Design Manager – Defence & Federal Projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Defence & Federal Projects

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years Total Experience (5+ years in Design Management)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design delivery of complex, high-security defence and federal infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with client operational and construction requirements.

• Oversee multidisciplinary design teams, coordinating efforts across various engineering and architectural disciplines to produce constructible and compliant solutions.

• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and quality control throughout the design lifecycle, adhering to GHD standards and federal regulatory mandates.

• Act as a key liaison between project management, design teams, construction teams, and stakeholders, facilitating communication and resolving technical challenges.

• Drive continuous improvement in project strategy, design processes, and efficiency to meet aggressive schedule and budget targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Defence and Federal sector, requiring a strong understanding of government procurement, security protocols, and the unique complexities of military infrastructure. The hybrid work model necessitates strong self-management and effective remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the management of multi-disciplinary design delivery for infrastructure and facility projects, with a specific focus on federal defence work.

• Ensure all engineering design outputs strictly align with GHD's established standards, project-specific methodologies, and all applicable federal regulatory requirements.

• Oversee and coordinate the Quality Control (QC) process for all deliverable submittals, ensuring adherence to GHD’s comprehensive Quality Management System.

• Develop or meticulously verify the technical scope of projects and collaborate with disciplines to generate accurate pricing proposals and subsequent work plans for design initiation.

• Actively participate in the preparation and rigorous adherence to a schedule of deliverables, in close collaboration with the Project Controls team.

• Take ownership of managing the engineering design budget, providing critical inputs and updates to the Project Controls team.

• Implement and strictly follow the project’s Change Control system, including proactive identification and escalation of potential changes to scope, schedule, or budget.

• Continuously review and propose improvements to the overall project strategy to optimize design schedule and budget, with a particular focus on supporting staging and phasing requirements.

• Foster fluid and effective communication channels between the project management team, the design team, the construction team, and all internal and external stakeholders involved in engineering aspects.

• Verify that schedule and budget data accurately reflect the progress of professional services throughout the project execution lifecycle.

• Coordinate the preparation of detailed design criteria by discipline leads, ensuring a unified and clear design direction.

• Lead the creation and execution of detailed design work plans and Level of Effort (LOE) estimations.

• Convene, chair, and meticulously document interdisciplinary design coordination meetings, bringing forward critical updates and any issues impacting external stakeholders to the Project Manager.

• Potentially serve as the primary liaison between the construction contract administrator and the engineering team during the construction phase, coordinating multidisciplinary problem resolution for non-compliance issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and robust project management. The emphasis on "compliant, constructible solutions" and "federal regulatory requirements" indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of government project lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s (B.Sc.) degree in a relevant engineering or architectural discipline from a recognized college or university.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated design management experience on multi-discipline architectural or engineering teams for infrastructure or facility projects specifically within Canada.

• An additional 5+ years of broader industry experience in related fields.

• Total industry experience of 10+ years is required. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Design Management for complex infrastructure and facility projects.

• Strong Project Management capabilities, including scope, schedule, and budget control.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate Multidisciplinary Design Teams effectively.

• Proficiency in Budget Management and financial oversight for design phases.

• Solid understanding and application of Quality Control principles and systems (e.g., GHD’s QMS).

• Experience with Infrastructure Project Delivery, particularly in Canadian contexts.

• Familiarity with Federal Governance structures and procurement processes.

• Understanding of Security Requirements for sensitive government projects.

• Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) on multi-discipline projects.

• Knowledge of Scheduling Software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and Capital Cost Estimating techniques.

• Experience with Change Control processes and management.

• Ability to develop and verify Technical Scope and create detailed Work Plans.

• Effective Stakeholder Management and communication skills.

• Experience or understanding of Construction Contract Administration principles.

• Proficiency in Problem Resolution for technical and project-related issues. Preferred Skills:

• Previous project design experience in specific disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, process mechanical, building mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation & control) is a strong asset.

• Experience delivering projects for Defence Construction Canada (DCC).

• Experience delivering projects using Alternative Delivery Models such as Design-Build, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), or Alliance contracts.

• Familiarity with scheduling software and engineering/capital cost estimating techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of design management experience... within Canada" is a critical qualifier, indicating a need for local project context and regulatory knowledge. The requirement for a Bachelor's degree combined with 10+ years of total experience suggests a senior-level role demanding substantial practical application and leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing the end-to-end design process for complex infrastructure projects, showcasing a systematic approach to design development and delivery.

• Case studies highlighting successful coordination of multidisciplinary design teams, illustrating problem-solving strategies and collaborative workflow management.

• Examples of project documentation that emphasize scope definition, schedule adherence, and budget management, showcasing your ability to control project constraints.

• Evidence of implementing and overseeing quality control measures within design projects, demonstrating a commitment to delivering compliant and high-quality outputs.

• Documentation or descriptions of projects where you managed or contributed to the development of technical scope and work plans. Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of design work plans, including Level of Effort (LOE) estimations and resource allocation strategies.

• Documentation showcasing how you have managed project budgets and tracked financial performance against design expenditures.

• Records or descriptions of how you have managed project schedules, including the development of deliverable timelines and progress tracking mechanisms.

• Case studies illustrating the application of change control processes, detailing how changes were identified, evaluated, and managed to minimize impact.

• Examples of quality control plans or reports demonstrating your oversight of design deliverable reviews and compliance checks.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to managing stakeholder communication and interdisciplinary coordination meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize process and outcome. Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how they have managed design phases, controlled costs, met schedules, and ensured quality on complex projects, particularly those with government or defence clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,270 - $135,450 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive benefits packages typically include medical, dental, and vision insurance, often with wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings: Opportunities for retirement savings plans, such as RRSP matching or pension contributions, are common.

• Professional Development: GHD likely offers support for continuous learning, including training programs, workshops, and potentially funding for certifications or further education relevant to engineering and project management.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation time, paid holidays, and sick leave policies are standard.

• Work-Life Balance Initiatives: The hybrid work model itself promotes better work-life balance, supplemented by potential flexible working arrangements.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model requires 3 days in the office, allowing for flexibility in structuring the remaining workdays, whether remote or in-office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($81,270 - $135,450 CAD) is explicitly stated as representing GHD locations in major city centers, with potential variations for other locations. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in a major Canadian market like Toronto. The mention of "AI in recruiting" suggests a modern hiring process, and candidates should be aware their applications might be initially screened by AI.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction Consulting. GHD operates globally, providing professional services across water, energy and resources, property and buildings, and transport sectors.

Company Size: GHD is a large, global organization, employing thousands of professionals worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928, giving it a long history and deep experience in delivering complex projects across various sectors. This longevity speaks to its resilience and established reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Defence and Federal market team is a specialized unit within GHD's Canadian operations, likely composed of experienced project managers, design leads, engineers, architects, and support staff.

• The Design Manager will report into a senior leadership position within the Defence and Federal practice, likely a Director or Senior Principal overseeing this sector.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with project controls, discipline leads, construction teams, business development, and potentially legal/contracting departments. Methodology:

• GHD emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, utilizing advanced analytics and project management tools to ensure efficiency and client satisfaction.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, especially in managing complex, multi-stage projects like those in the defence sector.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into project management and design workflows to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and long-term client relationships. The specific focus on Defence and Federal projects implies a need for a team that understands and adheres to stringent government standards and security protocols.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level Design Manager position, typically considered a Principal or Senior Associate level within a large consulting firm like GHD. It involves significant autonomy, responsibility for high-value projects, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams. The focus is on managing the technical delivery and design integrity of complex projects, ensuring they meet all client, regulatory, and GHD standards.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager responsible for the Defence and Federal sector in Canada. They will, in turn, manage and guide various discipline leads and design teams working on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and substantial. They are responsible for ensuring the successful technical execution of critical defence and federal infrastructure projects. This includes ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, directly contributing to GHD's reputation, client satisfaction, and revenue generation within this key market segment. Their ability to manage risk and resolve complex design challenges is paramount.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise within specific defence infrastructure types (e.g., naval facilities, airbases) or advanced design methodologies (e.g., BIM implementation strategies).

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Manager, Sector Lead, or Program Manager roles, overseeing larger portfolios of defence and federal projects.

• Business Development: Transition into roles that involve client engagement, proposal development, and strategic planning for the Defence and Federal market.

• Mentorship: Become a mentor to junior designers and project managers, contributing to the development of GHD's talent pipeline.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or contribute to GHD's global initiatives in defence or infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized, high-stakes sector. The combination of technical leadership and project management skills developed here is highly transferable and valuable within the broader infrastructure and government consulting industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates under a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the Toronto office. This suggests a professional, collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork, innovation, and client interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location specified is 70 York St. Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1S9. This central downtown Toronto location offers excellent accessibility via public transit and is within a vibrant business district.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to balance in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Expect opportunities for face-to-face meetings, team brainstorming sessions, and informal knowledge sharing with colleagues.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to GHD's standard suite of project management software, design tools (including BIM platforms), communication platforms, and potentially secure network access for defence projects.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a dedicated Defence and Federal projects team, as well as broader GHD technical specialists and project management professionals.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling the remaining workdays outside the 3 required office days, supporting a better work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a hybrid model with specific in-office days indicates a company culture that values both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable navigating a blended work environment and demonstrating productivity in both settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Your application and resume will likely be reviewed by both AI and the hiring team for initial qualification against the stated requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a technical assessment or present a case study showcasing your experience in managing complex design projects, particularly those with defence or federal clients. This will focus on your approach to scope, schedule, budget, and risk management.

• Interviews with Hiring Team: Expect interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other senior members of the Defence and Federal team. These will delve deeper into your experience, leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of federal project complexities.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Discussions will likely assess your alignment with GHD’s values, your collaborative approach, and your ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Defence/Federal Projects: Prioritize examples that specifically demonstrate your experience with government clients, secure facilities, or large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., % cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation success).

• Highlight Process Management: Showcase your systematic approach to design management, including scope definition, work planning, budget control, schedule adherence, and quality assurance.

• Demonstrate Multidisciplinary Coordination: Provide examples of how you effectively managed and communicated with diverse engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Address Security and Compliance: If possible, include examples that illustrate your understanding and management of federal governance, security requirements, and regulatory compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would handle specific challenges related to budget overruns, schedule delays, scope creep, or interdisciplinary conflicts on a defence project.

• Process Walkthroughs: Be ready to walk through your typical design management process from project initiation to closeout, highlighting key control points and decision-making stages.

• Company Research: Understand GHD's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the Defence and Federal sector. Be prepared to articulate how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI in the recruitment process suggests candidates should optimize their resumes with relevant keywords from the job description. A strong portfolio is crucial, and candidates should prepare to articulate their experience in a structured, results-oriented manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or GHD's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software: Experience with BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is highly valued for managing complex design data and facilitating collaboration.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or GHD's internal communication systems for seamless remote and in-office team interaction.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with GHD's chosen document management solutions for organizing and controlling project deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for managing engineering design budgets and tracking expenditures against project costs.

• Performance Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule, budget, and quality.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design management interfaces with client relationship management and business development processes is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles may be advantageous for improving design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the defence and federal project focus, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with secure systems and data management protocols. Proficiency in BIM is explicitly mentioned as an asset, highlighting its importance in modern infrastructure design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, particularly within the demanding context of defence and federal projects.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design quality, project delivery, and technical expertise.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where multidisciplinary input is valued and integrated.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and delivering on commitments, crucial for building trust with government clients.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and efficient approaches to design and project management challenges.

• Safety & Security: Prioritizing safety in design and adhering to stringent security protocols for sensitive projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative style that bridges the gap between design, project controls, construction, and client stakeholders. Open communication and proactive problem-solving are key.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages the review and refinement of design and project management processes to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values professionalism, technical expertise, and client relationships. For this specific role, the emphasis will likely be on rigorous execution, adherence to standards, and effective teamwork within a high-stakes sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Complexity & Security: Managing highly complex defence projects with stringent security requirements and evolving government regulations.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse and often demanding expectations of multiple federal agencies, Defence Canada, and other stakeholders.

• Budget and Schedule Pressures: Delivering large-scale infrastructure projects within tight budgets and aggressive timelines, common in government contracts.

• Technological Integration: Effectively integrating and managing advanced design technologies like BIM across multidisciplinary teams.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Successfully managing a hybrid team and ensuring seamless collaboration and productivity across office and remote settings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to GHD's extensive training programs focused on defence project management, federal procurement, and advanced design technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., P.Eng., PMP, LEED).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders in the defence sector and to mentor junior professionals.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to a wide range of engineering and architectural disciplines involved in defence infrastructure projects.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network within the Canadian defence and federal government sector through GHD's established relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale government projects, but these are balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a specialized and critical sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex, multi-disciplinary design project with significant security or regulatory requirements. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance and successful delivery?" (Focus on process, risk management, and outcomes).

• "How do you approach developing and managing a design budget for a large infrastructure project? Walk me through your process for tracking costs and implementing change control." (Highlight financial acumen and process discipline).

• "Imagine a scenario where two key engineering disciplines have conflicting design requirements. How would you facilitate a resolution that aligns with project objectives and client needs?" (Assess problem-solving and collaboration skills).

• "Discuss your experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM). How have you leveraged BIM to improve design coordination, identify clashes, and enhance project delivery?" (Demonstrate technical proficiency). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GHD's work in the Defence and Federal sector, and why are you interested in contributing to this specific market?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our hybrid work environment and fostering collaboration within your team?" (Address adaptability and team dynamics).

• "Describe your leadership style when managing design teams. How do you motivate team members and ensure accountability?" (Evaluate leadership and team management approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, with each case study including: Project Overview (client, scope, budget), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Solutions Implemented, and Quantifiable Results (schedule, cost, quality).

• Visuals: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or relevant project images (if permissible) to illustrate complex processes or design elements.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on your direct contributions and impact.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate detailed questions about your projects, processes, and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with a clear understanding of the unique demands of defence and federal projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the GHD Group career portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords and experiences directly related to design management, defence/federal projects, multidisciplinary team leadership, BIM, and project controls, aligning with the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects demonstrating your design management expertise, particularly in complex infrastructure or government-related work. Be ready to discuss scope, schedule, budget, quality, and stakeholder management.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills, especially in challenging project environments.

• Research GHD: Thoroughly research GHD's Defence and Federal sector projects, company values, and recent news to articulate your alignment and interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.