Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: FCC Canada

Location: Toronto, ON, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and integration of complex underground transit station projects, ensuring adherence to stringent project schedules and budgetary controls.

• Provide strategic leadership and technical direction to multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment for optimal project outcomes.

• Manage critical design documentation, including requirements traceability matrices and Interface Control Documents (ICDs), to ensure seamless project execution.

• Uphold strict compliance with all contractual, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout the design lifecycle, from conception to commissioning.

• Drive the development and submission of construction strategies and building permits, ensuring full alignment with municipal and provincial authorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for managing the intricate design phases of large-scale underground transit infrastructure projects in Canada. The Senior Design Manager will be the central figure coordinating diverse design disciplines and ensuring all technical and regulatory aspects are met for projects like the GO Rail Expansion and Ontario Line.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategically lead and manage all design activities for complex underground station projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

• Provide expert guidance and direction to design teams across various engineering disciplines, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

• Develop and implement comprehensive design management plans, including the creation and maintenance of a requirements traceability matrix.

• Oversee the preparation and management of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to define and control interfaces between different project systems and stakeholders.

• Ensure all designs comply with contractual obligations, safety standards, environmental regulations, and relevant building codes.

• Manage the process for construction strategies and secure necessary building permits from relevant authorities.

• Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration among design teams, construction personnel, temporary works designers, and other project stakeholders.

• Conduct thorough impact assessments for design changes, analyzing effects on schedule, cost, requirements, and interfaces, and present findings to senior management and clients.

• Liaise directly with project teams, clients, and contractors to monitor design progress, track key milestones, and manage interfaces during systems integration, testing, and commissioning phases.

• Administer engineering processes in accordance with company policies, ensuring accurate documentation, reporting, and adherence to established procedures.

• Mentor and develop junior design managers and engineers, fostering professional growth and building a high-performing design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate with a strong background in managing large infrastructure projects, specifically those involving underground transit systems. The emphasis on ICDs, requirements traceability, and impact assessments points to a role requiring meticulous planning and execution in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant portion focused on large-scale underground transit infrastructure projects, such as deep underground and interchange stations.

• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex design and integration processes for major civil engineering or infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle from conceptualization to construction support and commissioning.

• Underground Infrastructure: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with the design challenges and methodologies specific to underground stations and tunnels.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate cross-functional design and engineering teams.

• Project Planning & Execution: Strong capabilities in strategic planning, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring timely project delivery.

• Interface Management: Proficiency in developing and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and ensuring effective coordination between different project elements.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of Canadian building codes, safety regulations, environmental standards, and transit agency requirements (e.g., TTC, Metrolinx).

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Ability to identify, assess, and manage design-related risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

• Contractual & Technical Documentation: Expertise in managing large design documentation packages, including drawings, specifications, and technical reports.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design challenges and implement innovative solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) or Metrolinx design standards and approval processes.

• Experience with specific project management software such as Primavera P6.

• Proficiency in advanced design software including AutoCAD and Revit.

• Experience with systems integration, testing, and commissioning phases of large transit projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize a senior-level professional with specialized experience in underground transit infrastructure. The blend of technical design expertise, project management acumen, and regulatory knowledge is crucial for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Deliverables: Showcase examples of completed large-scale underground station designs or similar complex infrastructure projects, detailing the scope, challenges, and your specific role.

• Design Management Plans: Present examples of design management strategies, including methodologies for scope definition, resource allocation, and quality control.

• Interface Management Documentation: Include samples of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) or similar coordination documents that demonstrate your ability to manage complex interdependencies between systems and disciplines.

• Requirements Traceability: Demonstrate experience in developing and utilizing requirements traceability matrices to ensure all project requirements are addressed throughout the design process.

• Risk Management Case Studies: Provide examples of how you've identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related risks on past projects, ideally with quantifiable outcomes.

• Permitting & Regulatory Approvals: Showcase experience in navigating the building permit and regulatory approval processes for major infrastructure projects in Ontario.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Detail your approach to establishing and managing efficient design review and approval workflows, ensuring timely feedback loops and sign-offs.

• Change Management Processes: Illustrate your process for managing design changes, including impact assessment, stakeholder consultation, and documentation updates.

• Collaboration & Coordination Protocols: Outline the systems and processes you implement to foster seamless collaboration and coordination among diverse design teams and external stakeholders.

• Quality Assurance Procedures: Describe your methods for ensuring the quality and accuracy of design documentation and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their capabilities in managing complex design processes for major infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on underground transit. Highlighting experience with documentation like ICDs and requirements traceability is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $175,000 - $200,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., RRSP or similar).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support.

Working Hours:

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

• Potential for overtime as required by project demands, with appropriate compensation or time-off in lieu.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site due to project coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level design management role in the Canadian infrastructure sector, particularly in the Toronto market. The benefits package is standard for a large organization, emphasizing health, retirement, and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure Development

Company Size: FCC Canada is part of a large international group, with its Canadian operations likely comprising several hundred to a few thousand employees, indicating a substantial organizational presence with significant project capacity.

Founded: FCC (Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas) was founded in 1900, bringing over a century of global experience to its Canadian operations.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design team, potentially comprising multiple discipline leads (structural, architectural, MEP, systems), senior engineers, and junior designers.

• This team will operate within a larger project organization, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager, and will collaborate closely with construction management, procurement, planning, and commissioning teams.

Methodology:

• FCC Canada emphasizes a robust project delivery methodology that integrates design, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) or design-build (DB) principles.

• The company likely employs advanced project management tools and techniques to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety across its large-scale infrastructure projects.

• A strong focus on compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement is integral to their operational approach.

Company Website: https://www.fccco.com/ (Global) and potentially a dedicated FCC Canada or specific project website.

📝 Enhancement Note: FCC Canada's affiliation with a global infrastructure leader suggests a culture that values expertise, rigorous processes, and a commitment to large-scale project success. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion indicates a forward-thinking and responsible corporate ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position within the design and engineering function for major infrastructure projects. It represents a significant step for professionals looking to manage complex, high-value design portfolios.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or a VP of Engineering/Design, with direct oversight of a team of design professionals and close collaboration with construction and project management leadership.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, compliant, cost-effective, and can be built safely and efficiently. Effective design management is foundational to the overall project's financial and operational viability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Advancement to Project Director or overall Project Manager roles on future large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Functional Leadership: Progression to Head of Design or Chief Engineer positions within FCC Canada, overseeing design strategy across multiple projects.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of underground transit design or complex engineering challenges.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to leverage experience within the broader FCC Group internationally.

• Mentorship & Training: Developing leadership and management skills through mentoring junior staff and leading large teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within the infrastructure sector, particularly for those aiming for leadership positions in complex project delivery. The scale and nature of FCC Canada's projects provide excellent opportunities for skill development and career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based in an office environment, likely within FCC Canada's project offices located near major project sites or a corporate headquarters in Toronto. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative.

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON, Canada. This location places the role at the heart of significant transit infrastructure development in the Greater Toronto Area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, requiring close interaction with project management teams, engineers, planners, and potentially client representatives.

• Access to necessary design software, collaboration tools, and project documentation systems will be provided.

• The environment will be fast-paced, driven by project deadlines and the complexities of large-scale construction and design.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, Monday to Friday.

• Given the demands of large infrastructure projects, there may be a requirement for occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues.

• While primarily on-site, occasional flexibility might be negotiated, but the core of the role necessitates physical presence for team coordination and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is driven by the need for direct collaboration and oversight on complex, active infrastructure projects. Toronto's status as a major hub for transit development makes this an exciting and strategically located position.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Senior Design Manager's direct supervisor (e.g., Project Director) to assess technical expertise, leadership style, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical/Panel Interview: A more in-depth discussion, potentially involving key stakeholders, senior engineers, or project leaders, focusing on specific design challenges, project management methodologies, and experience with underground infrastructure. This stage may include case studies or hypothetical scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be expected to present a curated portfolio showcasing relevant projects, design strategies, and management approaches. Emphasis will be on demonstrating impact, problem-solving capabilities, and leadership.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership within FCC Canada to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 key projects that best exemplify your experience in large-scale underground transit design and management.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your leadership and design decisions (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction).

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, managing stakeholders, and driving design processes.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For each project, describe a significant challenge and how you successfully navigated it.

• Showcase Documentation: Include examples of key documents like ICDs, design management plans, or risk registers, explaining their purpose and your contribution.

• Tailor to FCC Canada: Research FCC Canada's current projects (e.g., Ontario Line, GO Expansion) and tailor your presentation to align with their strategic goals and technical needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing a comprehensive design strategy for a complex underground transit project, considering all phases from concept to construction.

• Risk Management: Expect questions about how you identify and mitigate risks in large infrastructure design, particularly concerning underground construction and integration with existing systems.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare examples of how you have managed diverse stakeholder expectations and achieved consensus on critical design decisions.

• Technical Integration: Be ready to discuss challenges and solutions related to integrating various design disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, MEP, systems) and managing interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role. A strong portfolio and well-articulated case studies will be crucial for demonstrating the required expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: AutoCAD, Revit – essential for detailed design, modeling, and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Primavera P6 (highly preferred), MS Project – critical for scheduling, resource management, and progress tracking on large-scale projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar – for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

• BIM Software: Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and software is increasingly important for integrated design and construction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office) for generating reports, presentations, and analyses.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret project data related to design progress, budget adherence, and risk, often derived from scheduling and project management software.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data interfaces with project management and procurement systems is key.

• Familiarity with systems for document control and workflow automation within design and construction environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard design, scheduling, and project management software is a fundamental requirement. Experience with BIM and integrated project delivery platforms will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs that meet or exceed project requirements and industry standards.

• Safety First: Prioritizing safety in all design decisions and processes, ensuring the well-being of workers and the public.

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

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all dealings.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design efficiency, constructability, and project outcomes.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Actively promoting an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences, as highlighted in their commitment statement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A collaborative approach that breaks down silos between design, construction, procurement, and client teams.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on open, transparent, and regular communication with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and open dialogue to refine designs and processes.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with joint venture partners, sub-consultants, and clients to achieve shared project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: FCC Canada's stated commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with the nature of large infrastructure projects, suggests a culture that values both professional rigor and a supportive, team-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Underground Design: Managing the intricate technical challenges associated with deep underground stations, tunneling, and integration with existing transit systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse and sometimes conflicting interests of multiple stakeholders, including transit authorities, government bodies, community groups, and contractors.

• Regulatory Hurdles: Ensuring compliance with a complex and evolving landscape of safety, environmental, and building regulations in Ontario.

• Schedule & Budget Pressures: Delivering designs within demanding project timelines and strict budgetary constraints inherent in large infrastructure projects.

• Design Integration: Coordinating numerous design disciplines and ensuring seamless integration of systems, structures, and architecture.

• Team Leadership: Leading and motivating a large, multi-disciplinary team, often under high-pressure conditions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining deeper experience in managing mega-projects and complex EPC/DB contracts.

• Technical Expertise: Expanding knowledge in specialized areas of underground transit design, geotechnical engineering, and systems integration.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership, negotiation, and strategic decision-making skills through hands-on experience and potential company-provided training.

• Industry Exposure: Working on some of Canada's most significant and transformative infrastructure projects, enhancing professional reputation and network.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of future industry talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles on large infrastructure projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a high-impact environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive design strategy for a multi-billion dollar underground transit project, from concept to construction." (Focus on phases, integration, risk, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between design teams, construction teams, and client requirements on complex infrastructure projects?" (Highlight communication, collaboration tools, and process for managing interfaces.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to FCC Canada and this specific role on the ONxpress Transportation Partners project?" (Research FCC's projects, values, and commitment to diversity.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and inclusivity within your design teams?" (Refer to their stated values and your own leadership experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Key Documents: Be prepared to discuss and show examples of your work on Design Management Plans, ICDs, risk registers, and design impact assessments.

• Leadership Focus: Emphasize your leadership in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and driving decision-making processes.

• Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of underground station design and integration, demonstrating your understanding of key engineering challenges.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time, ensuring you highlight the most impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical design management expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. A well-prepared portfolio is critical for showcasing practical experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the provided ADP portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience with large-scale underground infrastructure, transit projects, design management, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, Revit, and regulatory compliance in Canada. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, focusing on complex underground stations, your leadership role, design management processes, and key deliverables like ICDs. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Research FCC Canada & ONxpress: Familiarize yourself with FCC's global and Canadian operations, their project portfolio (especially GO Expansion, Ontario Line), and the specific goals of the ONxpress Transportation Partners joint venture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to design leadership, project management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided data and industry standards. Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the official job posting and conduct their own research to ensure they meet all requirements and understand the full scope of the role and company.