Manager, Building Design

Discover
The Opportunity

Manager, Building Design

Corporate Services

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Type of Employment: Full Time, Permanent

Union Status: Excluded (Non-Union)

Competition # COR 25050

Closing Date: January 30, 2026

The Manager of Building Design oversees creation of design guidelines and technical specifications for new public housing and major renovations across Nova Scotia. They lead architectural, mechanical, electrical, and design teams to ensure projects meet quality, accessibility, sustainability, and affordability goals. The role ensures compliance with codes and standards while promoting innovation and coordination across departments. As a key contributor to capital planning and program delivery, the Manager ensures that all design activities align with NSPHA's operational objectives and provincial housing priorities.

What you'll do
Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams on projects ranging from minor upgrades to major renewal projects.
• Advance the development of public housing designs that emphasize universal accessibility, sustainability, energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and long-term durability.
• Collaborate with Asset Management, Project Management, and Energy Efficiency teams to ensure seamless, coordinated project delivery from planning through construction and occupancy.
• Maintain and update NSPHA's design standards and guidelines to align with changing building codes, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.
• Provide technical oversight for building envelope renewals, deep energy retrofits, and accessibility upgrades.
• Review, coordinate, and approve design packages as needed.
• Represent NSPHA in external consultations with architects, engineers, municipal officials, and housing sector partners.
• Provide mentoring, supervision, and performance management for a multidisciplinary design team.
• Lead internal design reviews to ensure constructability, cost control, and alignment with design intent.
• Ensure all projects uphold NSPHA's standards for equity, tenant well-being, and community integration.

What you'll need
Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Must Have

• Post-secondary degree in architecture, engineering, architectural technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in multi-residential or public-sector building design, with a focus on renovation, new construction, and accessibility.
• Leadership experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, managing project workflows, and delivering high-quality design outcomes. Ability to mentor, coach, and develop junior staff.
• Experience reviewing construction documents, managing consultant teams, and supporting project delivery through all phases. Proven capability in contract administration, construction documentation, and project lifecycle support.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable building codes, accessibility standards, construction practices, and sustainable design principles.
• Well-developed communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to work across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and workplace technologies, with a proven ability to learn new software quickly.

Nice to Have

• Preference will be given to candidates with a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer designation.

The Fine Print

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

This position requires a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle. Monthly travel within Nova Scotia is required.

We're looking for
Core Skills

Leadership
Construction
Renovation
Residential Design
Architecture
Engineers

A little bit about us
Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

At the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency (NSPHA), we take pride in managing, maintaining, and operating government-owned public housing across the province. From single-family homes to high-rise apartments, our goal is simple: to provide safe, affordable housing that helps individuals and families build better lives in communities where they can thrive.

When you join our team, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about making a positive impact and providing exceptional service. We offer a competitive total compensation package that recognizes your contributions, supports your well-being, and gives you the opportunity to be a part of something meaningful. Together, we are shaping the future of public housing in Nova Scotia. If you're ready to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today

Are you interested?
Work With Us

What We Offer

• Salary: $94, $122,407.56 annually (MC 25)
• Schedule: 35-hour work week

Full-time permanent employees also receive:

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and pension
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time and additional leaves
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Apply Today

We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you require accommodation at any stage of the process, please let us know. If you're part of an equity group, we encourage you to self-identify when applying.

Please submit your application through We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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