Sr. Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Manager

Company: ENTRUST Solutions Group

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management (Electric Power Industry)

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of substation layout designers, ensuring high-quality technical output and adherence to industry standards.

• Manage project lifecycles for engineering-focused projects, including workload forecasting, resource allocation, and progress tracking against budget and schedule constraints.

• Drive operational efficiency through the identification and development of new tools and processes for the substation design group.

• Contribute to business development by fostering client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and supporting proposal efforts with technical expertise and cost estimations.

• Uphold and promote Safety in Design principles throughout all project phases and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into project management, team leadership, and operational oversight within the electric power engineering sector. This role requires a blend of technical design acumen and strong management capabilities to ensure efficient project delivery and team development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to the substation layouts design team, fostering skill development and best practices.

• Conduct routine workload reviews for the design group, aligning manpower resources with current project demands and forecasting future needs.

• Execute project management duties for engineering-only projects, meticulously tracking progress, ensuring adherence to budgets, and meeting project schedules.

• Deliver weekly progress reports to senior management, detailing project status, budget utilization, and resource allocation for the substation design team.

• Facilitate on-the-job training and knowledge transfer for new hires and junior designers, promoting continuous learning and team growth.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of client-specific requirements and relevant industry standards (e.g., CSA, IEEE, IEC) for high-voltage facilities.

• Oversee and conduct quality checks on all project designs to ensure technical requirements are met and to minimize design errors.

• Perform detailed designs for complex, major projects that demand a high degree of technical expertise and problem-solving.

• Identify, evaluate, and implement new tools and process improvements to enhance the working efficiency and productivity of the design team.

• Develop detailed specifications for major electrical equipment, including power transformers, circuit breakers, and Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).

• Engage with equipment vendors for procurement processes, including performing bid evaluations and recommending selections.

• Attend Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for critical major equipment to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards.

• Prepare detailed engineering and material cost estimates for project bids and proposals, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.

• Contribute technical writing expertise to proposals, clearly articulating design capabilities and project approaches.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive working relationships with existing clients, serving as a key technical point of contact.

• Participate actively in business development strategy sessions and identify potential new clients within the electric power industry.

• Engage in marketing activities to promote ENTRUST Solutions Group's substation design capabilities.

• Actively champion and ensure the integration of Safety in Design principles throughout the design process.

• Be available for potential travel for site visits, construction support, and client meetings as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on team leadership and hands-on project execution, typical for a senior role in a specialized engineering consultancy. The emphasis on client relationships, business development, and cost estimation indicates a need for commercial acumen alongside technical expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering.

• Registered as an active member with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

• Must hold a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation. Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive work experience in the engineering and design field.

• Proven track record in the physical layout design of high-voltage facilities, specifically within substations.

• Experience working within the utility industry is essential. Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Ability to guide and mentor a team of engineers and designers.

• Substation Layout Design: Deep expertise in the physical arrangement and design of high-voltage substations.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage engineering projects from initiation to completion, including scope, schedule, and budget control.

• Resource Planning & Management: Skill in forecasting workload, allocating resources effectively, and managing team capacity.

• Equipment Specification Development: Proficiency in defining technical requirements for major electrical equipment like transformers, breakers, and switchgear.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with utility clients.

• Cost Estimation & Proposal Development: Competence in preparing accurate engineering cost estimates and contributing to proposal writing.

• Safety in Design: Thorough understanding and application of safety principles in engineering design.

• Industry Standards Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with relevant electrical engineering and power system standards.

Preferred Skills:

• 12-15 years of direct experience working specifically in utility substations.

• Previous, demonstrable experience managing a design team or engineering group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The P.Eng. designation and APEGA membership are critical requirements, underscoring the professional engineering nature of this role. The extensive experience requirement (12+ years) points to a senior leadership position demanding significant technical and managerial depth.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex substation layout design projects, illustrating your technical contributions and leadership.

• Include examples of detailed design packages, demonstrating proficiency in creating P&IDs, single-line diagrams, and physical layout drawings for high-voltage facilities.

• Present case studies highlighting successful project management of engineering-only projects, detailing scope, budget, schedule, and outcomes.

• Provide examples of equipment specifications developed for major components (transformers, breakers, switchgear), demonstrating technical rigor and vendor engagement experience.

• Demonstrate experience in process improvement initiatives, showcasing tools or methodologies implemented to enhance design efficiency or quality. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow diagrams or process maps for substation design phases, from conceptualization to detailed engineering.

• Documentation related to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for design deliverables.

• Records of cost estimation methodologies and proposal development processes utilized.

• Any documented safety reviews or Safety in Design assessments conducted for projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. Design Manager role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership, project oversight, and strategic contributions rather than just individual technical contributions. Evidence of managing teams, processes, and client relationships will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. Design Manager with 12+ years of experience in Electrical Engineering and substation design in Calgary, Alberta, the estimated salary range is CAD $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This range can vary based on the depth of specialized experience, specific project portfolio, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off to promote work-life balance.

• Retirement Program: Company-matched retirement savings plan.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Flexible Work Schedules: Options for flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal needs.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Details typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other wellness programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conference attendance.

Working Hours:

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

• The role offers flexible work schedules, allowing for some adaptability in daily working hours, which is beneficial for managing team coordination and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for similar senior engineering management roles in Calgary, Canada, considering the specified experience level and industry. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electric Power Delivery (Transmission, Substation, Distribution Systems)

Company Size: ENTRUST Solutions Group is part of a larger organization with over 3,000 dedicated professionals. The Calgary office likely houses a significant engineering and design team focused on the power sector.

Founded: ENTRUST Solutions Group has a history indicating a strong presence and established reputation in engineering consulting. The broader ENTRUST Solutions Group being an ENR Top 100 company suggests a stable, reputable, and growing organization.

Team Structure:

• The Substation Layouts Design team is a specialized group within the Calgary office, focused on a critical aspect of power system engineering.

• The Sr. Design Manager will lead this team, likely reporting to a Director or VP of Engineering, and will collaborate closely with Project Managers, other design discipline leads (e.g., structural, protection & control), and business development teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close interaction with project managers, clients, vendors, and construction teams. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are informed by client requirements, site constraints, industry standards, and technical feasibility studies. Performance metrics for projects (budget, schedule, quality) are tracked and analyzed.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves planning and optimizing the design workflow for the substation layout team, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing efficiency improvements.

• Automation & Efficiency: A key responsibility is identifying and developing new tools and processes to increase working efficiency, suggesting a forward-thinking approach to design engineering.

Company Website: https://entrustsol.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as an ENR Top 100 firm and its broad service offerings (engineering, consulting, automation) indicate a robust operational framework and a commitment to growth and innovation. The specific focus on electric power delivery suggests a deep expertise within this niche.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role represents a significant step beyond individual contributor or junior management, involving strategic oversight, team leadership, and direct impact on business development and client relations.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level engineering director or vice president. They will manage a team of designers and engineers, and collaborate extensively with project managers and business development personnel.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's revenue and profitability through efficient project execution, successful bid contributions, and strong client retention. Effective management of the design team ensures the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions that meet client needs and project objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher management roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Business Unit Lead, overseeing broader engineering functions or regions.

• Strategic Business Development: Opportunity to take on more significant roles in shaping the company's business development strategy and expanding service offerings within the electric power sector.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas of high-voltage substation design or project management, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the company and industry.

• Mentorship & Training: Formalize mentorship programs and contribute to the development of future engineering talent within ENTRUST Solutions Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of technical depth, management responsibilities, and business development involvement positions this role as a critical growth engine for the company. Career progression would likely involve expanding scope of responsibility, strategic influence, and leadership over larger teams or business units.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Calgary, Alberta, within a professional engineering consulting firm office environment. This setting typically promotes a collaborative atmosphere among technical teams.

Office Location(s): Calgary, Alberta, Canada (T2G0R1). This location is central to serving clients in Western Canada's energy sector.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, facilitating interaction between designers, engineers, project managers, and other technical disciplines.

• Access to industry-standard design software, simulation tools, and potentially project management platforms will be available.

• Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions are common.

• Opportunities for site visits to substations and client facilities will arise, offering a dynamic work experience. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the added benefit of flexible work schedules. This flexibility allows for better integration of personal life with professional responsibilities, which is valuable for a management role that may require extended hours during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Calgary emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team building, and direct client engagement, which are often critical in specialized engineering consulting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of your application, focusing on meeting the minimum qualifications (B.Sc. Electrical Engineering, P.Eng., 12+ years of experience).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to assess technical expertise, leadership style, project management experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific substation projects and your role in them.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with senior engineers or team leads to delve deeper into technical challenges, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. You might be asked to walk through a specific project from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, highlighting your design contributions, leadership impact, and process improvements. Focus on quantifiable achievements and lessons learned.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, business development contributions, and long-term career goals within ENTRUST.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful substation layout design projects. Prioritize those that showcase complexity, your leadership, and significant outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, safety improvements). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Demonstrate your ability to identify and implement process improvements. Show examples of how you've used or developed new tools to enhance team efficiency.

• Leadership Focus: Emphasize your experience in managing teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Client & Business Focus: Include examples of successful client interactions, contributions to proposals, and involvement in business development activities.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most critical aspects of each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical substation design challenge or a problem from a past project to discuss your approach. Think about site constraints, equipment selection, safety considerations, and optimization.

• Project Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle resource conflicts, budget overruns, or schedule delays within your team.

• Leadership/Team Management: Prepare to answer questions about motivating a team, performance management, conflict resolution, and developing talent.

• Business Development: Consider how you would approach identifying new clients or developing proposals for specific types of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will likely focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, technical depth in substation design, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms for electrical design, such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar, is essential for reviewing and potentially contributing to designs.

• 3D Modeling Software: Experience with 3D plant design tools (e.g., SmartPlant 3D, Bentley AutoPLANT) for layout visualization and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for tracking project progress, budgets, and schedules.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, cost estimation, and reporting.

• Power BI / Tableau: Experience with business intelligence tools for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for managing client relationships and tracking business development activities.

• ERP Systems: Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning systems for project costing and resource management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is managerial, a strong understanding of the tools used by the design team, as well as project management and reporting software, is critical for effective oversight and process improvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, emphasizing proactive identification and mitigation of risks in design and operations.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members support each other to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the development and adoption of new tools, processes, and technologies to drive efficiency and improve outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term partnerships based on trust and performance.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and professional conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with project managers, other engineering disciplines (structural, protection, civil), procurement, and construction teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication within the team and with stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely issue resolution.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of designs, processes, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to elevate the collective capability of the group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, a strong safety ethos, and collaborative innovation, which is typical for successful engineering consulting firms in the energy sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Workloads: Balancing competing demands from multiple projects with varying deadlines and resource requirements.

• Technical Complexity: Staying abreast of evolving technologies and standards in high-voltage substation design and ensuring the team's expertise remains current.

• Client Expectations: Meeting stringent client requirements, tight deadlines, and budget constraints while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Team Development: Continuously mentoring and developing a team of skilled designers and engineers to foster growth and retain talent.

• Business Development Integration: Effectively contributing to business development efforts while maintaining oversight of ongoing design projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in high-voltage engineering, substation design, and related fields.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for pursuing certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management and leadership skills through internal or external training.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in events to network, learn about industry trends, and represent ENTRUST Solutions Group.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within ENTRUST and to mentor junior staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex technical and managerial challenges within a specialized and critical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a particularly challenging substation design project. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and project delivery).

• "How do you forecast workload and allocate resources for a design team with diverse skill sets and competing project demands?" (Demonstrate resource management and planning capabilities).

• "Walk me through your process for developing detailed equipment specifications for major substation components like transformers or switchgear." (Highlight technical depth and understanding of procurement processes).

• "How do you ensure Safety in Design is integrated into every stage of the design process for high-voltage facilities?" (Showcase commitment to safety and process).

• "Describe your experience with business development activities. How have you contributed to winning new projects or expanding client relationships?" (Address commercial acumen and client engagement). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ENTRUST Solutions Group and our work in the electric power industry?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within a design team?" (Align your approach with the company's stated values).

• "How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within your team or with other departments?" (Demonstrate conflict resolution and interpersonal skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Design Challenges & Solutions -> Technical & Process Innovations -> Project Outcomes & Impact (Quantified).

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving abilities and leadership impact.

• Quantification: Emphasize metrics and quantifiable results (e.g., % reduction in design time, budget adherence, safety incident reduction).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate any process improvements or new tools you implemented and their benefits.

• Conciseness: Practice delivering your presentation within the allotted time, focusing on the most critical aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical expertise in substation design, robust project management skills, effective leadership, and a strategic understanding of business development within the utility sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting2.ultipro.com.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 12+ years of experience in high-voltage substation layout design, project management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "Substation Layout Design," "Project Management," "Resource Planning," "Technical Leadership," "APEGA," "P.Eng.," and "Utility Industry." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and data.

• Portfolio Preparation: Organize your professional portfolio to showcase 3-5 key substation design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your technical contributions, leadership experience, project management successes, and any process improvements implemented. Prepare to present this portfolio during the interview process.

• Company Research: Deeply research ENTRUST Solutions Group, understanding their services, projects, company culture, and values. Familiarize yourself with their presence in the electric power industry and their commitment to safety and innovation. Review their LinkedIn page for recent updates and insights.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to technical leadership, project management, team dynamics, and business development. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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.

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