Structures Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structures Design Manager

Company: Ferrovial

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the structural design phase for complex infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with Ferrovial's strategic objectives and client requirements.

• Drive the production and delivery of all structural design documentation, including drawings and reports, for timely client approval and subsequent construction implementation.

• Manage and mentor a team of structural engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in design processes.

• Oversee external consultant companies contracted for structural design, providing critical guidance and ensuring adherence to Ferrovial's rigorous standards and client specifications.

• Proactively identify opportunities for cost optimization, constructability improvements, and risk mitigation within structural designs, championing innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position within Ferrovial's Construction business unit, focusing on the critical "Structures Design" aspect of infrastructure projects. The emphasis is on leadership, technical oversight, and strategic project delivery within the construction operations domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the structural design of new and existing structures, including retrofit, rehabilitation, and modification projects, considering various construction materials like concrete and steel.

• Ensure the timely and accurate production of all construction design documents (drawings, reports) for client approval and site implementation.

• Plan, schedule, and supervise the work activities of the internal design team to meet project milestones and objectives.

• Provide technical guidance, oversight, and review for structural design work performed by external engineering consultants, ensuring alignment with Ferrovial's standards and client expectations.

• Conduct thorough reviews of structural drawings and reports, identifying potential issues and recommending solutions to enhance design integrity and constructability.

• Propose design modifications to optimize costs, improve constructability, and mitigate project risks, ensuring value engineering principles are applied.

• Monitor and control the work of other supervisory, professional, and managerial employees within the design team.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes, industry standards, and regulatory requirements throughout the design process.

• Collaborate with construction teams, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of structural designs into the overall project execution plan.

• Maintain a focus on safety standards and best practices within all structural design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical expertise in structural engineering and strong project/people management skills, essential for leading design efforts in a large-scale construction environment. The focus on external consultant management and optimization underscores the strategic nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a strong asset.

Experience: Over 3 years of direct experience in structural design and management, with a proven track record in the construction industry. Extensive experience (10+ years) in managing structural design aspects of complex infrastructure projects is expected.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in structural design principles for concrete and steel structures.

• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and their impact on design.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design teams and external consultants.

• Proficiency in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for design projects.

• Excellent technical review capabilities for drawings, reports, and calculations.

• Ability to identify and implement cost and constructability optimizations.

• Solid risk management skills, with a focus on design-related risks.

• Strong understanding of relevant building codes, standards, and regulatory compliance.

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Leadership qualities with experience in supervising professional staff. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g., highways, airports, underground structures).

• Knowledge of advanced structural analysis software.

• Familiarity with project management software and tools.

• Experience in retrofit and rehabilitation of existing structures.

• Understanding of sustainability principles in structural design.

• Proficiency in French, in addition to English, may be beneficial for certain project collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (10+ years implied by the "Over 3 years" combined with the seniority of the title and responsibilities) suggests a need for deep technical knowledge and substantial leadership experience. The "preferred skills" aim to identify candidates who can bring added value in specialized areas or broader project contexts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex structural designs managed, demonstrating innovation in materials (concrete, steel) and configurations (at grade, underground).

• Highlight projects where cost optimization and constructability improvements were achieved through design modifications, with quantifiable results.

• Present case studies of successful oversight and management of external design consultants, detailing guidance provided and adherence to standards.

• Include documentation that illustrates experience with the production and delivery of construction design documents for client approval and site implementation.

• Demonstrate experience in risk identification and mitigation strategies applied to structural design challenges. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of structured design planning and scheduling processes used to manage team activities and project timelines.

• Illustrate methodologies for reviewing and approving structural drawings and reports, including quality assurance checks.

• Detail approaches to proposing and implementing design changes that enhance cost-effectiveness and constructability.

• Showcase experience in ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and client specifications through documented processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Structures Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic oversight, problem-solving, and quantifiable achievements in design execution. It needs to reflect the ability to manage both technical aspects and the broader project lifecycle, including external vendor management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Structures Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the Greater Toronto Area, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $130,000 - $180,000. This range accounts for the senior nature of the role, the specialized technical expertise required, and the significant management responsibilities. Factors such as specific project involvement, candidate qualifications, and performance during the interview process may influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Access to cutting-edge productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Opportunities for global and cross-business unit mobility within Ferrovial.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours. While core office hours will be established, flexibility may be available, with the expectation that project demands and team management may require extended hours or occasional weekend work, particularly during critical design phases or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior engineering management roles in the construction sector within Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Benefits are standard for large, multinational corporations like Ferrovial, with specific emphasis on professional development and employee well-being as highlighted in the company description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Infrastructure, Engineering, Energy, Airports, Highways. Ferrovial operates at the forefront of global infrastructure development, contributing to critical societal needs through large-scale projects. This industry context means a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and long-term project viability.

Company Size: Over 22,000 professionals worldwide. This large, multinational scale suggests robust organizational structures, established processes, and opportunities for diverse career paths. For operations roles, it implies working within a structured environment that values standardization, best practices, and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Ferrovial's history dates back to 1952. Its long-standing presence indicates stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector. This longevity often translates into a culture that values expertise, reliability, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Structures Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Design department within Ferrovial Construction Canada.

• This department may comprise various specialized engineering disciplines, with the Structures Design Manager leading a dedicated team of structural engineers and potentially overseeing external design consultants.

• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Director of Engineering, Chief Engineer, or a senior project executive, with direct reports including structural engineers and possibly junior designers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close coordination with project management, construction execution teams, procurement, safety officers, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilizing project data, performance metrics, and design feedback to inform decisions and optimize future designs.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing structured design processes, identifying bottlenecks, and continuously improving workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology (like Microsoft Copilot) and streamlined processes to enhance productivity and reduce manual effort in design and documentation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ferrovial's description emphasizes innovation, global reach, and a commitment to sustainability and employee well-being. The company's operations likely reflect a structured, process-oriented approach common in large infrastructure firms, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality assurance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior management position within the operations and engineering function. It involves significant responsibility for leading a critical technical discipline, managing teams, and directly impacting project success and profitability. It's a key step for individuals aspiring to higher leadership roles in engineering or project management within the infrastructure sector.

Reporting Structure: The Structures Design Manager typically reports to a higher-level engineering executive, such as a Director of Engineering or Chief Engineer, within the Construction business unit. They will have direct reports comprising structural engineers and potentially other design professionals. This structure allows for strategic direction from senior leadership while enabling focused management of the structural design discipline.

Operations Impact: The Structures Design Manager's influence is substantial. Their decisions directly affect project costs, timelines, safety, and overall constructability. Effective management of structural design can lead to significant cost savings through optimization, risk reduction by preventing design flaws, and improved project delivery speed. Their work is foundational to the successful execution of construction projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to lead larger, more complex structural design portfolios or take on broader engineering management roles.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific types of structures (e.g., bridges, tunnels, high-rises) or advanced design techniques.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into executive engineering positions, such as Chief Structural Engineer, VP of Engineering, or Project Director, overseeing multiple disciplines.

• Cross-Business Unit Mobility: Potential to transition into roles within Ferrovial's Highways, Airports, or Energy divisions, leveraging structural expertise in different operational contexts.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, certifications, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest structural engineering technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for experienced professionals looking for significant leadership and impact. Growth paths are clearly defined within specialized engineering management or broader project/corporate leadership within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely a corporate office or a project-specific site office for Ferrovial Construction Canada. This setting facilitates team collaboration, design reviews, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This location offers access to a major metropolitan area with a strong talent pool and proximity to various infrastructure projects within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is expected to be designed to foster collaboration among the engineering team, project managers, and other departments. This might include open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project war rooms.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced design software, project management platforms, and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, BIM software, CAD systems) will be standard. High-speed internet and robust IT support are expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with the structural engineering team, project stakeholders, and senior management to discuss progress, challenges, and strategic decisions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the nature of large-scale construction projects means that deadlines and critical phases may necessitate extended working hours, including evenings or weekends, to ensure project timelines are met. This flexibility is crucial for a management role in this industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is critical, emphasizing the need for direct team leadership and on-site project engagement. The workspace context points to a modern, technology-enabled environment designed for collaboration and efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Engineering or similar) to evaluate technical expertise, leadership style, project management experience, and understanding of structural design principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your resume.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a technical assessment or present a case study showcasing their approach to a complex structural design challenge, including optimization and risk mitigation strategies. This is where your portfolio will be key.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members (e.g., senior engineers) and potentially cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers) to assess collaboration skills and fit within the broader project delivery team.

• Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing structural design for diverse typologies (concrete, steel, underground, at-grade) and your ability to drive optimization.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented (especially cost/constructability improvements), and the quantifiable results (e.g., % cost savings, reduction in construction time, risk mitigation success).

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase instances where you effectively supervised internal teams and managed external consultants, detailing your guidance and oversight methodologies.

• Focus on Process: Include examples of your approach to planning, scheduling, quality assurance, and compliance in design.

• Tailor to Ferrovial: Research Ferrovial's recent projects and values. If possible, align your portfolio examples with the types of infrastructure they specialize in or their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Structural Design Problem: Be ready to discuss your approach to a hypothetical structural design problem, focusing on your methodology, consideration of materials, constructability, safety, and cost.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare to answer questions about how you would manage a team facing tight deadlines, resolve conflicts, or motivate underperforming engineers.

• Consultant Management: Anticipate questions on how you would onboard, manage, and evaluate external design consultants to ensure they meet Ferrovial's standards.

• Optimization Strategy: Be prepared to articulate your thought process for identifying and implementing cost and constructability optimizations in a design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical depth, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable impact and a clear understanding of process management will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Analysis Software: Proficiency with industry-standard software such as SAP2000, ETABS, STAAD.Pro, or similar for structural analysis and design calculations.

• CAD/BIM Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms for creating and managing design documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking design activities and overall project timelines.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, analysis, reporting, and communication.

• Microsoft Copilot: As mentioned in the job description, familiarity or a willingness to quickly adapt to and leverage AI-powered productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot for enhanced efficiency in tasks such as report generation and data analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel/Google Sheets: For data manipulation, analysis, and basic reporting.

• BI Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Potential use for creating dashboards and visualizing design progress, budget adherence, and performance metrics.

• Custom Reporting Tools: Experience with or ability to adapt to company-specific reporting templates and systems.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management or ERP systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with or understanding of how to implement or leverage automation in design processes (e.g., script-based checks, template usage) to improve efficiency.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes specialized engineering software alongside general project management and productivity tools. The explicit mention of Microsoft Copilot signals an organization embracing modern AI-driven productivity solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to structural design that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

• Respect: Fostering an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued, heard, and respected, regardless of background or role.

• Diversity: Recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving and innovation, celebrating uniqueness.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes, resources, and designs to achieve project goals effectively and cost-efficiently.

• Collaboration: Working together across disciplines and business units to achieve common objectives, sharing knowledge and supporting one another.

• Data-Driven Approach: Making decisions based on sound analysis of project data, performance metrics, and engineering principles to ensure optimal outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to collaborating with construction, project management, and other engineering disciplines to ensure structural designs are fully integrated and feasible for execution.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to regular design reviews, feedback sessions, and constructive criticism to refine designs and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to best practice development within the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ferrovial's stated values of innovation, respect, diversity, and collaboration are central. For an operations role like this, these values translate into a work environment that encourages proactive problem-solving, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement in design and execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Excellence with Project Constraints: Effectively managing the inherent tension between achieving optimal structural design and adhering to strict project timelines, budgets, and client specifications.

• Managing External Consultants: Ensuring consistent quality, timely delivery, and adherence to Ferrovial's standards when working with multiple external design firms.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and effectively implementing new design tools, materials, and construction methodologies while maintaining proven reliability.

• Complex Project Demands: Navigating the technical and logistical complexities of large-scale, multi-faceted infrastructure projects.

• Ensuring Safety and Compliance: Maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance in all design decisions for critical infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to lead increasingly complex and large-scale structural design projects, enhancing project management and leadership capabilities.

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Support for attending key industry events (e.g., structural engineering conferences) and pursuing professional certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives within Ferrovial to foster career progression towards senior executive roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain exposure to other areas of Ferrovial's business (e.g., Highways, Airports) to broaden understanding of integrated infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure projects, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Ferrovial's global presence and diverse operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a structural design strategy for a major infrastructure project, considering cost, schedule, safety, and constructability." (Preparation: Focus on systematic planning, risk assessment, stakeholder alignment, and optimization techniques.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between your design team, construction teams, and external consultants to achieve project objectives?" (Preparation: Emphasize communication protocols, conflict resolution strategies, and building strong working relationships.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you identified a significant design flaw or constructability issue in a structural project. What steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Use the STAR method, detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, focusing on your analytical and decision-making process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you believe are Ferrovial's key strengths in the infrastructure sector, and how does the Structures Design Manager role contribute to those strengths?" (Preparation: Research Ferrovial's recent projects, values, and market position. Connect your skills to their strategic goals.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering team?" (Preparation: Discuss methods for encouraging new ideas, implementing feedback, and driving efficiency.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of structural design operations within a large construction organization?" (Preparation: Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as budget adherence, schedule performance, quality metrics, safety records, and stakeholder satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Structure your presentation around a specific project where you led significant process improvements in structural design, detailing the "before" state, your implemented solutions, and the "after" quantifiable benefits (e.g., reduced design time by X%, cost savings of Y%).

• Metrics Presentation: Clearly present key metrics for your portfolio projects. For optimization examples, show the baseline cost/time, the proposed changes, and the final savings achieved. Use charts or graphs where appropriate.

• Interactive Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss specific drawings or reports from your portfolio, explaining your design rationale, decision-making process, and how you addressed challenges. Be ready to answer detailed technical questions.

• Company-Specific Alignment: Articulate how your experience and approach align with Ferrovial's stated values (innovation, respect, diversity) and their focus on complex infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, leadership, and a deep understanding of project lifecycle management within the construction industry. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Structures Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the official Ferrovial Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in structural design management, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects involving concrete and steel. Emphasize your leadership in design optimization and consultant management.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, focusing on quantifiable achievements in cost savings, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation related to structural design. Use keywords from the job description and Ferrovial's company information.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and be ready for technical questions related to structural engineering and project management. Research Ferrovial's recent projects and company values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly understand Ferrovial's business units (Highways, Airports, Construction, Energy), their global presence, and their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Prepare to discuss how your role contributes to their overall mission.

⚠️ 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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