Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-13T13:45:56

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design delivery for complex infrastructure and facilities projects, ensuring compliance with GHD standards and federal regulatory requirements.

• Oversee the technical scope, budget, and schedule adherence for engineering design outputs, collaborating closely with Project Controls and discipline leads.

• Implement and manage the project's Change Control system, proactively identifying and escalating potential changes to maintain project integrity.

• Foster fluid communication and coordination among project management, design teams, construction teams, and internal/external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Facilities Engineering group and the Engineering Design Organization (EDO), indicating a focus on critical infrastructure and facilities projects, potentially including federal defense work. The hybrid model suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design delivery for infrastructure and facilities projects, producing compliant and constructible solutions aligned with client, operational, and construction requirements.

• Ensure all engineering design outputs adhere strictly to GHD standards, project-specific processes, and federal regulatory mandates.

• Coordinate Quality Control of all deliverable submittals in alignment with GHD’s Quality Management System.

• Develop or verify the technical scope of projects, assist in proposal pricing, and plan design activities post-award.

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

• Manage the engineering design budget, providing crucial inputs to the Project Controls team for financial tracking and forecasting.

• Implement and diligently follow the project’s Change Control system, proactively escalating potential changes to project management.

• Continuously review and improve the overall project strategy to meet design schedule and budget objectives, supporting staging and phasing requirements.

• Ensure seamless communication between the project management team, design team, construction team, and various internal and external stakeholders.

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

• Coordinate the preparation of design criteria by team leads to establish project technical foundations.

• Lead the creation and execution of the design work plan and Level of Effort (LOE).

• Convene, chair, and document interdisciplinary design coordination meetings, escalating critical issues impacting external stakeholders to the Project Manager.

• Serve as a liaison between the construction contract administrator and engineering team during construction, coordinating multidisciplinary problem resolution arising from site issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project execution, risk management (change control, quality control), and stakeholder management within a complex project delivery environment. The mention of federal defense work suggests a need for understanding and adherence to stringent government project standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s (B.Sc.) degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university.

Experience: 5+ years of design management experience on multi-discipline architectural or engineering teams for infrastructure or facility projects within Canada.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design delivery for complex infrastructure and facilities projects.

• Strong understanding of GHD standards, project-specific processes, and federal regulatory requirements.

• Expertise in coordinating Quality Control of deliverable submittals.

• Proficiency in developing or verifying technical scopes and contributing to project proposals and work planning.

• Demonstrated experience in budget management for engineering design projects.

• Competency in implementing and managing project Change Control systems.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for fluid stakeholder engagement.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Technical proficiency and previous project design experience in one or more disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, process mechanical, building mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation & control).

• Knowledge of scheduling software and engineering/capital cost estimating techniques.

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

• Experience delivering projects using alternative delivery models (e.g., Design-Build, P3, Alliance).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both English and French fluency is a significant differentiator, particularly for projects involving federal or provincial government entities in Canada. Experience with alternative delivery models is a strong asset, indicating the company's engagement with modern project procurement strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in leading design delivery for complex infrastructure and facility projects, showcasing successful project outcomes and problem-solving approaches.

• Evidence of managing design budgets and schedules, including examples of cost-saving initiatives or schedule optimization strategies.

• Case studies illustrating the implementation and management of Quality Control processes and Change Control systems, highlighting risk mitigation and compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Work samples or descriptions of design work plans and Level of Effort (LOE) development.

• Documentation of interdisciplinary design coordination meetings, including agendas, minutes, and action items tracking.

• Examples of how design criteria were coordinated and documented for project execution.

• Case studies demonstrating collaboration with Project Controls and construction contract administrators.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly articulates their experience in managing the full lifecycle of design for infrastructure and facility projects, with a strong emphasis on process adherence, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership. Specific examples of managing federal projects or projects with alternative delivery models will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $88,688 - $130,032 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension or 401k equivalent).

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Professional development opportunities and training.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.

• Potential for bonuses or performance-based incentives.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on GHD's stated range for major city centers in Canada. Actual compensation may vary based on specific location, candidate experience, qualifications, and other factors. The benefits listed are typical for a company of GHD's size and industry, though specific details should be confirmed directly with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting Services. GHD is a global professional services company committed to delivering advisory, design, and construction expertise.

Company Size: GHD is a large, global organization with thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a structured corporate environment with ample resources and opportunities for professional development.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928, signifying a long-standing history and established reputation in the industry, suggesting stability and deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Facilities Engineering group and Engineering Design Organization (EDO), implying a specialized team focused on detailed project design and execution.

• Expect a hierarchical structure typical of large engineering firms, with clear reporting lines to Project Managers and senior leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and adherence to established quality management systems are paramount.

• Emphasis on structured project management methodologies, including rigorous scope definition, budget control, and schedule adherence.

• Continuous improvement and process optimization are encouraged to enhance project delivery efficiency and client satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's global presence and long history suggest a company that values structured processes, technical excellence, and long-term client relationships. The "Design Manager" title implies a leadership role responsible for ensuring the technical integrity and successful delivery of design packages within larger infrastructure and facility projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is a mid-to-senior level position, requiring substantial experience in managing complex design processes. It sits above individual discipline engineers and project engineers, focusing on the holistic management of design delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director, Program Manager, or a senior leader within the Facilities Engineering group. They will, in turn, manage and coordinate the work of multi-disciplinary design teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the technical and financial success of projects. Their ability to ensure compliant, constructible, and cost-effective designs directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, and GHD's reputation for delivering quality infrastructure and facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Project Director or Program Manager roles, overseeing larger and more complex project portfolios.

• Specialization in specific project types (e.g., federal defense, large-scale infrastructure, specific facility types).

• Development into leadership roles within GHD's global operations, potentially managing regional or global design standards.

• Opportunities for professional certifications and further education in project management or specialized engineering fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established engineering consultancy. The focus on managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects provides a strong foundation for moving into broader project leadership or executive management positions within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates on a hybrid model, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate teamwork, innovation, and client interactions.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Waterloo, Ontario, with potential for flexibility within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Waterloo office is located at 455 Phillip Street, N2L 3X2.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting the hybrid work model and encouraging interaction among design teams.

• Access to standard engineering software, design tools, and communication platforms required for multi-disciplinary project management.

• Opportunities to engage with experienced professionals across various engineering and design disciplines, fostering knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the office. This offers structure while allowing for some personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model emphasizes GHD's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, while also recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration for complex design work and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes by the hiring team, potentially with AI assistance, to assess qualifications against the job requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and technical interview focusing on design management experience, leadership style, and understanding of project delivery processes. Questions will probe experience with multi-disciplinary teams, budget/schedule management, and problem-solving.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a relevant project from their portfolio or work through a hypothetical design management challenge. This will assess their approach to scope definition, risk management, stakeholder communication, and technical decision-making.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within GHD.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include examples of infrastructure and facilities projects, highlighting your role in managing multiple disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical).

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate impact, such as budget savings achieved, schedule improvements made, or successful navigation of complex regulatory environments.

• Highlight Process Mastery: For each project, clearly articulate the design management processes you implemented, including quality control, change management, and stakeholder communication strategies.

• Address Specific Requirements: Prepare to discuss your experience with BIM, alternative delivery models (Design-Build, P3), and your proficiency in both English and French.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility areas, making it easy for the reviewers to follow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, scope creep, budget overruns, or challenging stakeholders.

• Be prepared to articulate your strategy for developing a design work plan and Level of Effort (LOE).

• Practice explaining complex technical issues and your management approach in a clear, concise manner suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical design knowledge but also strong project management, leadership, and communication skills. The ability to articulate a structured approach to design delivery, risk management, and stakeholder engagement will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools used for project scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Design Coordination Platforms: Experience with platforms that facilitate collaboration and communication on multi-disciplinary projects (e.g., BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore).

• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using systems for organizing and controlling project documentation and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Control Software: Tools for tracking project expenditures against budget (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials, specialized project cost software).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to dashboards that track project progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools and workflows (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) is a strong asset.

• Cost Estimating Tools: Familiarity with software or techniques for developing and verifying engineering and capital cost estimates.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not mandated, a strong understanding of project management, BIM, and cost control tools is essential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with such systems and how they leverage them to enhance design delivery efficiency and accuracy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all project dealings and decision-making.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve project delivery.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and striving to build long-term, trusted relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect among engineers, architects, and other design professionals.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining regular and transparent communication with all project stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and construction partners.

• Problem-Solving Oriented: Approaching challenges as opportunities for collaborative solutions, with a focus on constructive feedback and shared responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's values suggest a culture that prioritizes technical rigor, ethical conduct, and strong teamwork. The Design Manager is expected to embody these values and foster them within their project teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multi-Disciplinary Complexity: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering and architectural disciplines, each with its own methodologies and priorities.

• Navigating Federal Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to federal requirements, which can be complex and demanding, particularly for defense projects.

• Balancing Scope, Schedule, and Budget: The perennial challenge of delivering high-quality designs within tight constraints, requiring constant vigilance and strategic adjustments.

• Adapting to Alternative Delivery Models: Successfully managing projects under Design-Build, P3, or Alliance frameworks, which require different contractual and collaborative approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or FIDIC certifications.

• Specialized Technical Skill Development: Access to training in advanced BIM techniques, specific engineering disciplines, or new construction technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: GHD likely offers programs to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and client relationship management skills for its emerging leaders.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Support for attending industry events to stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are characteristic of large-scale infrastructure projects. However, these challenges also serve as excellent opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement within a leading global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex infrastructure project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful multi-disciplinary coordination?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach budget and schedule management for engineering design deliverables? Provide an example of a time you had to mitigate cost overruns or schedule delays." (Highlight financial acumen and proactive risk management.)

• "Walk me through your process for implementing and managing a change control system on a project. How do you balance client requests with project constraints?" (Demonstrate understanding of project governance and change management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GHD, and why are you interested in this Design Manager role specifically?" (Research GHD's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse design teams? How do you handle disagreements or conflicts between disciplines?" (Align your response with GHD's collaborative values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project discussed, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges faced, the processes you implemented (design, quality, budget, schedule, change management), and the successful outcomes.

• Quantify Visually: Use charts or graphs to illustrate budget performance, schedule adherence, or scope management where possible.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your portfolio examples to the required skills, such as BIM experience, alternative delivery models, and cross-disciplinary leadership.

• Practice Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a defined timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, quantifiable examples from their past projects to illustrate their capabilities. Demonstrating a clear understanding of GHD's culture and values, alongside strong technical and project management skills, will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive application, including your resume and cover letter (if applicable), through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in multi-disciplinary design management for infrastructure and facility projects, specifically mentioning your years of experience, BIM proficiency, and fluency in English and French. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare specific examples of projects that showcase your leadership in design delivery, budget and schedule management, quality control, and change control. Be ready to discuss your experience with alternative delivery models and federal projects.

• Prepare for Technical Discussions: Review common project management methodologies, engineering design processes, and GHD's known areas of expertise. Practice articulating your approach to common design management challenges.

• Research GHD: Understand their mission, values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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