Design Manager, Gateway Program

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Gateway Program

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site (5 days a week at project office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of multidisciplinary design standards within the Gateway Program, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Oversee the entirety of the pre-construction phase services, encompassing planning, all design iterations, site development, permitting processes, and procurement support.

• Act as a key client interface, providing expert technical advice and subject matter expertise throughout all project phases to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Manage design consultancy agreements meticulously, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, project schedules, and budgetary constraints.

• Facilitate comprehensive design reviews and coordinate feedback from all internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective and efficient review cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and context strongly indicate a role within Project/Program Management with a specialized focus on the design and pre-construction phases of large capital infrastructure projects, particularly in the airport sector. This role requires a blend of technical design oversight, project management acumen, and strong stakeholder engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of multi-disciplinary design standards and works collaboratively with the main contractor to ensure project coherence and quality.

• Oversee pre-construction phase services, including thorough planning, all design phases, site development strategies, permitting applications, and procurement support activities.

• Serve as a primary client interface at multiple levels and across all project phases, providing essential technical advice, guidance, and subject matter expertise related to design development and client needs.

• Manage design consultancy agreements effectively to achieve contractual requirements concerning technical specifications, project timelines, and cost containment.

• Facilitate design reviews and coordinate input and feedback from all internal and external stakeholders to ensure feedback is provided in an effective and efficient manner, driving design progress.

• Manage reviews by external stakeholder groups, such as airlines, regulatory agencies, and authorities having jurisdiction, to ensure compliance and gain necessary approvals.

• Provide Management and Executive level progress and performance reports, clearly highlighting key risks, potential opportunities, and strategic recommendations for decision-makers.

• Manage the client review and approval process for the design at all phases, facilitating a smooth and effective handover between the development and construction stages of the Gateway Program.

• Provide technical assistance and support to the delivery teams, leveraging knowledge of design phases and client facilities requirements to inform construction delivery phases of the Program.

• Conduct and coordinate quality reviews to ensure compliance with the scope and specific requirements of the work within the Gateway Program.

• Coach, mentor, and support the career development of project staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong project management component, particularly in managing consultants, stakeholders, and the pre-construction lifecycle. The mention of "Gateway Program" implies a significant, potentially phased, capital project where design management is critical for overall program success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Typically, 10+ years of professional experience in managing large capital programs, with a specific focus on engineering/design management roles.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and coordinate the implementation of multi-disciplinary design standards.

• Demonstrated experience in overseeing pre-construction phase services, including planning, design phases, site development, permitting, and procurement support.

• Strong client interface skills with the ability to provide technical advice and subject matter expertise.

• Experience in managing design consultancy agreements to meet technical, schedule, and cost requirements.

• Proficiency in facilitating design reviews and coordinating stakeholder feedback effectively.

• Experience in managing reviews by external stakeholder groups (e.g., airlines, authorities having jurisdiction).

• Ability to provide management and executive-level progress and performance reports, identifying key risks and opportunities.

• Experience in managing client review/approval of designs and facilitating handover between development and construction.

• Capability to provide technical assistance and support to delivery teams based on design phase knowledge.

• Experience in conducting and coordinating quality reviews for scope and requirement compliance.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrable experience using AutoCAD & Revit (MicroStation is an asset), BIM, and Civil 3D design software.

• Experience in Microsoft Office software suite.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including facilitating meetings/workshops with large groups.

• Strong technical capability across all project phases and ability to solve complex problems, including using data analytics to support solution identification.

• Demonstrable experience in managing senior stakeholder relationships and providing strategic-level reporting for effective decision-making.

• Good working knowledge of program development, including scope finalization, cost estimating, scheduling, and risk assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for deep expertise in airport infrastructure and large-scale capital projects. Proficiency in BIM tools is explicitly mentioned, indicating a modern approach to design and construction management. The emphasis on stakeholder management and reporting to executive levels suggests a senior role requiring strong communication and leadership skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies showcasing successful management of large-scale, multi-disciplinary design programs, particularly within airport or similar complex infrastructure environments.

• Documentation demonstrating experience in managing design consultancy agreements, including examples of scope definition, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.

• Examples of design review processes implemented, highlighting methods for coordinating stakeholder feedback and ensuring technical compliance.

• Evidence of client interface and reporting, with sample reports or presentations that illustrate clear communication of progress, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of a structured approach to managing design phases, from conceptualization through to detailed design and handover.

• Examples of quality review processes and standards applied to ensure design integrity and compliance with project scope.

• Documentation of methodologies used for coordinating and integrating feedback from diverse stakeholder groups, including external regulatory bodies and operational teams.

• Evidence of experience in utilizing data analytics to support problem-solving and decision-making within the design and pre-construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to manage complex design processes and consultant relationships. A portfolio that clearly articulates their role in large capital programs, specifically airport infrastructure, and highlights their stakeholder management and reporting capabilities will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $125,000 - $160,000 CAD annually.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

• Employee Recognition programs

• Flexible Benefits package tailored to individual health, wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle needs.

• Health Benefits

• Wellbeing Benefits

• Financial Benefits

• Lifestyle Benefits

• Diverse opportunities for training and professional development to enhance skills and expertise.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, with the expectation of being on-site 5 days a week. The specific daily hours are not detailed but are assumed to align with typical professional employment in engineering management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the expected band for a Design Manager with over 10 years of experience in a major Canadian city overseeing large capital projects. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing employee wellbeing and professional growth, which are attractive to senior operations and engineering professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Nuclear, Infrastructure Development, Ports & Airports Market. AtkinsRéalis operates as a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization, focusing on transforming infrastructure and energy systems.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large, global organization, with a significant employee base. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a wide array of resources and opportunities.

Founded: The company has a long history, though the exact founding date isn't provided here, it's implied to be a well-established entity with deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Engineering Management Centre of Excellence, part of the Engineering Management Technical Professional Organization (TPO) of Engineering Services Canada.

• This implies a specialized group focused on setting and implementing best practices in engineering management.

• The Design Manager reports to the Director of Operations, indicating a direct line of accountability for program delivery and operational efficiency.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes the implementation of multidisciplinary design standards and works collaboratively with a main contractor.

• It involves managing design consultancy agreements and facilitating design reviews, pointing to a structured project execution methodology.

• A strong focus on client interface, technical advice, and reporting highlights a client-centric and results-driven operational approach.

• The mention of data analytics for problem-solving suggests an embrace of data-informed decision-making within operations.

Company Website: https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis positions itself as a leader in engineering and nuclear services, focused on innovation and sustainability. The "Gateway Program" likely represents a significant, high-profile infrastructure project where operational excellence and rigorous design management are paramount. The company culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, focused on a critical program phase. It requires extensive experience in managing complex technical processes, significant budgets, and diverse stakeholder groups. It's a strategic position with direct impact on project success.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations, indicating a high level of visibility and responsibility. This implies a close working relationship with senior leadership and a direct contribution to operational strategy.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, as they are responsible for the foundational design and pre-construction phases of a large capital program (potentially over $1Bn). Effective management here directly influences project timelines, costs, quality, and overall success. Their work enables the subsequent construction phases and ensures the final infrastructure meets client and stakeholder requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in airport infrastructure, ports, and large-scale capital project design management.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader Program Management or Director-level roles within Engineering Services Canada or other AtkinsRéalis divisions, managing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunity to gain broader experience in construction delivery, procurement, and client relationship management through close collaboration with other project teams and leadership.

• Mentorship and Training: Access to formal mentorship programs and professional development opportunities to enhance leadership and technical skills, as noted in the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a major engineering firm, particularly for individuals looking to specialize in large infrastructure projects. The reporting structure and direct impact on a major program signal significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires being on-site 5 days a week at the project office. This indicates a dedicated project environment, likely co-located with other project management, engineering, and contractor personnel.

Office Location(s): 191 The West Mall, Toronto, ON, Canada. This is a specific project office location, suggesting a hands-on, immersive work setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Being on-site 5 days a week and working collaboratively with a main contractor and various stakeholders implies a highly interactive and dynamic workspace. Expect frequent meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, BIM) and Microsoft Office suite is expected. The project will likely utilize project management software for scheduling, reporting, and document control.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with project teams, contractors, consultants, and client representatives is a given. This fosters a culture of direct communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment with an on-site requirement implies a standard professional work schedule, likely Monday to Friday, within typical business hours, though project demands may occasionally require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes a traditional project management environment where direct collaboration, site presence, and immediate problem-solving are prioritized. This is typical for large, complex infrastructure projects where physical presence is crucial for oversight and coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter for essential qualifications, particularly years of experience in large capital programs and airport infrastructure.

• Technical Interview: Assessment of technical expertise in design management, BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit), and understanding of project phases. This may involve discussing past projects and technical challenges.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Evaluation of stakeholder management, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and experience in reporting to senior management. Candidates will be asked to provide examples of how they've handled complex situations.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of a professional portfolio showcasing relevant project experience, design management processes, and stakeholder engagement successes.

• Final Interview: Likely with the Director of Operations or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the Gateway Program.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly delineating your role, responsibilities, and contributions. For this role, focus heavily on airport infrastructure or similarly scaled projects.

• Highlight Key Responsibilities: Showcase examples of leading design standards implementation, managing consultants, facilitating reviews, and client reporting. Use quantifiable results where possible (e.g., "reduced design review cycles by X%", "managed a design budget of $Y").

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include examples of complex design challenges overcome using BIM tools and data analytics.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide specific examples of how you effectively engaged and managed diverse stakeholders, including airlines, regulatory bodies, and senior executives.

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate your approach to managing the pre-construction phase, design reviews, and quality assurance.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your most relevant projects efficiently, focusing on the impact and outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Studies: Be ready to discuss a hypothetical or past project scenario, outlining your approach to a complex design challenge or stakeholder conflict. Focus on your problem-solving methodology, decision-making process, and communication strategy.

• Technical Questions: Prepare for questions related to BIM implementation, design coordination best practices, and risk management in large capital projects.

• Reporting & Communication: Practice summarizing complex technical information into clear, concise reports suitable for executive audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and its focus on a large capital program, the interview process will likely be rigorous. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the requirements and responsibilities outlined, especially concerning airport infrastructure and stakeholder management, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation (asset), Civil 3D. Proficiency in these is a core requirement for design visualization, modeling, and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Likely utilized for scheduling, tracking progress, resource allocation, and document control. Examples could include Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar enterprise-level systems.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for document sharing, communication, and team collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or specific project management portals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analytics Tools: Mentioned as a skill for problem-solving, suggesting potential use of tools like Excel (advanced functions), Power BI, Tableau, or specialized analytics platforms for performance monitoring and risk assessment.

• Reporting Tools: Standard office productivity suites (Microsoft Office) for creating presentations and formal reports for management and executive levels.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus for this specific role, a large organization like AtkinsRéalis would likely use CRM systems for client relationship management and potentially project management automation tools for workflow efficiency in proposal development and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit) is significant, indicating that digital design and modeling are central to the Gateway Program. Familiarity with advanced project management and data analytics tools will be highly advantageous for demonstrating problem-solving capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality engineering and design services, meeting or exceeding client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams, including internal staff, consultants, and contractors, work effectively together towards common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to optimize processes, designs, and project delivery, with a focus on leveraging technology like BIM and data analytics.

• Safety & Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of safety in all project activities and conducting business with unwavering integrity and ethical conduct.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and providing expert advice to ensure successful project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration with construction delivery teams, procurement specialists, and client representatives. This requires clear communication and a unified approach to project objectives.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing designs, processes, and performance, with mechanisms for constructive feedback exchange among all project participants.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across project teams and within the broader Engineering Management Centre of Excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis likely promotes a culture of professional excellence, technical leadership, and collaborative problem-solving. For this role, demonstrating an ability to work effectively within a large, complex project matrix and contribute positively to team dynamics will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of clients, airlines, regulatory bodies, and internal teams on a large-scale airport project.

• Design Coordination Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of multidisciplinary designs in a BIM environment, mitigating clashes, and resolving technical issues efficiently.

• Schedule and Budget Pressures: Delivering pre-construction services within stringent timelines and cost constraints, common in major capital programs.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Navigating potential changes in project scope, client needs, or regulatory requirements throughout the design and pre-construction phases.

• Remote Work Limitations: The on-site requirement means candidates must be comfortable with a fixed location and potentially long project durations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining deeper experience in managing mega-projects and understanding the intricacies of airport infrastructure development.

• Technical Specialization: Enhancing expertise in BIM, digital engineering, and advanced design technologies relevant to modern infrastructure.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff, lead project teams, and potentially transition into broader program management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with industry leaders, attending conferences, and staying abreast of best practices in airport design and construction.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized engineering/design fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in managing large, complex infrastructure projects but also offers substantial rewards in terms of professional growth, skill development, and career advancement within a leading global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex, multi-disciplinary design process for a large capital project. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and results).

• "How would you facilitate a design review meeting with diverse stakeholders, including technical experts, operational staff, and regulatory bodies, to ensure constructive feedback and timely decisions?" (Highlight facilitation skills, communication strategies, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AtkinsRéalis and our work in the Ports & Airports market?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and strategic initiatives).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with external contractors and consultants?" (Align your response with the company's emphasis on teamwork and integrated project delivery).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in large-scale infrastructure, ideally airport-related, and highlight your design management capabilities.

• Impact Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Process Demonstration: Walk through your methodologies for design reviews, stakeholder engagement, and consultant management. Use visuals where appropriate to illustrate complex workflows or design elements.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you utilized BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit) and data analytics to enhance design quality and facilitate decision-making.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Prepare a brief, impactful overview of each project, ready to answer detailed questions from the interview panel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing both technical expertise in design and BIM, and strong project/program management skills. Emphasize your ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes and deliver results on large-scale, high-value projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a professional portfolio that highlights your experience in managing large capital programs, specifically in airport infrastructure, and demonstrates your proficiency in design management, BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit), and stakeholder engagement. Select case studies that showcase your ability to oversee pre-construction phases and manage design consultancy agreements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Design Manager," "Gateway Program," "Airport Infrastructure," "BIM," "AutoCAD," "Revit," "Stakeholder Management," "Pre-construction Services," "Capital Programs," and "Owner's Engineering." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to design reviews, stakeholder coordination, and problem-solving using examples from your portfolio. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, its core values, its involvement in the Ports & Airports market, and recent projects. Understand the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and client service. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.