Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

I’m Josée, Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, a world-class concert hall operated through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between AtkinsRéalis and Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications. My role—and that of my team—is to ensure every performance goes smoothly. From maintaining the building’s integrity to managing onstage technical operations, customer service, security, and housekeeping, we make sure everything functions flawlessly, both on and off stage.

From Scenic services manager to Director of Operations

Before joining the Maison symphonique team, I spent 13 years at Place des Arts working in scenic services. When construction of the new symphonic hall began in 2010, I was invited to join the newly formed operations team. From the very beginning, I was involved in planning, setting up, and implementing the technical and operational services that would support the new concert hall.

My background in the performing arts, combined with my understanding of how the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) and Place des Arts operate, along with my experience in venue management, has enabled me to play a key role in developing the systems and infrastructure that support the hall’s daily operations. When the previous Director of Operations retired two years ago, I was proud to step into that leadership role and continue building on what we had begun.

AtkinsRéalis: Once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities

The project itself was the main draw. When I heard about the construction of the Maison symphonique, I immediately wanted to be part of it. Opportunities to help build a venue of this scale and prestige don’t come around often! I must say that the company’s reputation and long-standing track record in the province of Québec were also a draw.

What stood out to me in this PPP model was how AtkinsRéalis was involved in every phase of the project—from financing and design to construction and operations. That created a remarkable sense of cohesion between the teams as each phase transitioned to the next. Those professional connections have endured, strengthened by ongoing collaborations on related projects.

Keeping the passion alive: variety, teamwork, and great people

What keeps my job exciting after all these years is the variety. No two days are the same. My role requires versatility, as I engage with every aspect of the venue’s operations. I often work with people whose expertise differs completely from my own, and I’m constantly learning something new.

I’m also fortunate to be supported a small but incredibly dedicated multidisciplinary team. Over time, we’ve built what feels like a family—full of trust, mutual support, and a strong sense of belonging. And of course, working in such a beautiful, inspiring environment is a privilege. The Maison symphonique is at the heart of Montreal’s vibrant Quartier des spectacles, surrounded by music, art, and creativity every day.

A typical day working at the symphony

Because our activities operate 24/7, our team is constantly prepared to ensure that every system, service, and piece of equipment is functioning properly. I am often called upon to help resolve unexpected situations—anything from a technical issue on stage to a last-minute request from a performer or the production team. Our motto is simple: “The show must go on.”

We handle both minor and major emergencies every day, developing corrective plans that keep operations running smoothly. Our biggest challenge? Unpredictability. A day rarely ends as planned—yet that’s what makes it so dynamic and rewarding.

Shared pride in professional achievements

In 2021, for the 10th anniversary of the Maison symphonique, we produced a short video highlighting the people who helped bring the project to life—AtkinsRéalis employees, partners, and collaborators. When we asked them what stood out most from their experience, the answer was nearly unanimous: this was their proudest professional accomplishment.

I couldn’t agree more. I share that pride and hope to continue contributing to the project right up until the scheduled handover of the hall in 2038. It’s an incredible journey to be part of something so lasting and meaningful.

Why is AtkinsRéalis a great place to work?

Without hesitation, I would say it’s the people. AtkinsRéalis brings together professionals from a wide range of disciplines, creating a large pool of expertise. It’s easy to foster internal connections and find the right collaborators when needed. The company’s diversity means that, no matter the challenge, knowledge is available somewhere within the organization—and people are always willing to share it.

Our project serves as a prime example. Who would have imagined that AtkinsRéalis would also oversee a concert hall and that engineering contributes to culture? That’s what makes this company truly unique—it’s full of opportunities, expertise, and people passionate about their work.

Do you have a unique talent for orchestrating complex operations? Belong to a team that thrives in delivering flawless performances. Take a look at our latest civil engineering and operations management job openings.