Design Manager - Structural

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Structural

Company: FCC Canada

Location: Toronto, ON, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Construction Management

Date Posted: April 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead structural design initiatives for major rail and transit infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration with client, designer, and construction teams.

• Drive efficient project delivery by managing design development, interfaces, and stakeholder coordination, aligning with client requirements and project objectives.

• Lead comprehensive reviews of structural designs, value engineering proposals, risk assessments, and constructability analyses to optimize project outcomes.

• Oversee the performance of design teams, track design changes, and ensure technical submissions meet specifications, proactively identifying and resolving interdisciplinary issues.

• Foster an inclusive and equitable work environment, championing diversity and enabling career progression for all team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager - Structural on a large infrastructure project like the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) requires a blend of technical expertise in structural engineering and strong project management capabilities. This role is critical for bridging the gap between design conceptualization and practical construction, demanding robust coordination and problem-solving skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage all structural design aspects in close collaboration with the Client, Design Consultants, the joint venture Construction team, and other multidisciplinary project stakeholders.

• Facilitate the efficient and timely delivery of structural design solutions, ensuring seamless design interfaces and coordinating with the client and relevant stakeholders to meet project requirements.

• Lead and conduct thorough reviews of structural designs produced by the Design team, providing critical feedback and ensuring adherence to technical standards and project specifications.

• Oversee and manage key project processes including value engineering, risk assessment, life cycle costing, earned value analysis, and constructability reviews to enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Monitor and track the performance of Design Consultants against the project schedule, manage design changes effectively, and ensure timely progress reporting.

• Review technical submissions from designers to confirm compliance with specified design requirements and standards, proactively identifying and resolving design or interdisciplinary issues.

• Ensure that constructability and the construction team's means and methods are integrated and coordinated with the overall design and construction plan.

• Resolve engineering and coordination issues that arise during the construction process by working closely with the Designer and the Construction team.

• Manage and track all design documentation, submittals, and progress reports, promptly alerting appropriate team members to risks that could lead to potential delays.

• Facilitate effective communication channels and workflows between the Design team and the Construction team to promote collaboration and problem resolution.

• Champion an inclusive company culture that promotes equity, embraces diverse perspectives, and supports the career progression of all employees by fostering a strong sense of belonging.

• Perform other duties as assigned that are related to the design management of the structural scope of the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in managing both technical design elements and the interdisciplinary coordination required for large-scale infrastructure projects. The emphasis on value engineering, risk assessment, and constructability suggests a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive design management experience specifically on Rail/Transit infrastructure projects, with a focus on structural works.

Required Skills:

• Strong aptitude and proven experience in the design and construction of structural works for large-scale civil engineering projects.

• Capability to critically assess structural designs, perform simplified models, and conduct necessary calculations to validate designs.

• Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and functionality.

• Thorough understanding of the entire design process cycle, including contract administration, plan development, specification writing, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

• Deep knowledge of engineering and architectural principles, robust project management methodologies, and applicable industry standards.

• Familiarity with Ontario Building Code (OBC), sustainability standards, accessibility standards, municipal standards, and other relevant regulations.

• Proficiency in project management software and computer applications, including Aconex, Bluebeam, Navisworks, Revit, and the MS Office Suite (MS Project, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Ability to plan, schedule, and organize diverse activities, effectively manage stressful situations, and meet tight deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.

• A keen eye for design details and the ability to coordinate complex designs, supporting informed, design-driven decisions.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills to effectively lead discussions and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working directly with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Metrolinx.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering acumen, practical construction knowledge, and advanced project management skills. Experience with specific software like Aconex and BIM tools is crucial, as is familiarity with Canadian building codes and transit authority standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience in design management for rail or transit infrastructure, specifically highlighting structural components.

• Provide detailed case studies of projects where you successfully managed structural design aspects, from concept to construction, emphasizing problem-solving and coordination efforts.

• Include examples of your involvement in value engineering, risk assessments, or constructability reviews, detailing the process and the impact on project outcomes.

• Present documentation or examples demonstrating your understanding and application of BIM processes in design coordination and clash detection.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to managing the design process lifecycle, from initial concept and planning through to detailed design, documentation, and handover for construction.

• Illustrate your methods for coordinating multidisciplinary design efforts, ensuring seamless integration of structural designs with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and other engineering disciplines.

• Provide examples of how you have developed and implemented strategies for risk mitigation and value engineering within design management frameworks.

• Demonstrate your experience in tracking and managing design changes, including the process for change requests, approvals, and incorporating them into project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should clearly illustrate practical application of design management principles in large-scale infrastructure. Emphasis should be placed on complex problem-solving, stakeholder coordination, and the successful delivery of structural elements within challenging project environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Pension or retirement savings plan contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Paid time off, including vacation days and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the project location in Toronto, ON.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and address critical construction phase needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $150,000 - $165,000 CAD for a Design Manager - Structural in Toronto aligns with industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles on major infrastructure projects. This estimate is based on research into similar positions in the Greater Toronto Area, considering the specialized nature of rail/transit infrastructure and the comprehensive responsibilities outlined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Services, Water Management, Concessions. FCC Group operates across multiple sectors, with FCC Canada focusing on civil works like roads, railways, maritime construction, tunnels, bridges, and subway projects.

Company Size: FCC Canada is part of the larger FCC Group, an international leader. While specific Canadian division size isn't detailed, FCC Group globally employs over 50,000 people. This signifies a large, established organization with significant resources and project capacity.

Founded: FCC Group was founded over a century ago, bringing a legacy of experience and stability to its operations. FCC Canada has been present in Canada since 1997, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Canadian market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager - Structural will be part of the joint venture team for the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE - SRS) project, reporting to the Technical Manager.

• This role involves extensive collaboration with internal construction teams, external design consultants, the client (TTC, STC), and potentially other multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Methodology:

• The project operates under a joint venture model (Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc. and FCC Canada Ltd.), requiring integrated project delivery methodologies.

• Emphasis is placed on collaborative design, rigorous technical reviews, and a focus on constructability and risk management, reflecting standard practices in large-scale civil engineering projects.

• The use of BIM processes and digital collaboration tools like Aconex is integral to managing design information and project workflows.

Company Website: https://www.fccco.com/en/web/canada

📝 Enhancement Note: FCC Canada's involvement in significant infrastructure projects like the SSE demonstrates its strategic importance in the Canadian market. The company culture likely emphasizes project execution, technical excellence, and a collaborative approach, especially within joint venture environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and project management hierarchy. The Design Manager - Structural is a key leadership role responsible for a critical technical discipline on a high-profile project. It requires a strong combination of technical expertise, management acumen, and experience in complex infrastructure development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager - Structural reports directly to the Technical Manager for the SSE project. This position will also interface extensively with project directors, construction managers, client representatives (TTC/STC), and design consultants, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills across various levels and organizations.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager - Structural has a direct and significant impact on the project's success. Their responsibilities in overseeing design quality, managing interfaces, controlling costs through value engineering, and mitigating risks are crucial for delivering the project on time, within budget, and to the required technical standards. Effective design management directly influences constructability, safety, and long-term performance of the subway extension.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in advanced structural engineering for transit systems, or to move into broader technical leadership roles on future projects.

• Project Management Advancement: Opportunity to progress into higher-level project management roles, overseeing larger scopes of work, multiple disciplines, or entire projects within FCC Canada.

• Leadership Development: Gain experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder relationships, building valuable leadership competencies for future career growth within FCC or the broader infrastructure sector.

• Cross-functional Experience: Exposure to various phases of large infrastructure projects, from design and procurement to construction and close-out, providing a holistic understanding of project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement, particularly for individuals seeking to lead complex, high-impact infrastructure projects. The experience gained on the SSE project will be highly valuable for future roles in the transportation and civil engineering sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) project in Toronto, ON. This implies a dynamic, project-driven environment that may include a combination of site offices and potentially some interaction with main project offices.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Scarborough, ON, a key area for the subway extension project. This specific location is part of the broader Toronto metropolitan area, offering access to urban amenities and transportation networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting, working closely with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, construction personnel, and client representatives. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: Access to project management software (Aconex, MS Project), design review tools (Bluebeam, Navisworks), BIM software (Revit), and standard office productivity suites will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with internal construction teams and external design consultants will be a core part of the role, necessitating effective communication and coordination strategies. The environment is likely fast-paced, demanding quick decision-making and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but project demands may necessitate flexibility, including potential extended hours or weekend work during critical phases to meet deadlines and address urgent construction issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role means candidates should be prepared for a hands-on, project-focused work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and fast-paced decision-making is characteristic of major infrastructure construction sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in structural design management for rail/transit projects and technical qualifications.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your structural engineering knowledge, design management experience, and familiarity with project management methodologies. Expect questions on your approach to reviewing technical submissions, conducting value engineering, and managing design interfaces.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Exercise: You may be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a real-world problem from a past project to assess your analytical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate solutions clearly. This could involve critiquing a design, developing a mitigation strategy for a design issue, or outlining a plan for managing a critical design interface.

• Behavioral/Fit Interview: This will focus on your leadership style, communication skills, ability to work in a joint venture environment, and how you foster diversity and inclusion. Questions will explore how you handle stress, manage conflict, and collaborate with different teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior project leadership, to confirm overall fit and suitability for the role and the project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Curate examples that best showcase your 5+ years of design management experience in rail/transit structural engineering. Highlight projects where you had significant responsibility for design reviews, coordination, and problem resolution.

• Case Study Structure: For each project example, clearly define the challenge, your role, the actions you took (e.g., design reviews, coordination meetings, value engineering initiatives), and the quantifiable results or impact achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your technical analysis capabilities, including your ability to critique structural designs and perform simplified calculations. Demonstrate your understanding of BIM processes and relevant software.

• Collaboration & Communication: Showcase examples of effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including clients, designers, and construction teams. Highlight how you facilitated decision-making and resolved interdisciplinary issues.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized manner. Focus on demonstrating your impact and value proposition rather than just listing responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Review common structural engineering challenges in transit infrastructure (e.g., tunneling, station design, bridge construction) and practice articulating solutions based on engineering principles and project management best practices.

• Process Management: Prepare to discuss your approach to managing design schedules, tracking changes, and ensuring compliance with codes and standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Practice responding to questions about how you would manage communication and resolve conflicts with clients, designers, and construction teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical depth and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills and a clear understanding of project delivery in the infrastructure sector will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Aconex: For document control, collaboration, and project management in complex construction environments. Proficiency in managing submittals, RFIs, and drawings within Aconex is expected.

• Bluebeam: Essential for PDF markup, collaboration, and takeoff, particularly for reviewing construction drawings and specifications.

• Navisworks: Crucial for 3D model coordination, clash detection, and visualization, enabling proactive identification of design conflicts across disciplines.

• Revit: A key BIM software for creating and managing building information models, essential for integrated design and construction processes.

• MS Project: For project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking, vital for managing the design timeline and its integration with construction schedules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with generating reports on design progress, risk status, and value engineering outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how to manage relationships with external stakeholders (designers, clients) is critical. Proficiency in Aconex for managing communication workflows is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong technical proficiency with industry-standard design and project management software is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience with BIM workflows and collaborative platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality structural designs and contributing to the successful construction of critical infrastructure.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a strong sense of partnership with internal teams, external consultants, and clients to achieve shared project goals.

• Safety and Quality: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations and ensuring that all work meets rigorous quality standards.

• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuously seeking opportunities for process improvement, value engineering, and the adoption of best practices and technologies like BIM.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Actively promoting an equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have opportunities for growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with construction teams, design consultants, and client representatives, facilitating open communication and integrated decision-making.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages proactive identification and resolution of design and construction issues through collaborative effort and technical expertise.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across disciplines and project teams to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, coupled with the collaborative nature of joint venture projects, suggests a culture that values both individual contributions and collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Navigating the intricate relationships between design, construction, client requirements, and regulatory bodies on a large-scale transit project.

• Tight Project Deadlines: Ensuring timely delivery of structural designs under pressure, coordinating multiple teams to meet ambitious project milestones.

• Resolving Design Conflicts: Proactively identifying and resolving technical discrepancies or interface issues between structural design and other disciplines (e.g., architectural, M&E, geotechnical).

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and ensuring consensus on design decisions, especially within a joint venture structure.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Bridging the gap between design intent and the realities of construction, requiring prompt engineering solutions for unforeseen site challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Infrastructure Design: Gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge structural engineering techniques and challenges specific to subway extensions and heavy civil projects.

• Project Management Acumen: Deepening skills in managing complex project lifecycles, including risk management, value engineering, and contract administration within a large-scale infrastructure context.

• Leadership in Diverse Teams: Developing leadership capabilities by managing and motivating multidisciplinary teams, including those from different partner organizations.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to best-in-class project delivery methodologies, BIM implementation, and digital collaboration tools used in major infrastructure projects.

• Networking: Building professional relationships with key industry players in engineering, construction, and transit authorities in the Greater Toronto Area.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges inherent in mega-infrastructure projects, fostering advanced technical and managerial skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Approach: "Describe your process for managing structural design for a major transit infrastructure project. How do you ensure alignment between design intent, client requirements, and constructability?" (Prepare to detail your workflow, risk assessment, value engineering, and coordination strategies.)

• Stakeholder Collaboration: "How do you effectively manage relationships and facilitate communication between design consultants, construction teams, and clients, especially when there are conflicting priorities?" (Provide examples of successful collaboration and conflict resolution.)

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a critical design issue arises during excavation that impacts structural integrity. How would you approach resolving this, involving the design team and construction crews?" (Focus on your analytical process, decision-making, and communication plan.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Project Understanding: "What do you know about the Scarborough Subway Extension project and FCC Canada's role in it?" (Demonstrate research into the project scope, STC, and FCC's past infrastructure work.)

• Teamwork and Inclusion: "How do you contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment? Describe a time you fostered collaboration among team members with different backgrounds or perspectives." (Align your answers with FCC's stated values.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts? What key performance indicators do you track?" (Discuss metrics related to design quality, schedule adherence, cost control, and risk mitigation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantifiable Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the scale of the structural works, your specific responsibilities, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., "Reduced design review time by 15% by implementing a new RFI process," or "Identified cost savings of $X through value engineering").

• Process Walkthrough: Visually or verbally walk through a complex design challenge you managed, highlighting the steps taken, the tools used (e.g., Navisworks for clash detection, Aconex for documentation), and the collaborative efforts involved.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to briefly explain a technical aspect of a project, demonstrating your understanding of structural principles and your ability to communicate complex engineering concepts clearly.

• Tailoring: If possible, draw parallels between your past experience and the specific needs of the SSE project, showcasing how your skills are directly applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to speak concretely about their experience, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and providing specific examples for technical and process-related inquiries.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Structural position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your specific experience in structural design management for rail and transit infrastructure projects. Emphasize your proficiency with BIM, Aconex, Bluebeam, Navisworks, and MS Project, and your understanding of Canadian building codes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 5+ years of relevant experience, focusing on achievements and quantifiable results in design management, value engineering, and stakeholder coordination. Use keywords from the job description to enhance ATS compatibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design management process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your technical expertise in structural engineering.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FCC Canada's infrastructure projects, particularly their work in Canada, and understand the scope and objectives of the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) project and the STC joint venture. Research FCC's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.