilities: Lead and schedule the project design team responsible for shop drawings and RFP deliverables across two facilities, including direct reports, supervisors, and an engineering design lead. Run weekly status meetings with Project Management, Operations, and Estimating to sort out assignments, surface bottlenecks, and keep projects moving. Manage incoming work from the Estimating group, set priorities, and assign it to the right people based on scope and client timelines. Coach and develop the design team, handle one-on-ones and performance reviews, and run cross-training between sites so the group stays flexible. Oversee a pool of external freelance designers, including assignments, quality review, and approval of their invoicing. Act as the senior point of contact for tricky design problems and for resolving issues with clients or suppliers. Step in on shop drawings for priority or escalated projects when needed, though the main focus stays on leadership and scheduling. Work directly with architects, designers, and clients on product selection and custom solutions, and partner with Product Development when a project goes beyond standard offerings. Build and maintain CAD standards and team SOPs, and keep deadlines and project risks tracked across all active work. Must-haves: Bachelor's degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or a related design or engineering field. 10 to 15 years in commercial construction or an equivalent environment. A track record leading multidisciplinary design teams, including performance reviews, mentoring, and team development. Advanced AutoCAD skills (version 2024 or later). Able to read and interpret construction and production drawings, run material take-offs, and optimize material use. Solid people leadership, with the ability to delegate, resolve conflict, and keep a team focused on accuracy and deadlines. Nice-to-haves: Familiarity with suspension design systems. Project management background or certification. Strong knowledge of custom ceiling and wall design across fiberglass, metal, and wood products. Work style: First year is full-time in office. After that is hybrid, based in the Greater Toronto Area. Around 10 to 15 percent travel to other North American locations, including quarterly trips to a U.S. division. Compensation: $140K+ Know someone great? We offer a $500 referral bonus for successful hires. If you refer someone who's hired through Axis Recruitment, we'll send you a thank-you bonus after their first 3 months. Compensation Disclosure Compensation for all roles Axis recruits for is multi-faceted and based on a range of factors including experience, skills, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include performance-based bonuses, incentives, and a comprehensive benefits offering, in accordance with applicable Employment Standards Act (ESA) requirements. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process. We do not request or consider compensation history. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. DEI Disclosure At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We don't post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!