Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Infrastructure Consulting

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex, multidisciplinary design activities for large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with safety, buildability, and operational objectives.

• Drive the integration of design solutions across various disciplines, contracts, and workstreams, effectively managing technical interfaces and dependencies.

• Oversee and facilitate critical design, interface, and coordination meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of issues.

• Champion continuous improvement in design management processes, tools, and reporting across the organization, fostering a culture of efficiency and best practice.

• Provide strong leadership and technical guidance to Design Managers and Coordinators, developing their capabilities and ensuring high performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within Mace's consulting arm, focusing on the strategic and operational aspects of design management within large infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail and transit sectors. The emphasis is on integration, coordination, and leadership, rather than pure design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design activities across large infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with project goals.

• Oversee the integration of design solutions and the management of technical interfaces across multiple disciplines, contracts, and workstreams to mitigate risks and ensure constructability.

• Plan, chair, and facilitate effective design, interface, and coordination meetings, driving consensus and decision-making among diverse project stakeholders.

• Provide oversight of design development, ensuring that design packages are aligned with program objectives, budget constraints, and timeline requirements.

• Support robust design review and assurance processes, actively managing issues, risks, and action items through to their successful resolution.

• Collaborate effectively with discipline leads, project managers, and wider stakeholders to proactively resolve complex design and interface challenges.

• Ensure the efficient flow of design information between designers, project teams, and client representatives, maintaining clear lines of communication and documentation.

• Provide strong leadership, clear direction, and technical oversight to Design Managers and Design Project Coordinators, fostering their professional development and team performance.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design management processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms across the business, driving efficiency and best practices.

• Clearly communicate design progress, potential risks, and critical issues to senior stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on management of design processes and strategic leadership, emphasizing stakeholder communication and team development within a complex infrastructure project environment. The role requires a proactive approach to risk and issue management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, or a related built-environment discipline is required.

Experience:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in design management or multidisciplinary design coordination roles on large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Proven capability in managing design integration, technical interfaces, and coordination across multiple stakeholders and diverse project environments.

• Strong experience working within complex, multi-disciplinary environments, with a preference for rail or transit infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and overseeing design processes from concept to completion.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Ability to integrate and manage design inputs from various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Infrastructure Project Experience: Proven track record of working on significant infrastructure development projects.

• Technical Interface Management: Skill in identifying, managing, and resolving technical interfaces between different project components and stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and manage expectations with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Design Assurance & Review: Proficiency in establishing and executing design review and assurance processes to ensure quality and compliance.

• Project Planning: Competence in developing and managing design schedules, milestones, and resource allocation.

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Rail Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge of design principles and challenges specific to rail projects.

• Transit Infrastructure Expertise: Familiarity with the unique requirements of transit system design.

• Design Governance: Experience with establishing and implementing design governance frameworks.

• Construction Consultancy: Background in a consultancy environment, advising clients on complex projects.

• CAD/BIM Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard design and modeling software is beneficial for understanding technical discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience in managing complex design processes within large infrastructure settings, with a clear preference for candidates with rail or transit sector experience. The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights areas where candidates can differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed multidisciplinary design integration across complex infrastructure projects.

• Include case studies demonstrating effective technical interface management and coordination across multiple contracts and stakeholders.

• Present evidence of planning, chairing, and facilitating successful design, interface, and coordination meetings.

• Highlight instances of implementing design assurance and review processes, including issue and risk management.

Process Documentation:

• Detail methodologies used for planning and coordinating multidisciplinary design activities.

• Illustrate processes for managing technical interfaces and ensuring design integration.

• Provide examples of design review and assurance frameworks implemented.

• Document approaches for stakeholder engagement and communication of design progress, risks, and issues.

• Showcase contributions to the continuous improvement of design management processes, tools, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience in managing complex design processes. Candidates should focus on quantifiable achievements and clear documentation of their methodologies, particularly in areas of integration, interface management, and team leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Toronto, Canada, and considering the complexity of large infrastructure projects, the estimated salary range is CAD $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities within the project.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Insurance: Covering medical, dental, and vision care for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including company matching contributions to a pension or RRSP.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, and statutory holidays.

• Professional Development: Support for ongoing training, certifications, and further education to enhance skills in design management and infrastructure.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: Opportunities to balance on-site collaboration with remote work, promoting work-life integration.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are typically 40 per week. While the role is hybrid, specific on-site days will be determined in coordination with the project team and management, likely involving a significant presence during critical project phases or for key meetings. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and individual arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Toronto, Canada, factoring in the seniority and specialization required. Benefits are standard for large consulting firms in Canada, with an emphasis on professional growth and work-life balance, aligning with the hybrid work model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Consulting, and Project Management within the Built Environment. Mace operates globally, combining construction expertise with consultancy services to deliver complex projects. The company's focus on infrastructure, particularly in areas like rail and transit, positions it at the forefront of urban development and transportation solutions.

Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant workforce, indicating a structured environment with ample resources and opportunities for career progression. This size suggests established processes and a strong corporate framework, while also offering diverse project types and client engagements.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a company with deep industry experience, adaptability, and a proven track record in delivering major projects. Its longevity in the competitive construction and consulting sector speaks to its stability and expertise.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Senior Design Manager will be part of Mace's consulting division, likely working within a project-specific team structure. This team will include other design professionals, project managers, and discipline leads.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Program Manager) and will have direct reports, including Design Managers and Design Project Coordinators.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with engineering disciplines, construction teams, client representatives, and potentially external consultants and regulatory bodies.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not a direct data analyst role, the Senior Design Manager will rely on design data, project schedules, and risk registers to inform decision-making and report on progress.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A core function involves planning and optimizing design workflows to ensure efficiency, integration, and timely delivery of design packages.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: The role supports the continuous improvement of design management processes, which may include exploring and implementing new tools or methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's global presence and long history suggest a professional and structured work environment. The emphasis on consulting within construction means the culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and client focus. The structure implies clear career paths and opportunities for professional development within a large organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, indicating significant responsibility and autonomy. A Senior Design Manager is expected to lead complex initiatives, manage teams, and contribute strategically to project success. This role typically sits above Design Managers and Project Coordinators and may report to a Director or VP level within a project or program.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to senior project leadership, such as a Project Director or Program Manager, and will have direct reports including Design Managers and Design Project Coordinators. This structure places them in a key position to influence project outcomes and manage a significant portion of the design effort.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring that design solutions are safe, buildable, operable, and aligned with client objectives and program timelines. Effective design management minimizes costly rework, delays, and safety incidents, thereby directly contributing to project profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Management Leadership: Progression to Program Design Manager, leading design across multiple complex projects or entire programs.

• Senior Project/Program Management: Transitioning into broader project leadership roles, leveraging design management expertise.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., advanced rail systems, sustainable infrastructure) to become a subject matter expert.

• Consulting Leadership: Moving into more strategic consulting roles, advising clients on design strategy, risk management, and project delivery frameworks.

• Mentorship and Training: Taking on roles focused on developing junior talent and shaping the design management capabilities within Mace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager within a firm like Mace is typically towards higher levels of project or program leadership, or specialized consulting roles. The emphasis is on strategic influence and developing organizational capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of working from a Mace office location and remotely. Mace offices are typically modern, professional environments designed to facilitate collaboration and project work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details would be provided by the hiring team, but Mace offices are generally well-equipped and accessible within major urban centers.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model emphasizes the need for effective collaboration. Office days will likely be focused on team meetings, workshops, and strategic discussions, leveraging the in-person dynamic.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to Mace's standard IT infrastructure, including project management software, communication tools, and potentially specialized design and BIM platforms. Remote work will require a suitable home office setup.

• Operations Team Interaction: While remote work allows for focused individual tasks, the hybrid structure ensures regular interaction with the core design management team, project leadership, and other key stakeholders, fostering a connected and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. As a hybrid role, employees are expected to be present in the office on designated days, which will be communicated by the project team. Flexibility is available, but project demands and collaborative needs will dictate the balance between office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, especially critical for managing complex design coordination in large infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in large infrastructure projects and design management.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focus on your background, experience in multidisciplinary coordination, technical interface management, and leadership capabilities. Expect behavioral questions related to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and team leadership.

• Second Interview (Senior Leadership/Panel): Deeper dive into your strategic approach to design management, experience with design assurance, risk assessment, and your ability to influence senior stakeholders. This stage may involve a presentation of your portfolio or a specific case study.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present a curated selection of their work, highlighting key infrastructure projects, design integration challenges, and successful outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on your role, responsibilities, and the impact of your contributions.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a discussion with senior executives or HR regarding cultural fit, career aspirations, and final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: Focus on demonstrating measurable achievements. Use data to show how your design management improved project timelines, reduced costs, enhanced safety, or improved constructability.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly outline the challenge, your approach (methodologies, tools used), your specific role and responsibilities, and the results achieved.

• Highlight Integration: Emphasize your ability to integrate diverse design disciplines and manage complex technical interfaces. Showcase how you navigated conflicts and fostered collaboration.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you led and mentored design teams, resolved team conflicts, and drove performance.

• Tailor to Mace: Research Mace's recent projects and values. Frame your experience and portfolio selections to align with their demonstrated expertise and company culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Integration Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach integrating design elements from multiple disciplines on a hypothetical large infrastructure project, identifying key challenges and mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare to describe a situation where you managed conflicting stakeholder interests regarding design decisions and how you reached a resolution.

• Process Improvement Proposal: Think about how you would assess and improve design management processes within a large organization like Mace, focusing on efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical expertise in design management and broader leadership and strategic capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates impact and experience is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and resource management of design phases.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and sharing project documentation, such as SharePoint, Aconex, or similar.

• Design Review Software: Experience using platforms for annotating and managing design documents, such as Bluebeam Revu, or integrated BIM review tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize project management software reporting features or dedicated business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to generate progress reports, risk dashboards, and performance metrics for stakeholders.

• Data Analysis: Competence in analyzing project data related to design progress, budget adherence, and risk logs to identify trends and inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (if applicable): While not a sales role, understanding how client relationship management systems are used to track project communications and client interactions can be beneficial.

• BIM Software Integration: Understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and how BIM models are used for coordination and clash detection (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks). While not expected to be a BIM modeler, understanding its application in design integration is key.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of automating repetitive design coordination tasks or reporting processes to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role doesn't require deep technical expertise in CAD or BIM modeling, a strong understanding of how these tools are used in the design process and for coordination is essential. The focus is on management, coordination, and reporting rather than hands-on technical execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A commitment to prioritizing safety in all design considerations, ensuring designs contribute to safe construction and operation, and fostering a culture of wellbeing.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: Dedication to understanding client needs, ensuring design outcomes meet or exceed expectations, and building long-term, trusted relationships through reliable delivery.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and influencing positive outcomes in the industry through honest and transparent design management practices.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: Championing continuous improvement, supporting professional development, and fostering an environment where team members can grow their skills and advance their careers in design management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Operations Integration: Emphasizes working seamlessly with diverse teams (engineering, construction, project management) to ensure design coherence and project alignment.

• Process Review Culture: Encourages open discussion and feedback on design management processes to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fosters an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights are shared across teams and projects to elevate the collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's stated values are central to its culture and will guide how individuals are expected to perform and interact within the team. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work style align with these core principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Navigating intricate technical and contractual interfaces between numerous disciplines, contractors, and stakeholders on large infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing conflicting priorities related to design, budget, schedule, safety, and client requirements.

• Driving Design Quality and Innovation: Ensuring high standards of design quality while also encouraging innovative solutions that meet project objectives and sustainability goals.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Responding effectively to evolving project scopes, site conditions, or regulatory requirements that impact design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge methodologies in design integration, risk management, and project controls.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional accreditations and certifications relevant to design management and infrastructure projects.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Mace's internal leadership training and development programs to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of large-scale infrastructure projects provides invaluable experience across different sectors and complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior roles in large-scale infrastructure. The growth opportunities are designed to support continuous professional development and career advancement within Mace's extensive project portfolio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to integrating design across multiple disciplines on a complex infrastructure project. What are the key challenges, and how do you mitigate them?" (Focus on process, tools, and stakeholder management.)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to manage significant technical interfaces or resolve a complex design conflict. What was your role, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a concise STAR method example highlighting problem-solving and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Mace and this Senior Design Manager role specifically? How does your experience align with our values, particularly 'Safety First' and 'Create Opportunity'?" (Research Mace's projects and values, and articulate your fit.)

• "Describe your experience leading and mentoring design teams. How do you foster collaboration and high performance within a team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Provide specific examples of leadership style and team management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Project Overviews: For each project, provide a brief overview of the scope, your role, and the key design management challenges addressed.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or visual representations of design integration to illustrate complex concepts effectively.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the positive outcomes of your design management efforts using quantifiable data where possible (e.g., reduction in clashes, schedule savings, improved safety record).

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Highlight specific instances where you identified and resolved critical design issues or managed difficult stakeholder dynamics.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive questions about your portfolio items. Frame your presentation as a discussion rather than a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on translating your experience into clear, concise examples that demonstrate both technical proficiency and leadership capabilities relevant to Mace's operational context and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key infrastructure projects that best showcase your experience in multidisciplinary design management, technical interface coordination, and leadership. Prepare concise summaries for each, focusing on challenges, your role, methodologies, and measurable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "multidisciplinary design coordination," "infrastructure projects," "technical interface management," and "stakeholder engagement." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to common design management challenges, such as integrating diverse teams, managing risks, or resolving stakeholder conflicts. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Research Mace: Understand Mace's core values, recent projects (especially in rail/transit), and their consulting approach. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.

---