Buildings Digital Practice Lead (Chicago)

Stantec Buildings Digital Practice Leader

Stantec Buildings is on a mission to become the world's leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. We take an innovative, collaborative approach to projects, sharing a common belief that sustainable design for the built environment can make the world a better place for future generations. Join us and design your place with Stantec. Join the Innovation pillar and advance Buildings digital business tools and process optimization strategy while leading a dynamic global digital practice team of experts for technology solution development and product development. Our team engages across the practice including close partnership with the Discipline Leaders, as well as the Stantec-wide Innovation Office and Digital Center of Excellence and IT. Together, we can accelerate towards a brighter future.

Your Opportunity The Digital Practice Leader (DPL) is responsible for advancing and optimizing the organization's engagement with technology related to the design, delivery, and execution of work. This involves implementing innovative approaches, applied technology, process changes, and automation. The position guides the BOU through various aspects of digital transformation, leading the integration of digital technologies to improve efficiency, customer experience, and achieve our business outcomes. The DPL establishes the BOU's technology strategy, collaborates with the innovation office and IT, and oversees digital practice experts within their team and influences Digital practitioners across the BOU involved in business optimization, digital delivery, solution development, and practice support for client delivery. The role also works with other leaders to support technological advancement and project delivery processes. This position can be located in any Stantec office in Canada or the US.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Acumen
• Assess technical, operational, and economic factors to identify any constraints or risks associated with the proposal, development and implementation of digital tools and technologies.
• Assess the economic impact of digital initiatives, ensuring they align with the organization's financial goals and deliver measurable ROI.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of digital initiatives to ensure they meet expected outcomes and deliver a positive ROI. Adjust strategies as needed to optimize results and demonstrate the value added to the organization.
• Leadership, Facilitation and Collaboration
• Build and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including other BOU Digital Practice Leaders, as well as external partners. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to drive digital initiatives forward, ensuring alignment and synergy across the organization.
• Develop a robust digital strategy for the Business Operating Unit (BOU) that aligns with the overarching goals of the organization. Utilize advanced data analytics to inform strategic decisions, optimize business processes, and drive innovation.
• Ensure that digital governance, security, and privacy are maintained to the highest standards. Establish a robust framework to oversee the full lifecycle of digital transformation initiatives. Implement procedures and controls to ensure that projects are executed according to plan, risks are managed effectively, and compliance with industry standards is maintained.
• Change Management
• Work with the key stakeholders across the BOU to identify and set standards for Digital Products / Assets / Solutions. Maintain an inventory of such Digital Products / Assets / Solutions that is regularly updated and communicated across the BOU and Stantec.
• Lead and manage the organizational change necessary to embed digital capabilities within the BOU's operational DNA. This includes the design and implementation of training and development initiatives aimed at upskilling employees and fostering a culture of digital fluency and agility.
• Forward Looking
• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends, demands, and opportunities in the digital landscape within a consulting organization. Analyze competitor strategies and market dynamics to inform digital initiatives and maintain a competitive edge.
• Regularly assess and adjust this strategy to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness within the evolving digital environment. This involves continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure the strategy remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
• Digital background in the AEC industry
• Experience at working with the business to identify and set standards within the AEC industry.
• Leverage digital tools and technologies to improve customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. Focus on creating seamless and personalized experiences across all digital touchpoints, thereby strengthening the relationship between the organization and its clients.
• Undertake feasibility studies to determine the practicality and potential success of proposed digital initiatives.
• Core Buildings Leadership Responsibilities
• Enhance our Practice
• Collaborate with key corporate initiatives, counterpart in other BOUs and the Innovation Office.
• Participate on the Buildings Leadership Team and actively collaborate with the BOUL, BLs, SLs, RBLs, RGLs, DLs in the improvement of innovation strategies and tools that can be employed to help differentiate us in the market on major pursuits.
• Position the Stantec Buildings practice platform as a preferred employer in the markets we work in for the purposes of staff recruitment and retention.
• Advance inclusion practices to maximize the human potential in our firm.
• People Leadership
• Act as a highly regarded leader, thought partner, and a source of counsel and advice for the business.
• Engage in and support resource management, career development, engagement, succession planning, coaching, mentoring, and leadership development across the practice.
• Attract talent and develop technical experts across the digital practice services and Building's practice.
• Inspire, motivate, and hold the team accountable for the delivery of innovative and efficient processes and solutions.
• Identify, connect, and support emerging leaders in Business Solution or relevant tech team roles across the organization for growth and advancement.
• Contribute to Stantec's Safer Together culture, prioritizing the physical and mental health and safety of our employees.
• Project Focus
• Collaborate with Sector Leaders, BC leaders and regional market leaders to advance and leverage digital team expertise across our practice to win and deliver key projects.
• Positively impact revenue and utilization across our projects worldwide through BC digital transformation initiatives, including efficient business tools / workflows.
• Work within a team environment to create / enforce innovative business tools, activities, processes and workflows that increase efficiency and improve quality.
• Collaborate with the Major Projects team to ensure that our major projects are supported from the PIM (Project Information Management) aspect, including the identification of potential risks and determining appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Financial Management
• Assist with developing the annual Digital Practice budget allocation, manage the allocation, and provide budget review.
• Contribute to the annual business plan and budget, outlining the vision, focus, and priorities for Digital Practice / Innovation and setting specific goals for business and practice performance in this area.
• Outreach
• Stay informed of changes in the marketplace to software, hardware, and technology updates in this field through active involvement in the Digital / BIM / CAD community.
• Support business development and marketing efforts : presentations, visualizations, interviews, and industry presence
• Steward thought leadership internally and externally in service of sectors and client support and to enhance Stantec's position as an industry changemaker.
• Your Capabilities and Credentials
• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of AEC digital technologies, including cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Proficient in aligning digital initiatives with the long-term goals of the Business Operating Unit (BOU) and prevailing industry trends.
• Adept at providing exceptional leadership with the ability to inspire and guide teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive organizational change. Skilled in critical and strategic thinking, managing significant organizational change, addressing resistance, and fostering stakeholder buy-in. Proven track record in digital strategy development and implementation, with a leadership role in directing these efforts.
• Capable of developing and managing digital budgets and resources, tracking and reporting on the performance of digital Products / Asset / Solutions and initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards in digital governance, cybersecurity, and compliance. Skilled in evaluating market trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for setting standards, revenue growth, cost recovery and cost reduction, leveraging insights to drive competitive advantage and enhance the value proposition for both the BOU and its clients.

Exceptional project management capabilities, enabling the successful delivery of complex projects of strategic significance. Strong analytical, problem-solvi