Kathryn Roche
Calgary,AB
Summary
Dynamic professional with 20 years of experience in workplace design strategy and change enablement, recognized for exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities. Proven track record of managing global teams while prioritizing customer service and client satisfaction. Expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and optimizing contracted service providers to deliver cost-effective solutions. Resourceful AVP known for effective communication and problem-solving skills, consistently exceeding expectations through innovative operational improvements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
AVP Facilities
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Calgary, AB
11.2023 - Current
- Directed campus-wide facilities management for a portfolio of 22 buildings totaling 5 million square feet across four sites.
- Directed and advised multiple design construction projects, such as SAIT downtown campus and the new Taylor Family Campus Centre.
- Led student efforts in utilization for strategic space planning and sustainable campus development.
- Handled budget allocation of $200M across capital expenses, operational costs, donations, and government grants.
- Streamlined processes for handling contracts, achieving significant cost reductions while maintaining service quality.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Created training materials and facilitated workshops to ensure staff was up-to-date on industry best practices.
- Provided leadership, direction, guidance, and support to team members on a daily basis.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Managed relationships with external partners such as consultants, vendors, contractors.
- Collaborated with senior management to identify cost-saving opportunities and develop strategies for achieving financial objectives.
- Assisted in developing business cases for proposed projects or initiatives.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
President / Founder
Hive Workplace Consulting Inc.
Calgary, AB
10.2019 - 11.2023
- Founded Hive workplace consulting to deliver effective workplace solutions and change management.
- Directed more than 15 corporate strategies, workplace studies, and change management projects spanning three years.
- Drafted strategic Masterplan to consolidate Toronto Stock Exchange facilities from 11 locations to 5 within a 5-year timeline.
- Pioneered and executed transition to Hybrid work models.
- Oversaw change management and communications.
- Transitioned from JLL to serve as exclusive partner and VP of Workplace Strategy.
- Guided IT groups in specifying room types and acquisition strategies, reducing investments in ineffective resources.
- Led internal capability building, change management, facilities, HR protocols and communications.
- Placed personnel strategically to enhance productivity and cooperation.
- Applied expertise in data analytics to refine and improve how employees experience their work.
- Facilitated harmonious operations by meticulously documenting processes and their outcomes.
- Implemented long-term scenario planning using real estate expertise.
- Conducted data collection and documentation processes to suggest future actions.
- Proven track record in developing and designing office environments.
- Leveraged modern technology to develop efficient hybrid working environments.
- Specialized in collecting and examining real-estate asset usage.
- Successful Engagements: LifeWorks Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia’s & Atlanta, Toronto Stock Exchange (TMX Group), Ontario Cancer Research Institute, Averna Technologies Inc, First National Financial, McKinsey & Company, Lundbeck Canada Inc, Promutuel Insurance, Ledcor Construction, Accedian Networks, Jones Lang Lasalle, Parkland Fuel, Nespresso, Telus
- Provided leadership and guidance on budgeting decisions to maximize resources available.
- Led strategic planning and execution to enhance profitability and company growth.
- Acted as an ambassador of goodwill for the organization by engaging positively with external parties.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members by listening attentively and providing constructive feedback.
- Led strategic planning and execution to drive company growth and profitability.
- Analyzed data from surveys to identify areas for improvement in organizational operations.
- Implemented new technologies to streamline organizational processes when needed.
VP, Workplace Consulting
Jones Lang Lasalle Real Estate (Canada)
Calgary | Toronto |Montreal, AB
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Transitioned to consultant role with Hive Workplace Consulting Inc in 2019.
- Delivered leadership in workplace strategy and change management at JLL Canada independently.
- Navigated challenging broker relationships, gaining valuable insights into the real-estate market.
- Instrumental in handling diverse transactions including Suncor, Parkland, Lifeworks and First National.
- Assisted brokers in closing substantial real-estate deals.
- Achieved a remarkable success rate of 90% in securing profitable transactions for JLL, contributing to substantial financial gain.
- Maintained relationships with key stakeholders by attending meetings and responding promptly to inquiries or requests for information.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
- Identified problems and implemented solutions to better streamline operations.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth within existing markets or new ones.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to support the vision of the organization.
- Advised senior executives on approaches for resolving complex issues impacting operations.
Director, Workplace Strategy
J5 Design + Innovation
Calgary, AB
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Played a crucial role in defining and developing the United Way Social Impact Lab.
- Implemented design thinking strategies to develop United Way initiatives.
- Developed service models and processes to enhance workplace strategies for clients.
- Oversaw initiatives focused on qualitative and quantitative design research.
- Developed innovative business models tailored to various clients.
- Enhanced ability to lead workshops.
Director, Workplace Strategy & Real Estate
Shaw Communications
Calgry, AB
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Conducted design analyses for the betterment of corporate culture, improvement of workflow efficiency, and maximization of real property usage.
- Delivered innovative design solutions effectively integrated with evolving business strategies.
- Directed the rehousing process for more than 900 team members in just two weeks as a result of an unplanned circumstance.
- Directed coordination of office relocation alongside managing strategy and designing workflows.
- Established and directed the Workplace Strategy department within facilities design and construction.
- Managed 14,000 employees in over 2 million square feet of owned and leased space across Canada.
- Co-led team developing 3–5-year strategic facilities plan for Shaw Communication's sites.
- Coordinated safe and efficient staff transfer to new sites in under two weeks post-incident.
- Detailed long-term scenarios for site expansion and reduction.
- Led project design for the development and strategy of 25-acre Barlow Technology Campus.
- Formulated a comprehensive long-term blueprint addressing 500 site expansions and reductions.
- Directed efforts in the development of strategic facilities plans and managing changes.
- Key projects: Shaw Barlow Campus, Shaw Court HQ, Various Data Centres, Various Call Centres – Calgary, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Victoria, Kelowna, and Vancouver, Corus HQ Toronto, Global Media
Education
Masters Diploma Innovation Stategy - Strategy, and Innovation
Säid Business School
Oxford, UK01.2017
Bachelor of Environmental Design B.Envd. - Landscape Architecture
Faculty of Architecture
Winnipeg, Manitoba01.1995
High School Graduate -
Souris Collegiate High School
Souris, ManitobaSkills
- Efficiency Improvement
- Effective Space Utilization
- Resource Allocation
- Data Interpretation
- Project Oversight
- Organizational Strategy
- Strategic Business Development
- Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis
- Strong Integrity
- Relationship Cultivation
- Innovative Problem-Solving
- Visual Spatial Reasoning
- Strategic Leadership
- Effective Organizational Skills
- Proficient in Change Management
- Strategic Ideation
- Effective Resource Coordination
- Commitment to Safety Protocols
- Human-Focused Design
- Workplace Strategy Implementation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Interdisciplinary Team Leadership
- Creative Solution Development
- Multimillion-Dollar Budget Management
- Effective Communication
- Corporate Strategy Formulation
- Experienced Leadership Practitioner
- Workforce Development
Professional Development
- Leading Strategically, Lougheed Leadership, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- Change Management, Prosci Certification 2023
- Microsoft Project Management software
- AutoCAD Operators’ Certificate, SAIT
- Analyzing Data with Power BI, SAIT
- Photojournalism Certificate, SAIT
- Illustrator, Mount Royal University
Affiliations
- Enjoy outdoor activities, hiking Camping, biking and skiing
- co-owner of grain farm operation in Manitoba
- active member within the community
Timeline
AVP Facilities
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
11.2023 - Current
President / Founder
Hive Workplace Consulting Inc.
10.2019 - 11.2023
VP, Workplace Consulting
Jones Lang Lasalle Real Estate (Canada)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Director, Workplace Strategy
J5 Design + Innovation
01.2017 - 01.2018
Director, Workplace Strategy & Real Estate
Shaw Communications
01.2012 - 01.2017
Masters Diploma Innovation Stategy - Strategy, and Innovation
Säid Business School
Bachelor of Environmental Design B.Envd. - Landscape Architecture
Faculty of Architecture
High School Graduate -
Souris Collegiate High School
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