Design Manager Jobs in Barrie, ON (NOW HIRING)

At Burnside the difference is our people.  Our employees are our greatest asset and by encouraging continuous growth and supporting personal development our organization benefits from the increased skill and leadership capacity that results. 

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Transit Group, responsible for delivering complex public-sector transit and rail infrastructure projects. This role is well suited to an experienced professional who thrives in multi-disciplinary environments, builds trusted client relationships, and guides teams through the full project lifecycle — from early planning through construction and commissioning.

Our Transit Group is actively involved in a wide range of initiatives, including new and redeveloped transit stations, rail corridor improvements, parking expansions, environmental assessments, large-scale design-build opportunities, and other complex transit programs. Project Managers with experience across broader municipal infrastructure projects are also encouraged to apply.

You will work collaboratively with Project Managers and Engineers under the direction of the Senior Vice President – Transit, contributing to strategic growth while ensuring consistent, high-quality project delivery.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Provide project and client management for transit-related public sector assignments.
• Lead and coordinate proposal preparation, including technical approach, resourcing, and fee development.
• Develop, monitor, and control project budgets, schedules, and risk registers.
• Facilitate and manage approvals with commenting agencies and stakeholders.
• Direct and coordinate the preparation of design drawings and technical documentation for transit facilities and infrastructure.
• Review and evaluate design submissions, cost estimates, and construction schedules from contractors, utilities, public agencies, and designers.
• Ensure seamless project delivery across design, tender, and construction phases.
• Support business development initiatives, helping grow the Transit practice and strengthen key client relationships.
• Lead, mentor, and support staff through performance planning, coaching, and development.

Experience & Professional Credentials

• 15+ years of experience delivering transit and/or rail infrastructure projects.
• A diverse civil engineering background with demonstrated leadership on transit-related assignments.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) for a minimum of 7 years.
• PMP designation is an asset (or willingness/ability to obtain).
• Experience working across infrastructure delivery models, including:
• Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
• Design-Build (DB)
• P3 / AFP delivery models
• Experience leading or supporting Municipal Class Environmental Assessments, Transit Project Assessment Process, or Rail Project Assessments is considered an asset.

Technical & Leadership Strengths

• Strong multi-disciplinary knowledge of transit infrastructure, with the ability to provide strategic oversight.
• Technical expertise in light rail, commuter or passenger rail systems, and/or BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), including interactions with municipal infrastructure and roadways.
• Proven ability to lead complex teams, coordinate sub-consultants, and manage procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Excellent client management, facilitation, and communication skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with a strong commitment to mentorship and team development.

 Salary Range: $150,000 - $185,000

The final compensation offered will be based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.

Position Type: New Position

 Why Choose Burnside?

Are you interested in working for an employer with a 5-decade track record of building a great reputation both internally with their staff and externally with their clients? The Burnside team is a supportive group of colleagues that work together to provide value and service to our clients, while extending care to each other. We know that our employees are our greatest asset, and thus we strive to provide a positive work/life balance.

We offer:

• A collaborative culture where friendship, honesty and respect are part of our core values and practices
• Flexible working hours and office locations, including hybrid working opportunities
• A competitive compensation and benefits package
• RRSP company matching plan
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Potential for performance-driven bonusing
• Active social committees
• A welcoming, positive, and inclusive work environment

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity in the workplace and we welcome resumes from all qualified candidates. Burnside will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the entire recruitment, assessment, and selection process, as required.  If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation during these processes, please contact our Human Resources department.

Company Profile – More about us:

Founded in 1970, R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited is a growing values-driven employee-owned multidiscipline engineering and environmental consulting firm with over 450+ staff. Our consistent commitment towards investing in technology advancements and training, in addition to encouraging and promoting professional development, has enabled our firm to meet our ongoing and stated goal of continual improvement.

We actively seek to develop relationships with a broad and diversified client base in the Public, Private and Indigenous sectors. We work on a variety of projects throughout Canada, with 11 office locations in Ontario and one in Manitoba.

Burnside has expertise in many technical disciplines beyond our core civil engineering focus including air and noise, asset management, building sciences, environmental planning and ecology, GIS, hydrogeology, land development, landscape architecture, municipal drainage, solid waste, stormwater management, structures, transportation planning and design, water and wastewater and well drilling & diagnostics.

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