Director of Residential Approvals

Job description:

Location: Barrie, Ontario (Hybrid Available)

Compensation: $100,000 – $125,000+ annually, based on experience and qualifications

About Sketch Design Build

Sketch Design Build is a growing residential design firm specializing in custom homes, additions, renovations, and multi-unit residential projects throughout Ontario.

Our reputation is built on thoughtful design, technical excellence, and helping clients successfully navigate the complexities of residential development and construction.

As we continue to grow, we are building a leadership-driven organization focused on creating meaningful career opportunities, developing exceptional people, and establishing ourselves as one of Ontario’s most respected residential design firms.

To support that vision, we are seeking a Director of Residential Approvals to lead the technical side of our business.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the technical delivery of projects across the company.

You will lead building code compliance, permit approvals, consultant coordination, production quality, technical standards, and technical team development across our growing portfolio of custom homes, additions, renovations, and multi-unit residential projects.

This is not a design role.

You will be the technical authority within the organization, ensuring projects are code-compliant, permit-ready, technically sound, and consistently delivered to the highest standard.

The successful candidate will work closely with company leadership to build the systems, standards, and team necessary to support the next phase of growth.

Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership

· Provide technical leadership across all residential projects.

· Review project documentation for building code compliance, constructability, and permit readiness.

· Serve as the company’s primary technical resource and code expert.

· Identify technical risks early and develop practical solutions.

· Support project teams with complex technical and regulatory challenges.

Permit Approvals & Regulatory Compliance

· Oversee permit application and approval processes across multiple municipalities.

· Manage responses to building department comments and deficiencies.

· Ensure all projects meet applicable Ontario Building Code requirements and municipal regulations.

· Develop strategies to improve approval timelines and reduce permit-related delays.

Consultant Coordination

· Coordinate structural, HVAC, civil, survey, planning, energy, and specialty consultants.

· Ensure consultant deliverables are complete, coordinated, and incorporated accurately into project documentation.

· Maintain accountability for consultant schedules and technical deliverables.

Quality Assurance & Technical Standards

· Lead drawing reviews and quality control processes.

· Establish and maintain company drafting standards and technical procedures.

· Develop checklists, workflows, and systems that improve consistency and reduce errors.

· Continuously improve technical quality and production efficiency.

Team Development

· Mentor and develop junior, intermediate, and senior technologists.

· Support onboarding and technical training initiatives.

· Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

· Help identify and develop future technical leaders within the organization.

QualificationsRequired

· 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in residential building design, permit approvals, building code compliance, and technical project delivery.

· Extensive knowledge of the Ontario Building Code.

· Significant experience with custom homes, additions, renovations, and residential multi-unit projects.

· Demonstrated experience coordinating permit approvals and municipal review processes.

· Advanced proficiency in Revit.

· Strong consultant coordination and project management experience.

· Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

· Proven ability to mentor and develop technical staff.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Preferred

· Successful completion of Ontario Building Code examinations related to Part 3 and/or Part 9 buildings.

· Experience with complex residential and multi-unit residential projects.

· Experience implementing technical standards, QA/QC systems, and production workflows.

· Previous leadership or department management experience.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 12 months, you will:

· Take ownership of the firm’s technical approvals process.

· Strengthen quality assurance and quality control procedures.

· Improve permit approval efficiency and reduce revision cycles.

· Develop scalable technical standards and workflows.

· Support the growth and development of the technical team.

· Create systems that enable the company to grow while maintaining exceptional quality.

Why Join Sketch Design Build?

This is an opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team and help shape the future of a growing company.

You will have the ability to:

· Lead and influence company-wide technical standards.

· Build and develop a high-performing technical team.

· Play a significant role in strategic growth initiatives.

· Help establish the systems and processes that will support future expansion.

· Grow into an increasingly influential leadership position as the company evolves.

Our Leadership Structure

As Sketch Design Build grows, our leadership team is being built around three core areas of responsibility:

· Director of Residential Design

· Director of Residential Approvals

· Director of Operations

The Director of Residential Approvals is responsible for ensuring technical excellence across the organization and will play a critical role in achieving our long-term vision.

If you are an experienced technical leader who takes pride in building strong teams, maintaining high standards, and delivering exceptional work, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Mileage reimbursement
Paid time off
Work from home

Application question(s):

Are your Proficient using Revit?
Experience:

work: 10 years (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Barrie, ON L4M 1G5