Civil Design Manager - Site Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager - Site Design

Company: Olsson

Location: Kansas - Remote, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in leading quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) for site design projects, ensuring adherence to stringent engineering standards and best practices.

• The Civil Design Manager will provide senior-level design review, acting as a technical authority and mentor to project teams to enhance design quality and project outcomes.

• This position involves extensive client interaction, serving as a consultative resource to resolve project challenges and foster strong, collaborative relationships.

• The role demands proficiency in managing project staff on technical aspects, ensuring effective coordination across all involved engineering disciplines and project stakeholders.

• A key focus will be on driving efficiencies in the production of high-quality work, optimizing workflows and resource allocation for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is on civil engineering design, the "Operations" aspect of this role lies in the management of the design process, quality control, resource allocation, and client management, mirroring the strategic and process-oriented functions found in Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM Operations roles, albeit within an engineering context. The emphasis on QA/QC, efficiency, and senior-level review aligns with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage project staff on technical aspects of site development projects, ensuring seamless coordination with all involved disciplines (e.g., structural, environmental, landscape architecture).

• Plan, implement, and oversee the quality review process for all project deliverables, including drawings, specifications, and reports, to ensure compliance with company standards and client requirements.

• Serve as a consultative resource to clients, proactively identifying and resolving project-specific technical issues and providing expert guidance to achieve project objectives.

• Strengthen and further develop subject matter expertise in specific site design areas, such as stormwater management, grading, drainage, or utility design, contributing to the team's overall technical capabilities.

• Provide senior-level design review for a variety of land development projects, acting as a primary resource for technical challenges and complex design solutions.

• Assist in the preparation of project studies and proposals by acquiring necessary data, conducting preliminary analyses, and contributing to technical documentation.

• Promote and implement efficiencies in design production workflows, leveraging technology and process improvements to enhance the speed and quality of deliverables.

• Supervise, mentor, and review the assignments of less experienced civil designers and engineers, fostering their professional development and ensuring technical accuracy.

• Travel to job sites at different stages of construction to assess progress, address site-specific issues, and ensure design intent is met, working in various terrain and weather conditions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design standards, methodologies, and best practices within the Site Design group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outlined strongly emphasize process management, quality control, and technical leadership, which are core operational functions. The emphasis on "directs and manages staff on technical aspects," "oversees the quality review process," and "promotes efficiencies" directly translates to operational management principles applied within an engineering design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil design, with a significant focus on site development projects.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D: Extensive hands-on experience with all modules of AutoCAD Civil 3D for site design, including grading, stormwater analysis, utility layout, and drafting.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Proven ability to establish, implement, and manage robust QA/QC processes for engineering design deliverables.

• Technical Design Review: Expertise in conducting comprehensive senior-level design reviews, identifying potential issues, and providing constructive feedback for site development projects.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of project management principles, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, specifically for engineering projects.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interaction, team leadership, and interdisciplinary coordination.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to effectively direct, supervise, and mentor junior staff, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to address complex technical challenges and develop effective solutions.

• Client Relations Management: Experience in building and maintaining strong client relationships, serving as a trusted technical advisor.

Preferred Skills:

• Stormwater Management Design: In-depth knowledge and experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software and best practices for stormwater design.

• Land Development Regulations: Familiarity with local, state, and federal land development regulations and permitting processes.

• Experience with other CAD/Design Software: Proficiency in complementary design software relevant to site development (e.g., Bentley, Civil 3D extensions).

• Business Development Acumen: Ability to contribute to business development efforts, client engagement, and proposal preparation.

• Field Experience: Practical experience with construction site observation and problem-solving in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10 years of CAD experience, particularly in AutoCAD Civil 3D, alongside project management skills, indicates a need for a candidate who can not only execute designs but also manage the operational aspects of design delivery. The emphasis on QA/QC and senior-level review highlights a strategic operational oversight function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Site Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of completed site development projects, highlighting your role, challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. This should include examples of mixed-use, commercial, residential, and industrial developments.

• QA/QC Process Documentation: Evidence of established or implemented quality assurance and quality control procedures for design projects, demonstrating your approach to ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Project Management Examples: Include documentation or summaries of medium-sized projects managed, detailing scope, timelines, resource allocation, and successful outcomes.

• Technical Review Deliverables: Samples of design review reports or documentation that illustrate your ability to identify critical issues and provide actionable recommendations.

• Workflow Optimization Examples: If possible, showcase instances where you improved design processes or workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting and optimizing design workflows, from initial concept and schematic design through construction documentation and administration.

• Provide examples of how you have standardized processes for tasks such as grading, drainage design, utility coordination, and permitting submissions.

• Illustrate your ability to document the implementation of new design tools or software, including training and adoption strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing design processes, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of QA/QC, project management, and process optimization is crucial. This mirrors the need for operations professionals to present case studies of process improvements, system implementations, and metric-driven results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $100,000 - $140,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Civil Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in site design, considering the "remote" status within Kansas, USA. Factors influencing the range include the candidate's specific experience, depth of technical expertise, project management track record, and the company's overall compensation philosophy for senior technical roles. Research was conducted using salary data from reputable sources for engineering and design management positions in the US, with adjustments for a remote work arrangement in the specified region.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k) Match: Financial planning support with a matching contribution to your retirement savings.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for remote, hybrid, or in-office work to promote work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.

• Comprehensive Health Care: Medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage for employees and potentially their dependents.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

• Bonus System: Opportunity to participate in a performance-based bonus structure, rewarding individual and company achievements.

• Wellness Program: Initiatives and resources designed to promote employee health and well-being.

• Career Development: Tailored development paths and opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Impactful Work: Engagement in projects that contribute positively to communities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is approximately 40 hours.

• The role offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing for remote work and potential adjustments to accommodate project needs and personal life, aligning with the company's emphasis on work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the provided experience level and location. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are relevant to attracting and retaining skilled professionals in technical and operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Design Services, focused on Land Development, Infrastructure, and Environmental Solutions.

Company Size: Olsson is a mid-to-large sized firm, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals across multiple locations. This size suggests a stable organization with established processes and opportunities for career advancement, while still maintaining a culture that values individual contributions.

Founded: 1956. With a history dating back to 1956, Olsson has a long-standing reputation and deep-rooted expertise in the engineering and design sector, indicating a commitment to long-term growth and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Site Design group is a specialized division within Olsson, likely comprising civil engineers, designers, drafters, and project managers focused on land development.

• This role reports to a senior leadership position within the engineering or operations management structure, potentially a Director of Engineering or a similar executive.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Analysis: Emphasizes using data and analytical tools for site analysis, stormwater modeling, grading optimization, and feasibility studies.

• Collaborative Workflow Optimization: Focuses on efficient, interdisciplinary design processes, leveraging technology and clear communication to streamline project delivery and minimize errors.

• Client-Centric Problem Solving: Prioritizes understanding client needs and providing responsive, transparent, and results-oriented solutions to project challenges.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Commitment to integrating environmentally responsible and sustainable design principles into projects.

Company Website: https://www.olsson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Olsson's history, size, and industry focus provides context for the operational environment. The emphasis on "people-centric," "responsive, transparent, and focused on results" suggests a culture that values efficiency, client satisfaction, and employee development, aligning with operational excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level management role within the engineering and design operations. It signifies a transition from primarily technical execution to leadership in process management, quality oversight, and client advisory. The scope includes managing technical staff, ensuring design quality, and acting as a key client interface, demanding a blend of technical acumen and operational leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager likely reports to a higher-level engineering manager or operations director. They, in turn, will supervise and mentor junior civil designers and engineers. This structure highlights a clear hierarchy for technical guidance and operational oversight.

Operations Impact: The role's operations impact is significant:

• Quality & Risk Mitigation: By leading QA/QC, the manager directly reduces project risks, minimizes costly errors, and ensures client satisfaction, impacting profitability and reputation.

• Efficiency & Profitability: Promoting design efficiencies directly contributes to project profitability by optimizing resource utilization and reducing project timelines.

• Client Retention & Business Growth: Serving as a consultative resource strengthens client relationships, fostering repeat business and contributing to overall company growth.

• Talent Development: Mentoring junior staff builds a stronger, more capable team, ensuring future operational capacity and expertise.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas of site design (e.g., complex stormwater systems, sustainable infrastructure) becoming a go-to expert.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles such as Director of Site Design, Principal Engineer, or broader operational leadership positions within the firm.

• Business Development: Transition into roles with greater client engagement, proposal development, and business acquisition responsibilities.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead firm-wide initiatives to enhance design processes, technology adoption, and operational efficiency across multiple disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how the role contributes to the operational efficiency and strategic goals of the company, beyond just technical design. The growth paths outlined are typical for senior operational and technical leaders in engineering firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is primarily remote, Olsson maintains physical office locations. These offices likely foster a collaborative environment for in-person meetings, team workshops, and client presentations when needed. The company culture suggests these spaces are designed for collaboration and professional development.

Office Location(s): Candidates can work remotely from Kansas, or out of any Olsson office location within relevant regions. This offers flexibility and access to physical resources and team interaction points. Specific office locations can be found on the company website.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work Setup: Employees are expected to maintain a productive and professional home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Olsson's standard suite of design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is provided to ensure seamless remote operation.

• Collaboration Opportunities: Regular virtual team meetings, project check-ins, and opportunities for in-person interaction at offices or client sites facilitate ongoing collaboration and team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour workweek is expected, with flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate remote work and work-life balance.

• Occasional travel to job sites and for in-office activities is required, necessitating adaptability in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote aspect is key, but understanding how it integrates with office-based collaboration is important for operational effectiveness. The emphasis on flexibility aligns with modern operational trends in managing distributed teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, particularly experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and project management.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your civil design expertise, QA/QC processes, and experience with site development projects. Expect to discuss specific technical challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, design approach, problem-solving strategies, and project outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating your operational and technical leadership.

• Manager/Team Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and leadership potential.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your experience in site design, QA/QC leadership, and project management for medium-sized developments.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific contributions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, risk reduction, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to QA/QC, design review, and team supervision. Explain how you ensure quality and drive efficiency within the design process.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical decision-making, how you handle disagreements within a team, and your strategies for client communication and issue resolution.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely, respecting the time of the interviewers. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to site design challenges (e.g., complex grading issues, stormwater management problems, permitting hurdles) and how you would approach them operationally.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Think about how you would improve existing design workflows or implement new quality control measures within a team.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you manage teams, resolve conflicts, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies is critical for this role, mirroring how operations professionals must demonstrate tangible results and process improvements. Preparation should focus on operational management aspects of design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: Essential. In-depth mastery required for all aspects of civil site design, including grading, earthwork calculations, utility design, and plan production.

• Other CAD/Design Software: Familiarity with complementary software such as Bentley MicroStation, Carlson Software, or specific GIS platforms may be beneficial for broader project applicability.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: Proficiency in using company-specific tools or advanced Excel functions for generating reports on project progress, team performance, and QA/QC metrics.

• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze project data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed and tracked in CRM systems can be advantageous for client relationship management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, or SharePoint for managing project documentation and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tool is AutoCAD Civil 3D. The operational aspect comes from the use of project management and potentially CRM/document management systems to ensure efficient workflow and client communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Responsiveness & Transparency: Upholding Olsson's promise to be responsive to client needs and transparent in project communication and decision-making processes.

• Results-Focused: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, timely, and cost-effective design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and project objectives.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work collectively to achieve project and company goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to constantly seeking ways to enhance design processes, technical skills, and operational efficiency.

• Community Impact: A genuine desire to contribute positively to the communities where projects are located through thoughtful and sustainable design.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication among team members, across disciplines, and with clients to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Promoting an environment where feedback is given and received constructively, aiding in professional development and process refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing technical expertise and best practices within the team and the broader organization.

• Mentorship: A willingness to guide and develop less experienced staff, fostering a supportive learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values directly inform the operational expectations for this role, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction through collaborative and transparent processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Remote Management with Team Cohesion: Effectively leading and motivating a remote team, ensuring consistent quality and engagement without constant direct oversight.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling the technical complexities and client expectations of various site development projects simultaneously.

• Navigating Evolving Design Standards and Technologies: Staying current with advancements in civil engineering design, software, and regulatory requirements.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality Across All Projects: Maintaining high standards for design accuracy and compliance, especially when managing multiple projects and team members remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and courses to deepen expertise in specialized areas of civil engineering design and site development.

• Leadership and Management Development: Access to training programs focused on enhancing project management, team leadership, and operational strategy skills.

• Industry Conferences and Networking: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Olsson to guide career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and framing them as growth opportunities is key for candidates. This section helps operations professionals anticipate hurdles and prepare strategies for success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to implementing and managing a QA/QC program for civil design projects. What key metrics would you track?" (Focus on process, measurement, and operational oversight.)

• "How do you ensure effective technical coordination and communication between various engineering disciplines on complex site development projects, especially in a remote setting?" (Highlight cross-functional collaboration, communication protocols, and operational strategies.)

• "Walk me through a challenging site design project you managed. What were the primary technical and operational hurdles, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating problem-solving, project management, and leadership.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Olsson, how would your leadership style contribute to our people-centric culture and commitment to results?" (Research Olsson's values and tailor your response to demonstrate alignment with their operational ethos.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior engineers and designers to ensure they grow technically and operationally?" (Emphasize your role in talent development and team building.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the Problem, your Solution (including processes and tools used), and the Results (quantified impact).

• Highlight Operational Contributions: Emphasize your role in project management, QA/QC, team direction, and client interaction, not just the technical design elements.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your designs and justify your decisions.

• Showcase Adaptability: If applicable, discuss how you adapted to remote work challenges or implemented new technologies.

• Engage Your Audience: Make your presentation interactive, inviting questions and discussion related to your operational strategies and technical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to elicit responses that demonstrate operational thinking, process management capabilities, and leadership, which are critical for success in this role and are transferable to other operations-focused positions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Olsson careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of AutoCAD Civil 3D experience, project management accomplishments for medium-sized projects, and specific experience with QA/QC and design review processes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong site design projects. For each, clearly outline the challenges, your operational and technical solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this effectively, focusing on your leadership and process management contributions.

• Research Olsson: Familiarize yourself with Olsson's projects, values, and culture. Understand their commitment to community impact and results-driven solutions to articulate your alignment during interviews.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on demonstrating your operational leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage teams and processes effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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