Mission Critical Design Manager – Land Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mission Critical Design Manager – Land Development

Company: Stantec

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Land Development Engineering & Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-27T14:19:20

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for mission-critical land development projects, from conceptualization through to post-construction.

• Lead the technical design and approval processes for site grading, water distribution, sanitary sewers, stormwater management, and shallow utilities coordination.

• Drive client satisfaction and manage key relationships with valued developer clients within the Alberta North Community Development group.

• Ensure projects adhere to Stantec’s QA/QC program and meet all applicable municipal specifications and standards.

• Contribute to business development efforts by participating in proposal writing and identifying new client and project opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level Engineering and Project Management position within the Land Development sector, specifically focusing on "Mission Critical" projects. This implies a need for robust project delivery, financial acumen, and the ability to manage complex technical challenges with a high degree of autonomy and client-facing responsibility. The emphasis on "Mission Critical" suggests a focus on essential infrastructure and development projects that require high reliability and meticulous planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and be accountable for the approval of engineering drawings related to site grading and site servicing, including water distribution, sanitary sewers, stormwater management, shallow utilities coordination, and erosion control design.

• Coordinate effectively with various technical disciplines, such as offsite roadway design, offsite water and wastewater infrastructure, and environmental services, to ensure seamless delivery of design drawings and technical requirements.

• Provide technical review and professional stamping of engineering design drawings; stamping is preferred but exceptional project management experience can be considered.

• Prepare comprehensive construction specifications and conduct internal peer reviews of designs produced by other engineers and technologists.

• Act as the primary interface between project design and construction teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Review construction submittals to verify adherence to the approved design drawings and specifications.

• Collaborate closely with the field review team to address technical design queries and provide necessary support during construction.

• Develop and implement design procedures and best practices specifically tailored for Mission Critical projects.

• Guide projects through all phases: preliminary/conceptual design, detailed design, scheduling, tendering, construction, and post-construction closeout.

• Liaise with clients, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to define project requirements, secure necessary permits, and obtain approvals.

• Ensure client needs are met efficiently, cost-effectively, and to a high standard of quality.

• Ensure projects comply with all applicable specifications and standards set by governing municipalities and Stantec’s internal QA/QC program.

• Supervise and mentor junior engineering team members, reviewing their deliverables and providing guidance.

• Actively participate in business development initiatives, including proposal preparation and client outreach, to expand the company's client and project portfolio.

• Support the broader Community Development team by contributing to other land development projects (residential, commercial) as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring both technical engineering expertise in land development and strong project management capabilities. The emphasis on "Mission Critical" projects suggests a need for experience with high-stakes infrastructure or development where reliability and precision are paramount. The requirement for coordination with numerous disciplines and external agencies highlights the need for excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in land development engineering.

• Proven track record of managing projects from conception through to completion, including design, tendering, and construction phases.

• Experience in developing and implementing design procedures and best practices. Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Design: Expertise in site grading, site servicing (water, sanitary, storm), shallow utilities coordination, and erosion control.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.

• Technical Review & Stamping: Capability for professional stamping of engineering drawings (APEGA registration preferred).

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with developer clients.

• Coordination & Collaboration: Skill in interfacing with multiple technical disciplines and external agencies.

• Construction Specification Development: Proficiency in preparing detailed construction specifications.

• Software Proficiency: Strong command of AutoCAD Civil 3D for design and BlueBeam for document management and review.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Registration: Current registration with APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta).

• Business Development: Experience in proposal preparation and identifying new business opportunities.

• QA/QC Implementation: Experience in developing and adhering to quality assurance and quality control programs.

• Stormwater Management Design: Advanced knowledge and experience in complex stormwater management solutions.

• Industrial Development/Mission Critical Projects: Specific experience with projects demanding high reliability and critical infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience aligns with a senior or lead role. The preference for P.Eng. registration with APEGA is crucial for roles involving technical stamping and professional accountability in Alberta. Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and BlueBeam are standard technical requirements for land development engineers. The inclusion of business development and client relationship management indicates a role that extends beyond pure technical execution into client acquisition and account management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant land development projects managed from start to finish, detailing project scope, challenges, your role, key decisions, and successful outcomes.

• Design Drawings & Specifications: Include examples of site grading plans, site servicing designs (water, sanitary, storm), and construction specifications that demonstrate technical proficiency and adherence to standards.

• Coordination & Collaboration Examples: Highlight instances where you successfully coordinated with multiple disciplines (e.g., structural, transportation, environmental) and external agencies to achieve project approvals and milestones.

• Client Management Examples: Provide evidence of managing client relationships, meeting their objectives, and securing repeat business or positive feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization Examples: Demonstrate how you've improved design or project delivery workflows, reduced timelines, or enhanced efficiency through process innovation.

• QA/QC Implementation Examples: Showcase your approach to quality assurance and quality control in design and project management, including any documentation or procedures you've developed or implemented.

• Permitting & Approval Process Navigation: Document your experience in successfully navigating municipal and provincial permitting and approval processes for complex land development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design manager role, a portfolio should clearly articulate not just technical capabilities but also project leadership, client management, and process improvement contributions. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio, explaining their specific contributions, challenges overcome, and the impact of their work. Demonstrating an understanding of workflow optimization and QA/QC is critical for a role focused on efficient and high-quality project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Mission Critical Design Manager – Land Development role with 10+ years of experience in Edmonton, Alberta, the estimated salary range is CAD $115,000 - $160,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the final scope of responsibilities. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.

• Wellness program, health care spending account, and wellness spending account to support employee well-being.

• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) for long-term financial planning.

• Group Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) option.

• Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and robust short-term/long-term disability plans for security.

• Emergency travel benefits for peace of mind.

• Tuition reimbursement and professional membership fee coverage to support continuous learning and development.

• Paid time off for work-life balance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, typical of project management roles in the engineering and construction sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in Edmonton, Canada, considering the specified experience level and the specialized nature of "Mission Critical" land development projects. Stantec offers a comprehensive benefits package, common for large engineering consulting firms, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Design Services, with a strong focus on Community Development and Infrastructure. Stantec operates globally, contributing to urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental services, and more, aiming to create sustainable and vibrant communities.

Company Size: Stantec is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide. This scale provides opportunities for diverse projects, career mobility, and access to extensive resources and expertise.

Founded: Stantec was founded in 1954, bringing decades of experience and a well-established reputation in the engineering and consulting industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Alberta North Community Development group, serving clients in Edmonton and surrounding regions.

• The team likely comprises various engineering disciplines (civil, transportation, environmental), urban planners, technologists, and project managers.

• Reporting Structure: The Mission Critical Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level Director or Vice President within the Community Development division, with direct oversight of junior engineers and collaboration with discipline leads.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with other engineering disciplines, project managers, business development teams, and administrative support. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing data and analysis for site grading, stormwater management, and utility infrastructure design to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

• Integrated Project Delivery: Emphasizing collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders to streamline the design and construction process.

• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through responsive communication and tailored solutions.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Adhering to rigorous QA/QC standards to ensure the integrity and reliability of designs and project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's size and history suggest a culture that values professionalism, technical excellence, and long-term client relationships. The company's mission to create "strong communities" implies a commitment to sustainable development and community impact. The specific team within Alberta North Community Development will likely foster a collaborative, project-focused environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level role within the Land Development Engineering domain. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in site servicing and grading, coupled with strong project management and client relationship skills. It's a leadership position responsible for significant project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The Mission Critical Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Community Development, overseeing project teams that include junior engineers, technologists, and potentially administrative staff. They will also work closely with other senior discipline leads and project managers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure and development projects. Through effective design, project management, and client liaison, the manager contributes to Stantec's reputation, revenue generation, and the development of sustainable communities. Their work influences project timelines, budgets, technical quality, and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles such as Director of Community Development, VP of Operations, or specialize further in specific types of mission-critical infrastructure.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced stormwater management, complex utility infrastructure, or specific mission-critical project typologies.

• Business Development Expansion: Grow into a primary business development role, focusing on client acquisition and strategic account management.

• Mentorship and Training: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to Stantec's internal training and development programs for land development professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a significant step in a career in land development engineering, offering a path towards leadership and broader business responsibilities. The "Mission Critical" aspect suggests a specialization that can command higher-level opportunities and expertise within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Stantec's Edmonton office. This provides a collaborative workspace designed for engineers and project teams to work together, access necessary resources, and interact with colleagues.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Edmonton, Alberta, at 300-10220 103 Avenue NW, T5J 0K4, a central location within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Stantec offices typically foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction between team members, discipline leads, and project managers to facilitate problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

• Access to Technology: Employees will have access to Stantec’s standard suite of engineering software, IT infrastructure, and office resources necessary for design and project management.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, clients (both in-person and virtually), and other Stantec professionals to discuss project progress, technical challenges, and client needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of land development and the "mission critical" focus, there may be instances requiring extended hours or flexible scheduling to meet critical deadlines, client demands, or attend site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is typical for project management and design leadership positions where direct collaboration, team oversight, and client interaction are key components. The Edmonton office location provides a base within a major urban center in Alberta, facilitating access to projects and clients in the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience level.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your land development engineering expertise, project management methodologies, and experience with mission-critical projects. Expect questions on site grading, servicing, stormwater management, and QA/QC.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, technical solutions, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical step to demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess your leadership style, client management skills, teamwork capabilities, and how you handle pressure, conflict, and complex project scenarios.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, business development capabilities, and long-term career aspirations within Stantec.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable impact or outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, successful approvals, client satisfaction).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio by project type or responsibility area. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and high-quality visuals (drawings, plans, photos) where appropriate.

• Highlight Mission Critical Aspects: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complexity, ensure reliability, and manage high-stakes developments.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your designs, the software utilized, and the rationale behind your engineering decisions.

• Demonstrate Management Skills: Include examples of budget management, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, and team coordination.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical land development scenario and asked to outline your approach to design, planning, and project management, including key considerations and potential challenges.

• Problem-Solving Exercise: Be ready to discuss how you would resolve a complex technical or project management issue that could arise in a mission-critical land development project.

• Client Communication Role-Play: Practice how you would communicate project updates, manage client expectations, or address client concerns effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong technical foundation, robust project management capabilities, and proven client-facing skills. The portfolio presentation is a key component, requiring candidates to effectively communicate their experience and impact. Preparation should focus on articulating specific examples and demonstrating a strategic approach to land development challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: Essential for site grading, earthwork calculations, utility design, and generating detailed engineering drawings. Proficiency in creating surfaces, alignments, profiles, and utility networks is expected.

• BlueBeam Revu: Crucial for reviewing and marking up engineering drawings, specifications, and submittals. Experience with collaborative review features, takeoffs, and PDF creation/editing is highly beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard use of Word for specifications and reports, Excel for data analysis, budgeting, and scheduling, and PowerPoint for presentations and client meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, cost estimations, scheduling, and reporting on project metrics.

• Project Management Software: Potentially specific Stantec tools or industry-standard software for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• GIS Software (e.g., ArcGIS): May be utilized for spatial analysis, site selection, and understanding environmental factors relevant to land development.

CRM & Automation:

• Stantec's Internal CRM/Project Management Systems: Likely used for client management, project tracking, and resource allocation.

• Document Management Systems: Stantec will have its internal systems for storing, organizing, and versioning project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and BlueBeam is non-negotiable for this role. The emphasis on "Mission Critical" projects may also imply a need for rigorous data analysis and reporting capabilities, likely leveraging Excel extensively. Familiarity with project management software and potentially GIS tools would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of project outcomes, designs, and client commitments.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering exceptional service, and building long-term partnerships.

• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for the highest quality in engineering design and project delivery, while embracing innovative solutions to complex challenges.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively across disciplines and with colleagues to achieve shared project goals and foster a supportive work environment.

• Sustainability and Community Impact: Commitment to designing projects that are environmentally responsible and contribute positively to the communities they serve.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with engineers from various disciplines (transportation, structural, environmental) and project managers to ensure holistic project development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparency in project discussions and decision-making.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in team meetings, design reviews, and internal forums to share expertise, lessons learned, and best practices.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A collective approach to identifying potential issues early and working collaboratively to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's values emphasize professionalism, client dedication, and technical excellence. The collaborative style is crucial given the multidisciplinary nature of land development projects, especially those deemed "mission critical," where seamless