Design Manager – Transportation, Major Projects – National

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Transportation, Major Projects – National

Company: Stantec

Location: Miami, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Transportation & Infrastructure)

Date Posted: June 17, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (National)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the delivery of complex transportation design-build projects across North America, ensuring successful project execution from initiation through completion.

• Manage and mentor multi-disciplinary technical teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving project objectives and upholding Stantec's reputation.

• Oversee critical project management functions including technical design oversight, quality assurance, contract administration, change management, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Drive business development initiatives, cultivate strong client relationships, and identify new opportunities to expand Stantec's presence in the major projects transportation sector.

• Champion Stantec's health, safety, and security protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for all project stakeholders and adherence to company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within a Major Projects team, specifically focusing on transportation design-build projects. The emphasis on "national" and "remote OK" suggests a broad geographical scope for project execution and a flexible work arrangement, likely requiring significant travel. The experience level of 5-10 years indicates a mid-to-senior level position requiring demonstrated project leadership and technical expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large and mid-size transportation design-build projects across North America.

• Manage and develop multi-disciplinary project teams, including engineers, designers, and support staff, ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation.

• Provide technical design management and oversight, ensuring designs meet project objectives, client requirements, and industry standards.

• Implement and maintain robust quality management systems to ensure project deliverables meet high standards and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee contract administration, including scope definition, change order management, and dispute resolution.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize potential impacts on schedule, budget, and quality.

• Manage project budgets, track costs, and monitor schedules, implementing corrective actions as needed to ensure projects remain on time and within budget.

• Serve as a key point of contact and technical leader for clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, representing Stantec professionally and effectively.

• Contribute to business development efforts by nurturing client relationships, identifying new project opportunities, and supporting proposal development.

• Uphold and promote Stantec's health, safety, and security policies, ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of safety across all project activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and business development within the transportation infrastructure sector. The emphasis on "alternative project delivery (APD)" and "design build" projects indicates a need for expertise in complex contracting and project execution models.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in transportation engineering, with a significant focus on managing design-build projects.

• Proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams on major infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, large-scale transportation projects from initiation to closeout, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource management.

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing technical design processes, ensuring quality, constructability, and adherence to client specifications for transportation infrastructure.

• Transportation Infrastructure: In-depth knowledge of highway design, bridge construction, transit systems, or related transportation engineering fields.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate multi-disciplinary engineering and technical teams.

• Contract Administration: Strong understanding of contract terms, conditions, and administration, with experience managing project contracts.

• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.

• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage project budgets, track costs, and forecast financial performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Business Development: Experience in identifying new business opportunities, client engagement, and contributing to proposal development.

• Alternative Project Delivery (APD): Hands-on experience with Design-Build, P3, or other APD project structures.

• Construction Management: Familiarity with construction processes and site operations.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Experience in implementing and managing QA/QC programs for large infrastructure projects.

• Change Management Processes: Proficiency in managing project scope changes and their impact.

• Public Speaking/Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively present project information to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise and robust project management capabilities, specifically within the transportation design-build context. The PE license is a strong indicator of the expected technical authority and client-facing responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant transportation design-build projects managed, detailing scope, budget, schedule, key challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Technical Design Oversight Examples: Provide evidence of involvement in reviewing and approving complex design elements, demonstrating an understanding of technical specifications and problem-solving.

• Team Leadership & Management Documentation: Include examples of team structures, resource allocation plans, and performance management strategies implemented on past projects.

• Client Relationship & Business Development Artifacts: Present examples of client engagement plans, successful proposal contributions, or letters of recommendation highlighting client satisfaction.

• Risk Mitigation Plans: Showcase a sample risk register or a case study illustrating proactive risk identification and management strategies employed on a project.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design for Design-Build: Demonstrate understanding of typical design-build workflows, including phases from procurement and proposal development through final design and construction support.

• Quality Management Plan Samples: Provide examples of quality assurance and quality control processes implemented on past projects, including inspection protocols and sign-off procedures.

• Change Management Protocols: Outline a structured process for managing scope changes, including documentation, approval workflows, and impact assessment procedures.

• Project Reporting Templates: Present examples of project status reports, financial tracking dashboards, and schedule updates used to communicate progress to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in Major Projects, a portfolio demonstrating successful execution of large-scale, complex projects is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible results, effective leadership, and disciplined project management processes, particularly within the Design-Build framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in major transportation projects in the US, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $155,000 annually. This estimate is derived from data for similar roles in major metropolitan areas like Miami, considering factors such as required expertise, project scale, and national scope.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Provided coverage for employee protection.

• Possible Per Diem/Travel Allowances: For national travel requirements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, client needs, and travel demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on aggregated data for similar roles in the US engineering and construction sector, adjusted for the specified experience level and the significant responsibilities of managing major projects. Benefits are typical for a large, national engineering firm like Stantec.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Project Management Consulting, with a strong focus on Infrastructure and Transportation sectors. Stantec is a global leader in sustainable design and engineering.

Company Size: Stantec is a large, publicly traded company with over 19,000 employees globally. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a wide range of career development opportunities.

Founded: 1954. Stantec has a long history of delivering impactful projects and a well-established reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Major Projects Team is likely composed of experienced project managers, technical specialists, and support staff dedicated to delivering large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

• This role will report to a senior leader within the Major Projects or Transportation division, likely a Director or Vice President.

Methodology:

• Stantec likely employs robust project management methodologies, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, risk management, and quality assurance.

• A focus on sustainable design and engineering practices is a core component of Stantec's approach.

• Emphasis on client collaboration and partnership to achieve project success.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's global presence and extensive project portfolio suggest a professional, results-oriented culture that values technical excellence, client satisfaction, and innovation. The company's commitment to sustainability is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step in a transportation engineering or project management career. It is a mid-to-senior level position focused on leadership and execution of high-impact, complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Major Projects or Transportation within Stantec. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and technical staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of major transportation infrastructure projects, influencing community development, public safety, and economic growth. Effective management by this role directly contributes to Stantec's revenue and reputation in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Program Manager, or Director roles overseeing larger portfolios of projects.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific transportation modalities (e.g., rail, aviation, intelligent transportation systems) or project delivery methods.

• Business Development: Transitioning into roles with a greater focus on client strategy, market growth, and winning new major projects.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on projects in different regions or international locations as Stantec expands.

• Technical Expertise: Becoming a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) within a specific area of transportation engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Major Projects" designation and the scope of responsibilities suggest that this role is a critical feeder for senior leadership positions within Stantec's transportation division. The company's size and global reach offer diverse pathways for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as "Remote OK" with national responsibilities. While a primary office location is listed (Miami), the role is not strictly tied to it. It suggests a hybrid or fully remote setup with the expectation of significant travel to project sites, client offices, or Stantec offices as needed.

Office Location(s): While Miami, FL is listed, Stantec has numerous offices across the United States. The "National" aspect implies that candidates from various US locations may be considered, with travel to project sites being a key component.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be dynamic, involving a mix of remote work, office-based collaboration (potentially in various Stantec offices or client sites), and on-site project supervision.

• Access to Stantec's project management software, design tools, and communication platforms will be standard.

• Opportunities for collaboration with diverse teams across different disciplines and geographical locations.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily Monday to Friday, standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours/week).

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet critical project milestones, client demands, or travel schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" designation for a national role in a large engineering firm typically means the employee is expected to be available for significant travel to project sites or other company offices. It's crucial for candidates to understand the travel expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a preliminary assessment of qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership style. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Technical/Team Interview: Meeting with senior technical staff and potential team members to assess technical acumen, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. This may involve a case study or technical problem-solving exercise.

• Senior Leadership Interview: Discussion with a Director or VP to evaluate strategic thinking, business development potential, and alignment with Stantec's company values and goals.

• Reference Checks: Verification of past employment and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design-Build Success: Clearly articulate your role and contributions to the successful delivery of transportation design-build projects. Quantify achievements (e.g., budget savings, schedule acceleration, quality improvements).

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Provide examples of how you fostered collaboration and resolved team conflicts.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges and how you provided oversight or solutions. Highlight your understanding of relevant engineering principles and standards.

• Focus on Client Engagement: Include examples of how you built and maintained strong client relationships, leading to repeat business or successful project outcomes.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear sections for each project or skill area. Use visuals where appropriate (e.g., project diagrams, timelines) but keep it concise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a hypothetical project scenario requiring you to outline a project plan, identify risks, propose a strategy for team management, or address a specific design or construction challenge.

• Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about how you've handled difficult stakeholders, managed project crises, or motivated underperforming team members. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

• Technical Questions: Review common engineering principles related to transportation infrastructure, design-build contracts, and project management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing direct experience with large-scale transportation design-build projects is paramount. The interview process will likely delve into both your technical capabilities and your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and cost control.

• Design Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D), BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and relevant transportation design software is beneficial for understanding and overseeing the design process.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data related to cost, schedule, risk, and performance using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and utilizing project dashboards for progress tracking and stakeholder reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client relationships and tracking business development activities.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for managing project documentation, contracts, and correspondence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily managerial, a strong understanding of the tools used by design and project teams is essential for effective oversight and problem-solving. Proficiency in project scheduling and financial tracking software is particularly critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable transportation projects on time and within budget.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and communication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing new technologies, and seeking opportunities to optimize processes and outcomes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various Stantec departments (e.g., structural engineering, environmental, planning) to ensure seamless project execution.

• Stakeholder Management: Proactively communicating with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to manage expectations and build consensus.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging open communication and constructive feedback within the project team to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's emphasis on sustainability, client focus, and collaboration suggests a culture that values both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Large-Scale Project Complexity: Navigating the intricate technical, contractual, and logistical challenges inherent in major transportation design-build projects.

• Geographical Dispersion: Effectively leading and coordinating teams and projects across various states and time zones, especially in a remote-first context.

• Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Mediating and aligning the diverse needs and expectations of clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and the public.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Staying abreast of changes in transportation standards, environmental regulations, and emerging design/construction technologies.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top engineering and project management talent in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like PMP, DBIA, or other relevant credentials.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Stantec's internal leadership training and executive coaching.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend major industry events (e.g., TRB, DBIA events) for networking and knowledge acquisition.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain experience in different aspects of the transportation sector or project delivery methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are also prime opportunities for growth. Successfully navigating these complexities will position individuals for senior leadership within the firm and the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing transportation design-build projects from inception to completion. What were your key responsibilities and achievements?" (Focus on scope, budget, schedule, and team leadership.)

• "How do you approach risk management on large infrastructure projects? Provide an example of a significant risk you identified and mitigated." (Highlight proactive identification and strategic mitigation.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a multi-disciplinary engineering team on a complex project. How do you ensure collaboration and alignment?" (Emphasize communication, conflict resolution, and team motivation.)

• "How have you previously managed client relationships and expectations on major projects? Describe a situation where you successfully navigated a challenging client interaction." (Showcase client-centricity and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Stantec and this specific role within our Major Projects team?" (Research Stantec's recent projects, values, and sustainability initiatives.)

• "How do you align with Stantec's commitment to sustainability and innovation in transportation?" (Connect your past experiences or aspirations to these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your design management and project delivery capabilities in transportation design-build.

• Quantify Results: Use data to showcase your impact – e.g., "Delivered project $X million under budget," "Accelerated schedule by Y weeks," "Reduced design errors by Z%."

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the actions you took, and the positive results achieved.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your project management approach, technical decisions, and leadership style. Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio.

• Showcase Process Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for risk management, quality control, contract administration, and team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for this role will heavily weigh practical experience and demonstrated success in managing complex, large-scale transportation projects. Be prepared to provide specific examples and quantify your achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Stantec careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience directly relevant to transportation design-build projects, project management, design leadership, and client relationship management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key project examples that best showcase your skills and accomplishments. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Research Stantec: Understand Stantec's mission, values, recent transportation projects, and approach to sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to project delivery, team leadership, and client management.

⚠️ 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.

---