Design Assistant Project Manager Jobs in British Columbia

CHIL is a boutique interior design studio specialising in hospitality, food & beverage, and multi-family residential projects.

With studios in Vancouver, Toronto, and Hong Kong, CHIL delivers luxury design solutions for leading global brands including Accor, Shangri-La, Fairmont, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Four Seasons, alongside residential developments across North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

CHIL is part of the SJ Group, a global collective of built environment specialists with more than 16,000 professionals across over 120 offices in 40+ countries. Together, we deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across the entire project lifecycle.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Vancouver studio and lead the successful delivery of hospitality, food & beverage, and residential interior design projects from concept through to completion.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing project schedules, budgets, consultant coordination, technical documentation, contract administration, and client relationships while ensuring the highest standards of design quality and delivery excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative and technically strong design professional who enjoys leading projects, mentoring team members, and contributing to the continued growth of an internationally recognised design practice.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Project Delivery

• Establish project standards and coordinate project documentation throughout all phases.
• Assist with feasibility studies and project planning activities as required.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, budgets, and deliverables while maintaining design intent and client expectations.
• Prepare and coordinate interior design drawing packages and specifications.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, structural, MEP, and specialist consultants.
• Review construction documentation and undertake quality assurance reviews.
• Participate in value engineering exercises where required.
• Attend consultant, contractor, and coordination meetings and maintain accurate project records.
• Review and respond to RFIs, change orders, shop drawings, and site instructions.
• Oversee purchasing, installation, and site administration activities when required.
• Conduct site visits, monitor construction progress, and document deficiencies.
• Maintain and evolve CAD standards and project templates.
• Ensure all project information is appropriately issued, archived, and managed.
• Maintain a clear understanding of applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and industry standards.

Leadership

• Mentor and support designers and technologists within project teams.
• Promote collaboration and actively share technical and design knowledge.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the firm's design capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of improved systems, processes, and client service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

Project & Team Management

• Prepare project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, coordinate bidding process
• Track Financial Performance of projects
• Manage project scope, schedules, resources, and budgets; set-up with subconsultants, vendors and sub-contractors.
• Ensure projects conform to contract; identify any scope gaps and prepare any Additional Services Notices to address same.
• Monitor project quality, risk, and compliance requirements.
• Act as the primary contact for clients and consultants throughout project delivery.
• Allocate work and coordinate deliverables across project teams.
• Lead project close-out activities and ensure successful project completion.

Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Interior Design or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience leading, managing and mentoring multiple project teams through the entire life-cycle of a project.
• Strong understanding of British Columbia building regulations and applicable local codes.
• Experience negotiating project scope and fees.
• Experience with MS Office and InDesign is required; additional experience with Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite and Revit would be advantageous.
• Previous hospitality, food & beverage, and/or multi-family residential project experience is highly desirable.
• Must have the ability to maintain existing client relationships as well as build new client relationships.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to design and technical excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-profile hospitality and residential projects across North America and internationally.
• Collaborative, creative, and supportive studio culture.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to global design expertise through the wider CHIL and SJ Group network.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, including receiving application materials in an alternative format, please contact our Recruitment Team.

Recruitment Agencies

Please note that unsolicited CVs submitted directly to SJ Group companies or employees will be considered the property of SJ Group. No agency fees will be payable unless a formal written agreement is in place and the agency has been specifically engaged by our Recruitment Team for the vacancy.

Join Us

At SJ Group, we bring together talented people, innovative thinking, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture to create meaningful impact in the built environment. Join us and help shape a smarter and more sustainable future.

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