Transit Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Transit Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Transportation Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design management of complex transit and urban mobility projects, encompassing planning, design, procurement, and implementation phases.

• Serve as the principal client liaison, cultivating strong relationships and ensuring project delivery meets technical, commercial, and operational objectives.

• Manage and direct multidisciplinary project teams to achieve high-quality deliverables, foster collaboration, and ensure overall project success.

• Drive strategic discussions and negotiations with clients, stakeholders, and partners to resolve intricate technical and delivery challenges.

• Contribute to the growth of Mott MacDonald's Urban Transit Mobility portfolio by supporting proposal development and maintaining industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned professional with deep expertise in transit infrastructure design and project lifecycle management. The emphasis on client interface, multidisciplinary team leadership, and strategic negotiation points towards a senior-level position with significant responsibility for project success and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, organization, coordination, and delivery of complex transit and urban mobility projects through all phases of project development, design, procurement, and implementation.

• Act as the primary interface with clients, building trusted relationships, understanding client objectives, and ensuring successful project outcomes that align with technical, commercial, and operational requirements.

• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, providing leadership, direction, and decision-making to drive high-quality deliverables, effective collaboration, and project success.

• Lead discussions and negotiations with clients, stakeholders, partners, and project teams to resolve complex technical and delivery challenges while maintaining positive working relationships.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish and complete project deliverables on time and within budget.

• Coordinate and integrate the work of multiple engineering disciplines, consultants, and specialist teams to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with project objectives.

• Support the development of compelling proposal responses for new transit and urban mobility opportunities.

• Champion the maintenance of current industry standards and best practices within project execution.

• Serve as a role model and ambassador for Mott MacDonald, articulating and representing the company's brand, vision, and value proposition internally and externally.

• Foster an innovative, challenging, and collaborative work environment that leverages digital tools and technology, upholding Mott MacDonald's values and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client-facing duties. The expectation to mentor junior staff and participate in an innovative environment suggests a role that contributes to team development and company culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Controls, or Systems Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in the transit, transportation buildings, or other transportation sectors.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects.

• Proven ability to deliver transit or rail infrastructure projects through planning, design, procurement, and implementation phases.

• Experience in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, consistently maintaining quality, budget, schedule, and client satisfaction.

• Experience mentoring and developing junior staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration or eligibility to obtain P.Eng. designation in British Columbia within 12 months.

• Strong client relationship management skills, adept at navigating challenging discussions, managing competing priorities, and resolving complex project issues through negotiation and collaboration.

• Proven ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, balancing technical, schedule, and stakeholder requirements.

• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, with a focus on identifying project risks early to develop creative and practical solutions.

• Experience managing client expectations, facilitating consensus among diverse stakeholders, and influencing decision-making in complex projects.

• Well-developed written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and design criteria for transit infrastructure.

• A strong health, safety, and wellbeing mindset in all aspects of work. Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience with urban mobility planning and associated design considerations.

• Familiarity with digital tools and technologies relevant to transit design and project management.

• Experience in supporting business development and proposal generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for P.Eng. registration in British Columbia is a critical qualification. The emphasis on client relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving underscores the importance of strong interpersonal and analytical skills in addition to technical engineering acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex transit or urban mobility projects successfully delivered from concept through implementation.

• Present case studies demonstrating effective leadership of multidisciplinary design teams and coordination of various engineering disciplines.

• Include evidence of successful client relationship management and stakeholder negotiation in challenging project environments.

• Quantify project outcomes where possible, highlighting contributions to meeting technical, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction objectives.

• Demonstrate experience with project phases including planning, design, procurement, and implementation. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies illustrating your approach to project planning and organization for large-scale transit initiatives.

• Detail methodologies used for coordinating and integrating the work of diverse engineering disciplines and specialist teams.

• Illustrate processes for risk identification, mitigation, and the development of creative project solutions.

• Showcase examples of how you have supported proposal development and contributed to business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through their experience and potentially through specific examples during the interview process. The emphasis on project lifecycle delivery and team coordination implies a need to articulate process-driven approaches.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected salary range for this position is $126,000 - $154,000 CAD per year.

• The final salary will be determined based on multiple factors, including qualifications, overall experience, and specific responsibilities of the role. Benefits:

• Personal performance bonuses.

• Group performance bonuses, reflecting the employee-owned nature of the company and a direct connection to business success.

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

• Access to digital tools and technology to enhance work processes. Working Hours:

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

• Hybrid work arrangement: A minimum of three days per week in the office, balancing in-person collaboration with flexibility. The specific in-office days can be discussed and agreed upon with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level engineering management role in Vancouver. The inclusion of personal and group performance bonuses, tied to employee ownership, is a significant benefit that aligns with Mott MacDonald's culture. The hybrid work model with a minimum office presence is a key aspect of the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mott MacDonald operates across diverse sectors including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water, providing engineering, management, and development services globally. In North America, the focus is on delivering sustainable and innovative solutions.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is one of the largest employee-owned companies globally, with over 20,000 talented consultants. This size offers a broad range of project opportunities and a strong global network.

Founded: Founded in 1902, Mott MacDonald has a long history of delivering impactful projects worldwide. Its employee-ownership model fosters a culture of shared success and long-term commitment.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is part of the broader North American Transportation sector, specifically focusing on Urban Transit Mobility.

• The role involves leading multidisciplinary project teams, implying a matrixed structure where individuals from various engineering disciplines report functionally to their discipline leads but are managed operationally by project managers like this role.

• Collaboration is central, with frequent interaction with internal discipline leads, project managers, and external clients, consultants, and partners. Methodology:

• Mott MacDonald emphasizes delivering exceptional outcomes through thoughtful execution, sustainability, and innovation.

• Project delivery methodologies likely involve robust project management frameworks, with a focus on collaboration, risk management, and quality assurance.

• The company encourages the use of digital tools and technology to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's employee-owned structure is a key differentiator, suggesting a culture where employees are invested in the company's success and have a voice. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability aligns with modern engineering consulting practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the transportation engineering and project management field. It requires significant experience in managing complex projects and leading teams, with a focus on technical design management within the transit sector. The Transit Design Manager is expected to be a subject matter expert and a leader within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The Transit Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership role within the North American Transportation division, such as a Director or Sector Lead. They will, in turn, manage and direct multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, designers, and other technical specialists.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical urban transit infrastructure projects. By ensuring efficient and effective design management, the Transit Design Manager contributes to Mott MacDonald's reputation, client satisfaction, revenue generation, and the company's mission to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions that shape communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles, such as a Principal Project Manager, Director of Transit Services, or a key client account manager.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transit design or urban mobility planning, becoming a recognized authority within the firm and industry.

• Business Development: Contribute more significantly to business development efforts, leading proposal efforts and cultivating new client relationships.

• Mentorship & Development: Continue to mentor and develop junior staff, playing a key role in talent development within the organization.

• Global Opportunities: Leverage Mott MacDonald's global presence for potential international project involvement or knowledge exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Transit Design Manager at Mott MacDonald is likely to involve increasing responsibility for larger, more complex projects, greater leadership scope, and a more significant contribution to business strategy and client relationships. The employee-ownership model can also present opportunities for greater involvement in company direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald utilizes a hybrid work model, emphasizing an in-office culture for collaboration. This means the primary workspace is the company's office in Vancouver.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Specific office address details would typically be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster face-to-face collaboration, with a minimum of three days per week spent in the office to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees are expected to utilize digital tools and technology to enhance project delivery, including project management software, design tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: The environment encourages interaction with colleagues from various engineering disciplines and project teams, fostering a dynamic and cross-functional working dynamic.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for some flexibility, agreed upon with the manager, to balance client, team, and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a strong emphasis on in-office collaboration is a key aspect of Mott MacDonald's work environment. This suggests a preference for team synergy and direct interaction, which can be beneficial for complex project problem-solving and mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the P.Eng. requirement and minimum years of experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on transit design management experience, project delivery methodologies, leadership capabilities, and problem-solving skills. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing complex projects and teams.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of how candidates align with Mott MacDonald's values, collaborative style, and approach to innovation and sustainability. This may involve discussions about leadership style, stakeholder management, and mentoring experience.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potential): For senior roles, there might be an opportunity to present a project case study or participate in a simulated client discussion.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic contributions, and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio submission might not be mandated by the application system, be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Structure your discussion around key projects, highlighting your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., schedule adherence, budget management, stakeholder satisfaction, technical innovations).

• Prepare to elaborate on your experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships, and resolving complex technical or contractual issues.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and impact.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of transit design principles, project lifecycle stages, and industry best practices. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions related to managing project risks, resolving conflicts within project teams or with stakeholders, and adapting to changing project requirements.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Think about how you would approach winning a new transit project or resolving a significant client issue.

• Understand Mott MacDonald's values and recent projects to demonstrate your interest and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples from their experience to support their claims, particularly regarding project success, team leadership, and client management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira) for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common design and engineering software suites used in transportation infrastructure, though direct design work may not be the primary focus. This could include CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Bentley platforms) and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.

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

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and sharing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize reporting features within project management software or dedicated reporting tools to track project performance against key metrics.

• Data Analysis: While not explicitly stated as a primary duty, the ability to interpret project data (schedule, budget, resource allocation) is crucial for effective management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a sales role, understanding client relationship management principles is key. Experience with CRM systems for tracking client interactions and project history could be beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Experience with leveraging automation where applicable in project workflows or reporting processes to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes project leadership and management rather than hands-on design using specific software. However, a strong understanding of the tools used by design and project teams, and an ability to leverage digital tools for project management and collaboration, are essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brilliant People, Brilliant Outcomes: Mott MacDonald values its employees and believes they are the driving force behind successful project delivery. This fosters a culture of empowerment and excellence.

• Sustainability & Innovation: A core commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and forward-thinking solutions is embedded in the company's approach to all projects.

• Collaboration: The company culture strongly emphasizes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and working together to achieve common goals, particularly through its hybrid work model.

• Employee Ownership: As an employee-owned company, there's a strong sense of shared responsibility, mutual respect, and a collective drive for success, reflected in performance bonuses.

• Inclusivity: Mott MacDonald strives to create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow.

Collaboration Style:

• Face-to-Face Interaction: A significant emphasis is placed on in-office collaboration, encouraging direct communication, spontaneous problem-solving, and stronger team cohesion.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various engineering disciplines, project management teams, and support functions to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, feedback is constructive, and challenges are addressed collaboratively.

• Mentorship & Support: A culture of supporting and developing junior staff, ensuring knowledge transfer and career progression within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on collaboration and employee ownership shapes Mott MacDonald's culture. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment and appreciate the value of collective achievement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Transit projects often involve numerous public and private stakeholders with competing interests, requiring sophisticated negotiation and consensus-building skills.

• Navigating Regulatory and Environmental Hurdles: Ensuring compliance with diverse regulations and addressing environmental considerations can be complex and require proactive management.

• Delivering Projects in Dynamic Urban Environments: Working within active urban settings presents unique logistical and construction challenges that demand creative problem-solving and meticulous planning.

• Integrating Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with and integrating new technologies in transit design and operations (e.g., autonomous systems, smart infrastructure) requires continuous learning and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance project management, leadership, and technical skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend industry events, share knowledge, and build professional networks.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Mott MacDonald to guide career progression and skill development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of challenging transit and urban mobility projects across different scales and complexities.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in large-scale transit projects offer significant opportunities for professional growth. Mott MacDonald's commitment to employee development suggests a supportive environment for individuals looking to advance their careers in the transportation sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex transit infrastructure project you managed from design through implementation. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on demonstrating project lifecycle management, problem-solving, and team leadership).

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (clients, regulatory bodies, community groups) on major infrastructure projects?" (Highlight client management, negotiation, and communication skills).

• "Walk me through your process for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to achieve project objectives, especially when facing conflicting priorities or technical disagreements." (Emphasize leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Mott MacDonald and our employee-owned model?" (Showcase understanding of the company's values and structure).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative work environment within your project teams?" (Relate to their experience with teamwork and driving new ideas).

• "Describe your approach to mentoring and developing junior engineering staff." (Demonstrate commitment to talent development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If asked to present project examples, focus on 1-2 key projects that best showcase your transit design management expertise.

• For each project, clearly define the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the major challenges (technical, client, schedule, budget), the strategies you employed to overcome them, and the measurable results achieved.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with P.Eng. requirements, stakeholder engagement, and managing project finances.

• Use visual aids if possible (e.g., conceptual diagrams, team structures) to enhance your presentation.

• Practice articulating your contributions concisely and impactfully, demonstrating your leadership and problem-solving acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of not just technical competence but also strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should prepare concrete examples that demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively in the transit sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Transit Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mott MacDonald careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in transit design management, P.Eng. registration (or eligibility), and successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Project Examples: Be ready to discuss specific transit or urban mobility projects in detail, focusing on your role in planning, design, procurement, and implementation, as well as your experience managing multidisciplinary teams and client relationships.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Familiarize yourself with Mott MacDonald's global presence, its North American transportation sector, its commitment to sustainability and innovation, and its employee-owned model.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical and behavioral questions by reviewing the "Interview Preparation" section above and practicing your responses using the STAR method. Be ready to articulate your leadership style and problem-solving approach.

⚠️ 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.