Civil Design Manager - Site Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager - Site Design

Company: Olsson

Location: Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Site Design

Date Posted: 2026-02-22T19:12:19

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Remote/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage technical aspects of diverse land development projects, ensuring high-quality civil design solutions.

• Drive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for project deliverables, upholding rigorous design standards.

• Act as a senior-level design reviewer and technical resource, mentoring less experienced staff and fostering expertise within the team.

• Engage directly with clients, providing consultative support and strengthening relationships through effective communication and project resolution.

• Contribute to the growth and reputation of Olsson's Site Design group by delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-impacting engineering solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Engineering and specifically Site Design, focusing on the technical and managerial aspects of civil engineering projects. The emphasis on QA/QC, senior review, and client interaction suggests a blend of technical expertise and leadership, crucial for operations within an engineering firm. The remote/hybrid flexibility is a key differentiator for attracting talent in this field.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage project staff on technical aspects, ensuring effective coordination across all involved disciplines.

• Plan, oversee, and implement the quality review process for all project deliverables, maintaining adherence to company standards and client requirements.

• Serve as a primary consultative resource for clients, resolving project-related technical challenges and fostering strong partnerships.

• Continuously strengthen and develop subject matter expertise in specific design areas, contributing to the team's collective knowledge base.

• Provide senior-level design review for various projects, acting as a key technical resource for complex issues and design challenges.

• Assist in the preparation of project studies by completing drawings, sketching concepts, and acquiring necessary data.

• Promote and implement efficiencies in work production processes to ensure high-quality output and timely project completion.

• Supervise and review the assignments of less experienced staff, providing guidance and development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on technical leadership, quality management, and client engagement. The inclusion of "directs and manages staff on technical aspects" and "supervises and reviews assignments" points to a managerial component, while "senior-level design review" and "strengthens and further develops subject matter expertise" emphasize technical depth. The role requires driving process efficiencies, a core tenet of operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate Degree in Drafting

Experience: 10 years of CAD software experience (AutoCAD Civil 3d) and Project Management skills for medium-sized projects.

Required Skills:

• Strong communication skills, essential for client interaction and team coordination.

• Ability to contribute effectively and work collaboratively within a team environment.

• Proficient in CAD software, with a minimum of 10 years of experience specifically in AutoCAD Civil 3D.

• Demonstrated Project Management skills, capable of handling medium-sized projects from initiation to completion.

• Experience in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes within design projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with multidisciplinary design coordination.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

• Familiarity with land development regulations and permitting processes.

• Proven ability to mentor and guide junior engineering staff.

• Client advisory and relationship management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in CAD software and practical project management experience. The "10 years of CAD software experience (AutoCAD Civil 3d)" is a critical technical requirement. The soft skills like communication and teamwork are vital for a managerial role interacting with clients and internal teams, aligning with operational efficiency through collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of completed civil design projects, particularly in land development (mixed-use, commercial, residential, industrial, etc.).

• Examples demonstrating effective application of AutoCAD Civil 3D for complex site design challenges.

• Case studies highlighting successful project management of medium-sized projects, including scope, budget, and timeline management.

• Documentation of involvement in quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes and design review activities.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how project staff were directed and managed on technical aspects.

• Documentation of quality review processes for project deliverables.

• Case studies illustrating consultative approaches used for client project resolution.

• Demonstrations of how subject matter expertise was developed or applied.

• Examples of senior-level design reviews conducted.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Civil Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on project complexity, management acumen, and the ability to ensure quality through robust processes. This section is constructed to guide candidates on what Olsson would likely look for to assess their operational readiness and technical leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Civil Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Site Design, specializing in AutoCAD Civil 3D, and managing medium-sized projects in the Kansas region, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the senior-level responsibilities, technical expertise, and potential for remote/hybrid work.

Benefits:

• Competitive 401(k) match, contributing to long-term financial security.

• Comprehensive health care coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

• Participation in a performance-based bonus system, rewarding individual and company success.

• Access to a wellness program designed to promote balanced and healthy lifestyles.

• Possibility for flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through remote/hybrid arrangements. Occasional travel to job sites and in-office activities may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical compensation for Civil Design Managers in the US engineering sector, adjusted for the specified experience level and geographic region (Kansas). The remote/hybrid aspect can sometimes influence compensation due to cost of living adjustments or market demand. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, with added context on their value to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Design, specializing in Land Development, Site Design, Multidisciplinary Design, Preliminary Design, and Construction Design. Olsson also engages in Client Advisory Services, Planning, Field Services, and Environmental consulting, indicating a broad scope of operations.

Company Size: With a history dating back to 1956, Olsson has grown significantly. While not explicitly stated, the description implies a substantial firm with multiple offices and a considerable employee base, suggesting a structured yet people-centric operational environment.

Founded: 1956. This long history signifies stability, established processes, and deep industry experience, which is foundational for robust operations.

Team Structure:

• The Site Design group is a key area for growth, indicating a dynamic and expanding operational unit.

• The role involves directing and managing project staff, suggesting a team structure with clear reporting lines and project-based work assignments.

Methodology:

• Olsson emphasizes "responsive, transparent, and focused on results" as core company principles, which directly translate into their operational methodologies.

• The commitment to "innovative and sustainable solutions" suggests an approach that balances efficiency with forward-thinking design and environmental responsibility.

• A "people-centric firm" approach indicates an operational focus on employee development, collaboration, and fostering talent, crucial for retaining skilled operations personnel.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as people-centric, emphasizing growth and creativity. This suggests an operational environment that supports employee development and encourages innovation. The company's long history and broad service offerings indicate well-established operational processes and a stable business model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the Site Design operations, blending technical expertise with management responsibilities. It's a key step for individuals moving beyond purely technical execution into leadership roles that impact project quality, client satisfaction, and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level Director or Principal Engineer within the Site Design group or a broader engineering division. They will, in turn, manage and mentor less experienced staff, creating a clear hierarchy for technical guidance and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Civil Design Manager's role has a direct impact on Olsson's operational efficiency, profitability, and client retention. By ensuring high-quality design reviews, promoting process efficiencies, and fostering strong client relationships, they contribute significantly to the firm's reputation for delivering results and positively impacting communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific site design areas (e.g., stormwater management, transportation infrastructure, sustainable site development) and become a recognized expert within the firm and industry.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher management roles, such as Director of Site Design, leading larger teams, managing more complex projects, and influencing strategic operational decisions.

• Business Development: Transition into roles with a greater focus on client acquisition, proposal development, and expanding Olsson's service offerings through technical leadership and client relationship building.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop and deliver internal training programs to enhance the skills of junior engineers and designers, contributing to the overall operational capability of the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a significant career milestone, offering a pathway from senior technical contributor to operational leader. The growth opportunities are structured to leverage both technical mastery and management potential, aligning with typical career trajectories in engineering firms focused on operational excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role offers remote and hybrid options, Olsson maintains physical office locations. These offices likely provide collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and access to necessary infrastructure for those who choose to work on-site or for in-office activities. The emphasis on "people-centric" suggests a supportive and collaborative physical environment for those utilizing it.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Kansas, with flexibility for remote, hybrid, or in-office work across any Olsson office location in these regions/areas. This provides significant autonomy in choosing a work setting that best suits the individual's needs while ensuring operational connectivity.

Workspace Context:

• For remote/hybrid employees, the workspace context is the individual's chosen environment, supported by Olsson's commitment to flexible arrangements.

• For those utilizing Olsson offices, the workspace would likely foster collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, including project teams and leadership.

• Access to Olsson's operational tools and technology, such as high-performance computing for CAD software and collaborative platforms, would be available regardless of work location.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The flexibility offered through remote and hybrid options allows for greater autonomy in managing daily tasks and personal commitments, which is beneficial for maintaining productivity and work-life balance, key operational considerations in modern work environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by flexibility, allowing employees to choose between remote, hybrid, or office-based work. This approach acknowledges the importance of work-life balance and individual preferences, while still ensuring operational cohesion through planned in-office activities and client visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications, experience (especially AutoCAD Civil 3D and project management), and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Assessment: Likely a review of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific project examples, design quality, and problem-solving approaches in site design. This may involve a presentation by the candidate.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will assess communication skills, teamwork ability, leadership potential, client management experience, and how the candidate approaches quality assurance and process improvement.

• Manager/Team Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical depth.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term career path within Olsson.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Impact: Showcase projects that demonstrate significant positive impact on communities, aligning with Olsson's mission.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly present examples of complex AutoCAD Civil 3D applications and design solutions. Quantify results where possible (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings).

• Showcase Management Skills: Include case studies of medium-sized projects managed, detailing your role in planning, execution, and stakeholder communication.

• Detail QA/QC Involvement: Provide specific examples of how you've contributed to or led quality assurance and quality control efforts, emphasizing process adherence and risk mitigation.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill demonstrated, with clear descriptions of your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific site design challenges, focusing on methodology, efficiency, and quality.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Consider how you would identify and implement improvements to existing design or QA/QC processes within a team.

• Client Management Scenarios: Think about how you would handle difficult client conversations, manage expectations, and resolve technical disputes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to assess both technical acumen and managerial capabilities. A strong portfolio demonstrating practical experience, leadership, and a commitment to quality is essential. Candidates should prepare to articulate their problem-solving approaches and how they drive operational excellence within a civil design context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: This is a mandatory requirement, indicating its central role in design execution, drafting, and documentation. Proficiency at an expert level is expected.

• Project Management Software: While not specified, candidates are expected to have project management skills for medium-sized projects, implying familiarity with tools like MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for task management, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaborative Platforms: Tools for team communication and file sharing such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar are likely used for day-to-day operations and remote collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Software Analytics: While not explicit, the ability to extract data from CAD models for analysis (e.g., quantity take-offs, geometric data) is implied.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Experience with systems that track project progress, budget adherence, and quality metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): Experience with CRM systems for managing client interactions, project pipelines, and business development efforts would be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: While not a primary focus of this role, an understanding of how design workflows can be automated for efficiency would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D is the cornerstone of this role's technical requirements. Beyond this, the emphasis on project management and collaboration suggests a need for familiarity with standard productivity and project execution tools used in engineering firms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Responsiveness & Transparency: Operational decisions and communication should be timely and open, fostering trust with clients and team members.

• Results-Oriented: A strong focus on delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget is paramount. This drives efficiency and client satisfaction.

• People-Centric: Valuing employee growth, well-being, and collaboration is core to Olsson's operational philosophy, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment.

• Impact-Driven: A commitment to using talents to positively affect communities, guiding design decisions and project priorities toward beneficial outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of close collaboration with all disciplines involved in projects, ensuring a holistic and integrated design approach.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture where senior staff actively guide and develop junior team members, fostering continuous learning and operational excellence.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to providing and receiving feedback to continuously improve design processes, project outcomes, and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is built around core values that translate directly into operational practices: efficiency, quality, collaboration, and a focus on positive community impact. Candidates are expected to embody these values in their daily work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Remote/Hybrid Work with Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication and effective project execution across a distributed team requires strong operational processes and proactive management.

• Maintaining High QA/QC Standards: As projects become more complex and deadlines tighter, consistently upholding rigorous quality assurance and quality control can be challenging.

• Mentoring and Developing a Growing Team: With growth opportunities in the Site Design group, effectively mentoring and developing a diverse team of engineers and designers presents a significant, yet rewarding, challenge.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Technologies: Staying current with advancements in CAD software, BIM, and other design technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and gain certifications in specialized areas of civil site design or advanced AutoCAD Civil 3D functionalities.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship focused on enhancing project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in engineering and design conferences to network, learn about industry trends, and gain exposure to best practices in operations and design.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects involving other Olsson disciplines (e.g., environmental, transportation) to broaden understanding of integrated project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in dynamic engineering environments, particularly those embracing flexible work models. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both technical mastery and leadership capabilities, crucial for advancing within an operations-focused engineering firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Improvement: "Describe a time you identified an inefficiency in a design or QA/QC process. What steps did you take to improve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on methodology, data, and results.)

• Client Management: "How would you handle a situation where a client is resistant to a design recommendation that you believe is critical for project success?" (Demonstrate communication, negotiation, and consulting skills.)

• Team Leadership: "How do you motivate and guide a project team, especially when working remotely or in a hybrid setting?" (Highlight leadership style, communication strategies, and operational management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Impact Alignment: "How does your approach to civil design align with Olsson's mission to positively impact communities?" (Research Olsson's projects and values.)

• Collaboration Style: "Describe your ideal working relationship with engineers from other disciplines on a project." (Showcase teamwork and cross-functional operational understanding.)

• Quality Assurance Philosophy: "What is your philosophy on quality assurance in design, and how do you ensure it's consistently applied?" (Emphasize process, attention to detail, and risk management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your role and approach (highlighting technical skills like Civil 3D and management), the solution, and the measurable outcome or impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success (e.g., "reduced design review time by 15%", "managed a project budget of $X million").

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Detail your project management and QA/QC processes.

• Tailor to Olsson: Highlight projects that are most relevant to Olsson's work in land development and site design, and connect your experience to their stated values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, leadership potential, and a deep understanding of quality and process. Candidates should be ready to articulate their problem-solving methodologies and how they contribute to operational excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects showcasing your expertise in AutoCAD Civil 3D, project management of medium-sized land development projects, and your involvement in QA/QC processes. Select case studies that best illustrate your ability to drive quality and efficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Civil Design Manager," "Site Design," "AutoCAD Civil 3D," "Project Management," "Quality Assurance," and "Quality Control." Quantify your achievements and responsibilities to demonstrate impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially for behavioral questions. Prepare a concise overview of your portfolio and be ready to discuss your approach to design challenges and team leadership.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Olsson's mission, values, recent projects, and leadership team. Understand their commitment to community impact and their people-centric culture to articulate how you align with their operational philosophy.

⚠️ 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.