Design Manager - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Company: Hatch

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure & Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of high-profile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and transportation corridor projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and risk management protocols.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the Civil Engineering practice in the North-West region, focusing on growing the business and shaping a capable team.

• Manage multidisciplinary teams, including resource planning, workload allocation, financial oversight, and staff development, to ensure project success and team growth.

• Act as a client-facing representative, fostering strong relationships with clients, agencies, contractors, and stakeholders to support business development and project outcomes.

• Oversee the planning and design of integrated BRT corridors, encompassing roadway, transit priority measures, structures, utilities, and active transportation elements, ensuring seamless multidisciplinary coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Hatch's Project Delivery Group, focusing specifically on the specialized area of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. The emphasis on "Practice in the North-West region" and "growing the business" suggests a significant component of business development and market expansion alongside technical and project management duties. The requirement for an Engineer of Record (EOR) indicates a high level of technical accountability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert design leadership and technical guidance for BRT, Roads, and Civil infrastructure projects across BC and Alberta, actively supporting practice growth and strategic business initiatives.

• Take ownership of a diverse portfolio of BRT and transportation corridor projects, meticulously overseeing their delivery with a focus on quality, defined scope, adherence to schedule, budget constraints, and effective risk mitigation.

• Lead and orchestrate the comprehensive planning and intricate design of BRT corridors, ensuring the successful integration of roadway engineering, dedicated transit priority measures, structural components, utility coordination, and active transportation infrastructure.

• Effectively manage and mentor project teams, encompassing meticulous resource planning, dynamic workload management, stringent financial oversight, and strategic staff development to foster high performance and career progression.

• Foster collaborative partnerships with internal engineering disciplines and external stakeholders, including clients, agencies, and contractors, to deliver holistic, integrated, and multidisciplinary solutions.

• Serve as the Engineer of Record (EOR) for relevant projects, conducting thorough reviews and providing formal approvals for designs, technical reports, project specifications, and cost estimates.

• Cultivate and maintain robust, long-term relationships with key clients, government agencies, contractors, and project stakeholders, contributing directly to successful project outcomes and repeat business.

• Ensure strict compliance with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal design standards, stringent safety requirements, and established quality management processes throughout project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical project delivery and business growth. The "Engineer of Record (EOR)" responsibility is critical, implying a deep level of technical accountability and the need for a licensed professional engineer with significant design oversight experience. The mention of "BC and Alberta" suggests a regional scope of responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.

Experience: Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in transportation and civil engineering, with a strong specialization in urban corridors, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, and roadway design and project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in British Columbia (EGBC) or Alberta (APEGA), or eligibility for registration; multi-province registration is considered a significant asset.

• Demonstrated expertise in municipal and highway design standards, with a proven track record in the successful delivery of complex corridor and infrastructure projects.

• Strong, hands-on experience in the planning and detailed design of BRT or transit-priority projects, including the integration of roadway elements, structures, utilities, and active transportation components.

• Proven project and design management capabilities, with extensive experience in overseeing scope, schedule, budget, and risk management for large-scale projects.

• Solid understanding of business development principles, market trend analysis, and effective client relationship management strategies.

• Experience serving in a key technical leadership role, such as Design Lead or Engineer of Record (EOR), including comprehensive review and approval of designs, reports, and technical specifications.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including clients, agencies, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong organizational and leadership acumen, demonstrating the capacity to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and consistently meet commitments.

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

• Ability to thrive and deliver results within a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative work environment characterized by evolving priorities and tight deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Multi-province P.Eng. registration (BC, AB).

• Advanced degree in Civil Engineering or a related specialized field.

• Experience with specific BRT system technologies and operational considerations.

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 15+ years, coupled with the P.Eng. designation and EOR responsibility, clearly positions this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on both technical design and project management, alongside business development and client relations, suggests a need for a well-rounded and experienced professional. The mention of "urban corridors" and "active transportation" indicates a focus on integrated urban planning and design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented evidence of successful project leadership in the planning and design of significant BRT or complex urban corridor projects.

• Case studies demonstrating effective project and design management, highlighting your role in controlling scope, schedule, budget, and risk.

• Examples of technical leadership, including instances where you served as Engineer of Record (EOR) or Lead Design Engineer, showcasing your review and approval processes.

• Demonstrations of client relationship management and business development successes, illustrating your ability to secure and manage projects.

• Examples of multidisciplinary coordination and integration of various project components (e.g., roadway, structures, utilities, active transport). Process Documentation:

• Showcase your methodology for leading multidisciplinary design teams, including workflow optimization and collaboration strategies.

• Provide examples of your approach to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning for transportation infrastructure projects.

• Illustrate your process for ensuring design compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal standards, as well as quality management protocols.

• Detail your approach to client engagement, stakeholder management, and communication throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with EOR responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. It should emphasize project management, technical design oversight, and business development achievements. The candidate's ability to document and present complex processes and project outcomes will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 15+ years of experience in Vancouver, BC, specializing in transportation infrastructure and BRT, the estimated salary range is CAD $140,000 - $200,000 annually. This estimate considers the senior leadership level, technical expertise required, and the high cost of living in Vancouver.

Benefits:

• Flexible work environment, offering adaptability to personal and professional needs.

• Long-term career development opportunities, with pathways for advancement and specialization within Hatch.

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Pension or retirement savings plan contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and statutory holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, flexibility may be offered to accommodate project demands and personal needs, aligning with the "Flexible work environment" benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no specific salary was provided, a range has been estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in Vancouver, Canada. This estimate is a benchmark and actual compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The provided benefits are common for engineering firms of Hatch's stature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Project Management, with a strong focus on Mining, Energy, and Infrastructure sectors. Hatch operates globally, providing technical expertise and project delivery services.

Company Size: Over 10,000 employees worldwide, with a significant presence across 150 countries. This indicates a large, established organization with diverse capabilities and resources.

Founded: Over 70 years of business and technical expertise. This long history suggests stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of its core industries.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Project Delivery Group (PDG), a team focused on world-class project delivery.

• The Design Manager will lead the "Practice in the North-West region," implying a regional leadership role within the broader engineering structure.

• Collaboration is expected across various internal disciplines (e.g., structural, roadway, utilities, environmental) and with external partners (clients, agencies, contractors).

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a senior executive or regional director within the PDG, while managing a team of engineers and designers. Methodology:

• Hatch emphasizes practical, safe, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

• Project delivery excellence is a core tenet of the PDG, leveraging methodologies, governance, and systems.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the need for technical leadership and rigorous project oversight.

• The company culture values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hatch's established global presence and long history suggest a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on "positive change" and "bettering industries" indicates a mission-driven culture. The Project Delivery Group's focus on methodologies and systems implies a commitment to efficient and effective project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Manager role, indicating significant responsibility for technical direction, project oversight, team leadership, and business development within a specialized engineering domain (BRT/Transportation Infrastructure). It is a leadership position with P.Eng. and EOR responsibilities, requiring seasoned expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Hatch's Project Delivery Group or a Regional Director responsible for the North-West region. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and project staff.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to Hatch's success in securing and delivering major transportation infrastructure projects. Their technical leadership ensures project quality and compliance, while their business development efforts drive revenue growth and market share. Effective management of resources and client relationships directly contributes to profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior management roles, such as Regional Director, Director of Transportation, or executive positions within Hatch's infrastructure sector.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in BRT systems, urban mobility, or other specialized areas of transportation engineering.

• Business Development Expansion: Grow the BRT and transportation practice in the North-West region, taking on greater responsibility for market strategy and client acquisition.

• Mentorship and Talent Development: Play a key role in developing and mentoring the next generation of transportation engineers and project leaders within Hatch.

• Global Project Exposure: Leverage Hatch's international presence for potential involvement in or oversight of global transportation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step for experienced transportation engineers. The blend of technical leadership, project management, and business development offers a clear path for growth within a large, reputable engineering firm like Hatch. The emphasis on leading a regional practice suggests a strong potential for leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is described as a hybrid work environment. This suggests a combination of in-office work for collaboration, meetings, and strategic planning, and remote work for focused individual tasks.

Office Location(s): Hatch has offices in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The specific office location will provide access to local infrastructure and talent pools.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination suggest an environment that values both focused individual work and dynamic team collaboration. In-office days will likely be utilized for team meetings, design reviews, and client interactions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: As a leading engineering firm, Hatch will provide access to industry-standard design software (e.g., CAD, BIM, traffic modeling), project management platforms, and communication tools necessary for effective project delivery.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and business development professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week. The hybrid nature and emphasis on flexibility allow for potential adjustments to accommodate project deadlines and personal needs, ensuring a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a modern approach to work, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This is common in professional services firms aiming to attract and retain talent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in the PDG) focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, leadership style, and strategic thinking related to BRT and transportation projects.

• Technical/Team Interview: An interview with key team members or subject matter experts to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative fit. This may include a review of past projects.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work or a case study of a significant BRT or transportation project they managed, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This assesses their ability to articulate complex information and demonstrate impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or regional director to discuss strategic vision, business development plans, and overall fit within Hatch's leadership team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in BRT/transportation design, project management, team leadership, and client relations. Prioritize projects with demonstrable impact and successful outcomes.

• Focus on Impact and Metrics: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, design innovation, client satisfaction). Quantify wherever possible.

• Highlight Process and Methodology: Explain your approach to design management, risk mitigation, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Show your understanding of engineering best practices and quality management.

• Tailor to Hatch: Research Hatch's projects and values. Frame your experience and presentation to align with their focus on sustainability, innovation, and positive change.

• Practice Your Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio concisely, highlighting key achievements and demonstrating your ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• BRT/Transportation Design Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical questions regarding the design, planning, or management of BRT corridors, including integration with existing infrastructure, traffic management, and stakeholder concerns.

• Project Management Dilemmas: Anticipate questions about managing challenging projects, resolving conflicts within teams, mitigating risks, or handling scope creep.

• Business Development Strategy: Prepare to discuss your approach to market analysis, client engagement, proposal development, and growing a practice area.

• Leadership and Team Management: Be ready to share examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed engineering teams to achieve high performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of the role and the EOR requirement, a robust portfolio presentation is highly probable. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just technical skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software: Revit, Navisworks for collaborative design and model coordination.

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource planning, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and file sharing.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar for version control and document archiving.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Tools: Specialized software for developing detailed cost estimates and budgets.

• Risk Management Software: Tools for identifying, assessing, and tracking project risks.

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially Excel for basic analysis, with more advanced needs met by specialized engineering analysis software.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce or similar might be used for client relationship management and business development tracking.

• ERP Systems: SAP or similar for financial oversight, resource allocation, and overall business operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in this field would be expected to be proficient in industry-standard CAD/BIM software, project management platforms, and collaboration tools. Familiarity with enterprise-level systems for finance and client management is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation and Sustainability: Hatch's commitment to "positive change" and "sustainable solutions" suggests a culture that values forward-thinking design and environmentally conscious practices in infrastructure development.

• Excellence in Delivery: The emphasis on "world-class project delivery" and "industry-leading efficiencies" highlights a dedication to high performance, quality, and meticulous execution in all projects.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The need for multidisciplinary coordination and cross-functional partnerships indicates a culture that thrives on teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving.

• Client Focus: Strong relationships with clients are paramount, implying a value placed on understanding client needs, exceeding expectations, and building long-term partnerships.

• Safety and Integrity: As an engineering firm, a strong emphasis on safety protocols and ethical conduct is fundamental to all operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach: Expect a collaborative style that requires seamless integration of diverse engineering disciplines to deliver complex BRT and infrastructure projects.

• Open Communication Channels: The hybrid environment and focus on project delivery necessitate clear, consistent, and open communication among team members, stakeholders, and clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A collaborative environment where challenges are addressed proactively through joint effort and diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Hatch's stated values and the nature of large-scale infrastructure projects suggest a professional, results-oriented, and collaborative team culture. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation aligns with modern engineering practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Interfaces: Effectively coordinating and integrating designs across various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, traffic, utilities, environmental) for large BRT projects presents a significant challenge requiring strong leadership and communication.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Business Development: The dual responsibility of leading design and growing the practice requires a delicate balance of deep technical focus and strategic market engagement.

• Navigating Evolving Urban Mobility Trends: Staying abreast of and integrating new technologies, sustainability requirements, and changing urban planning paradigms in transit design can be demanding.

• Client and Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring alignment among diverse stakeholders (clients, public agencies, community groups, contractors) with potentially competing interests can be complex.

• Resource Management and Team Development: Effectively planning, allocating, and developing talent within a growing regional practice to meet project demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BRT System Design: Deepen expertise in specialized areas of BRT planning, design, and operations through project experience and potential specialized training.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Enhance leadership capabilities through mentorship, training programs, and the experience of managing a growing practice and complex projects.

• Business Development and Client Relations: Develop advanced skills in strategic market analysis, client acquisition, and proposal management.

• Sustainability and Innovation in Infrastructure: Gain exposure to and implement cutting-edge sustainable design practices and innovative solutions in transportation infrastructure.

• Professional Networking: Expand professional networks through client interactions, industry conferences, and participation in professional engineering associations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a complex engineering field, requiring strong problem-solving and leadership skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear pathways for career advancement and skill enhancement within Hatch.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in leading the design of a major Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful integration of all components?" (Focus on technical leadership, project management, and multidisciplinary coordination.)

• "How do you approach business development and growing a practice area within a large engineering firm? Provide an example of a successful client relationship you developed or a new market opportunity you pursued." (Assess business acumen and client management skills.)

• "As an Engineer of Record (EOR), what is your process for reviewing and approving designs, specifications, and reports to ensure quality and compliance?" (Evaluate technical accountability and quality assurance processes.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities or a challenging stakeholder group on a transportation project. How did you resolve it?" (Test problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hatch and this specific Design Manager role within our Project Delivery Group?" (Gauge your understanding of Hatch's mission and the role's strategic importance.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and sustainability within your engineering teams?" (Align your approach with Hatch's core values.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you mentor and develop engineering talent." (Assess your ability to lead and grow teams.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between diverse engineering disciplines and external partners?" (Understand your approach to integrated project delivery.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career trajectory, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project:

  • Context: Briefly describe the project's scope, objectives, and your role.
  • Challenges: Detail the primary technical, logistical, or stakeholder hurdles.
  • Solutions: Explain the design, management, and collaboration strategies you employed.
  • Outcomes: Quantify the results (e.g., budget adherence, schedule achievements, client satisfaction, technical innovations, sustainability impacts).

• Visuals: Use slides with clear diagrams, photos, and key metrics. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative of problem-solving and successful leadership.

• Highlight EOR Experience: Clearly delineate instances where you acted as EOR, emphasizing your technical oversight and approval processes.

• Business Development Impact: Where relevant, showcase how your efforts contributed to securing or expanding projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe technical depth, project management expertise, leadership capabilities, and business development potential, all critical for a senior role with EOR responsibilities. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to visually demonstrate these competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Hatch careers portal via the provided job URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience in transportation and civil engineering, specifically emphasizing your work on BRT, urban corridors, and roadway design. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Project Delivery," "Engineer of Record (EOR)," "Business Development," and "Multidisciplinary Coordination."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership in BRT design, project management, and client relations. Ensure each project includes clear details on challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Hatch: Thoroughly research Hatch's recent projects, particularly in the transportation and infrastructure sectors, and their company values (sustainability, innovation, positive change). This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer strategy, technical, and behavioral questions, focusing on providing specific examples that highlight your experience and leadership style. Practice articulating your portfolio presentation clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.