Rail and Transit Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Rail and Transit Design Manager Company: Arcadis Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Engineering & Design Management (Rail/Transit) Date Posted: 2026-01-05T16:43:43.819 Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects, encompassing the full project lifecycle from feasibility to detailed design.
• Manage and integrate multidisciplinary design teams (civil, structural, systems, architectural, environmental) to ensure cohesive and high-quality design solutions.
• Serve as a primary client interface, fostering strong relationships with transit authorities and stakeholders, and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Drive business development initiatives by leading technical input for bids, proposals (RFQs/RFPs), and client engagement strategies in the rail and transit sector.
• Ensure all design deliverables adhere to stringent safety, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, regulatory standards, and Arcadis' quality benchmarks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within Arcadis' rail and transit practice, requiring a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and business development capabilities, with a strong focus on client relationship management and strategic growth within the Canadian transit market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle for rail and transit infrastructure projects, from initial feasibility studies through to detailed engineering design.
• Coordinate and integrate inputs from diverse engineering disciplines, ensuring a unified and optimized design outcome that meets all project objectives.
• Uphold Arcadis' commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and cost-effective design solutions that align with project schedules, budgets, and performance requirements.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients on design-related matters, proactively managing expectations and ensuring exceptional client service.
• Develop and execute technical strategies for winning new business, including leading proposal development and contributing to bid writing and presentations for key transit agencies.
• Provide expert technical oversight, quality assurance, and risk management for all design outputs, ensuring compliance with industry codes and standards.
• Champion the adoption of digital engineering tools (BIM, Digital Twins) and value engineering practices to enhance design efficiency and project outcomes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment that leverages global expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical project delivery and strategic business growth, emphasizing the need for a candidate who can not only manage complex engineering challenges but also cultivate client relationships and contribute to Arcadis' market expansion in the rail and transit sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in British Columbia, or eligibility for registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) is mandatory.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a substantial portion dedicated to leadership roles on rail or transit infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in managing complex, multidisciplinary design projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including proposal preparation, client engagement, and securing new project opportunities.
• Experience working directly with public transit agencies such as TransLink, BCRTC, BC Transit, or similar entities is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Rail & Transit System Design: Deep understanding of design principles for various transit systems, including trackwork, signaling, communications, power distribution, and station infrastructure.
• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Proven ability to effectively manage, coordinate, and mentor diverse teams of engineers and technical professionals across multiple disciplines.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with clients, transit authorities, and other project stakeholders.
• Business Development & Proposal Management: Expertise in identifying opportunities, developing winning proposals (RFQs/RFPs), and contributing to strategic client engagement for new project acquisition.
• Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance: Strong capability to provide technical leadership, conduct thorough design reviews, and implement robust quality assurance processes.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical and project risks throughout the design and delivery phases.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Engineering & BIM: Familiarity with and advocacy for advanced digital engineering tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins, for enhanced design and project delivery.
• Value Engineering: Experience in applying value engineering principles to optimize design solutions for cost-effectiveness and performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards, such as TLBCC, CSA, NFPA 130, and Transport Canada requirements.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to contribute to strategic planning for the rail and transit sector, identifying market trends and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level professional with specific domain expertise in rail and transit, coupled with essential leadership, client-facing, and business development skills crucial for driving project success and company growth. The P.Eng. requirement is a non-negotiable prerequisite for this role in British Columbia.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase comprehensive case studies of rail or transit infrastructure projects led by the candidate, detailing the project scope, challenges, and successful outcomes.
• Design Lifecycle Management: Evidence of managing projects through the full design lifecycle, from concept and feasibility to detailed design and construction support, highlighting process adherence.
• Multidisciplinary Integration: Examples demonstrating the successful coordination and integration of diverse engineering disciplines to achieve a cohesive and optimized final design.
• Client Engagement & Business Development: Portfolio pieces illustrating successful client relationship management, proposal contributions, and business development wins within the transit sector.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
• System Implementation & Integration: Provide examples of how digital engineering tools (BIM, etc.) and advanced design methodologies were implemented and integrated to improve project delivery.
• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Showcase ability to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for design processes and projects, and to analyze and report on performance metrics to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating practical application of engineering design principles, project leadership, and business acumen within the complex environment of rail and transit infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on process efficiency and technological adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $128,000 - $178,000 CAD per year.

• Note: This base salary represents Arcadis’ hiring range for this position in Vancouver, BC. Actual salaries will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's location, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Includes extended health, dental, and vision care coverage.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Participation in a company-sponsored retirement savings or pension plan.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and continuing education to support career growth.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and statutory holiday allowances.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Coverage for life insurance and long-term disability.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• While the role is on-site, Arcadis may offer some flexibility in work arrangements or schedules, subject to project demands and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Vancouver, Canada, and reflects a senior-level engineering management position within the infrastructure sector. The benefits package is typical for a large, established engineering consultancy, aiming to support employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design & Consultancy (Built Environment & Natural Assets) Company Size: Over 36,000 employees globally. Founded: 1888 (Arcadis legacy companies). Arcadis as it is known today was formed through mergers and acquisitions over many years.

Team Structure:

• The Rail and Transit Design Manager will likely be part of Arcadis' extensive Infrastructure division, specifically within the Rail & Transit sector team in Canada.
• This team operates with a matrix structure, with individuals reporting both to project managers for project-specific duties and to practice leaders for career development and operational oversight.
• Collaboration is key, involving close work with project managers, discipline leads, other engineers, technical specialists, and client representatives from transit authorities.

Methodology:

• Arcadis emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering sustainable and resilient solutions through integrated design and consultancy services.
• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, utilizing advanced analytics and digital tools to inform design choices and project strategies.
• Continuous improvement is a core tenet, with a focus on optimizing design processes, leveraging global best practices, and fostering innovation.
• A strong emphasis is placed on safety, quality, and ethical conduct in all project execution and business operations.

Company Website: https://arcadis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis positions itself as a global leader in sustainable design and consultancy, with a strong emphasis on impact and innovation. The company culture likely fosters collaboration, professional development, and a commitment to solving complex infrastructure challenges, particularly within specialized sectors like rail and transit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or team lead to a managerial role with significant responsibility for project outcomes, client relationships, and business development within a specialized sector. The scope includes managing complex, high-value projects and influencing strategic direction.

Reporting Structure: The Rail and Transit Design Manager will typically report to a senior leadership figure within Arcadis' Rail & Transit practice or the Infrastructure division in Canada, such as a Sector Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and project coordinators.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Arcadis' revenue and growth within the rail and transit sector. Success in this position contributes to securing major infrastructure contracts, enhancing Arcadis' reputation as a leading consultancy, and driving the successful delivery of critical public transportation projects that improve urban mobility and sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into more senior leadership roles, such as Sector Director, Head of Rail & Transit, or regional management positions within Arcadis.
• Strategic Business Development: Opportunity to take on greater responsibility for shaping Arcadis' business strategy in the rail and transit market, identifying new service offerings, and expanding client portfolios.
• Technical Specialization & Thought Leadership: Develop deeper expertise in emerging areas of rail and transit technology (e.g., autonomous systems, advanced electrification, digital infrastructure) and become a recognized thought leader.
• Global Mobility: Potential to leverage Arcadis' global network for international project involvement or career opportunities.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior talent, contributing to the growth of the next generation of engineering leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression, moving beyond technical project management to encompass strategic business growth and leadership within a critical and expanding infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a primary work location within an Arcadis office in Vancouver, BC. The office environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary resources for engineering design and project management.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This location provides access to major transit authorities and ongoing infrastructure development projects in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely facilitate regular team meetings, design reviews, and client interactions, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.
• Technology Enabled: Access to Arcadis’ suite of engineering software, digital tools (BIM, etc.), communication platforms, and reliable IT infrastructure to support complex design tasks and remote collaboration when necessary.
• Professional Setting: An environment conducive to focused work, client presentations, and professional development, with opportunities to connect with peers and senior leadership.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on project needs and Arcadis’ policies, but the primary expectation is consistent presence and engagement at the Vancouver office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role highlights the importance of in-person collaboration, client engagement, and team synergy for this leadership position, which is common for roles involving significant project oversight and client-facing responsibilities in the engineering sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and cover letter by the recruitment team, focusing on meeting the core experience and qualification criteria.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to assess your technical expertise, leadership style, understanding of rail/transit projects, and business development acumen.
• Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with key team members or subject matter experts to evaluate your technical knowledge, problem-solving capabilities, and fit within the existing team structure.
• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio review or a prepared case study demonstrating your experience in managing complex design projects, client engagement, or business development initiatives.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most impactful rail or transit infrastructure projects that best showcase your leadership, design management, and business development skills.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the multidisciplinary team's approach, key decisions made, innovative solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction, successful bid win).
• Highlight Technical & Managerial Skills: Demonstrate your ability to manage complex technical challenges while also effectively leading teams, managing client expectations, and contributing to business growth.
• Emphasize ROI & Value: Quantify the value and impact of your contributions, whether through cost efficiencies, improved project delivery, or successful business development efforts.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, risk management strategies, leadership approach, and how you handle difficult client or team situations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical or past technical challenges related to rail/transit design and how you would approach them.
• Business Development Strategy: Think about how you would approach winning new work with transit authorities in BC, identifying Arcadis' strengths and potential market opportunities.
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples of how you have motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and fostered a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's technical depth, leadership capabilities, and commercial acumen, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and the ability to present tangible results through a portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially specialized rail/transit design tools.
• BIM & Digital Engineering Platforms: Experience with or strong understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and the concept of Digital Twins for integrated project delivery.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of reporting tools to track project progress, budget adherence, and design quality metrics.
• Data Analysis: Competency in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, familiarity with CRM principles for managing client relationships and tracking business development activities may be beneficial.
• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automation can be applied within design processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for project management, advanced design (BIM), and digital engineering, reflecting Arcadis' commitment to modern, efficient, and integrated project delivery methods in the infrastructure sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships based on trust and delivery excellence.
• Sustainability & Resilience: Driving design solutions that are environmentally responsible, sustainable, and built to withstand future challenges.
• Innovation & Digitalization: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as BIM and digital twins, to enhance design quality, efficiency, and project outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together effectively towards shared goals.
• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest ethical standards and striving for technical excellence in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between different engineering disciplines, project management, and business development teams to ensure holistic project success.
• Open Communication: Promoting transparent and timely communication channels for sharing information, providing feedback, and resolving issues proactively.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, leveraging Arcadis' global expertise to benefit local projects and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis' values and collaboration style are geared towards delivering complex, sustainable infrastructure solutions through teamwork, innovation, and strong client relationships, aligning with the demands of the rail and transit sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Navigating the intricacies of large-scale rail and transit infrastructure projects with multiple stakeholders, evolving requirements, and tight deadlines.
• Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of diverse engineering systems and disciplines for optimal project performance and safety.
• Client Relationship Management: Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key transit authorities, particularly in a competitive market landscape.
• Technological Adoption: Championing and implementing new digital engineering tools and processes within established project frameworks.
• Talent Development: Attracting, retaining, and developing top engineering talent within a competitive job market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in cutting-edge rail and transit technologies, design methodologies, and project management techniques.
• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Arcadis' structured leadership and management training programs designed to enhance strategic thinking and people management skills.
• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend major rail and transit industry conferences, fostering professional development and expanding professional networks.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Arcadis and opportunities to mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge transfer and leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior roles in major infrastructure projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and leadership development within a supportive organizational framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Leadership: "Describe a complex rail or transit project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key challenges, how did you lead your multidisciplinary team, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating project lifecycle management, team leadership, and problem-solving).
• Client Engagement: "How do you approach building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with major clients like transit authorities? Can you provide an example of a challenging client situation you successfully navigated?" (Highlight client management skills, communication, and strategic advisory capabilities).
• Business Development: "What is your strategy for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the rail and transit sector in British Columbia? How would you leverage Arcadis' strengths to win key projects?" (Showcase commercial acumen, market understanding, and proposal development experience).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Arcadis Alignment: "How do Arcadis' values of sustainability, innovation, and client focus align with your own professional philosophy and approach to engineering management?" (Research Arcadis' values and tailor your response to demonstrate alignment).
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you foster collaboration and empower your team members to deliver their best work?" (Focus on leadership style, communication, and creating a positive, productive atmosphere).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond project delivery? What metrics do you track to demonstrate value to both the client and Arcadis?" (Emphasize ROI, efficiency gains, and client satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 key projects and present them clearly, focusing on your specific role, contributions, and the project's success metrics.
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and measurable outcomes whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, efficiency improvements, successful bid wins).
• Strategic Storytelling: Frame your projects as case studies that highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and ability to navigate complex challenges in the rail and transit domain.
• Showcase Technical & Business Acumen: Ensure your presentation balances your technical design leadership with your business development and client management expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise in rail/transit, proven leadership, strong client relationship skills, and a proactive approach to business development, all supported by tangible examples from your career.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Arcadis careers portal via the provided job link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your extensive experience in rail and transit infrastructure design management, emphasizing leadership, client engagement, business development, and technical oversight. Use keywords from the job description.
• Portfolio Preparation: Organize your portfolio to showcase 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing multidisciplinary design teams, delivering complex infrastructure, and contributing to business growth. Be ready to present these with clear metrics and outcomes.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific examples related to the strategy questions outlined above, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving approaches, and business development contributions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Arcadis' recent projects, values, and strategic focus, particularly within the Canadian rail and transit sector. Understand their commitment to sustainability and digital innovation.

⚠️ 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.

---