Design Manager - Major Healthcare Build Projects (Relocation to Canada

Design Manager – Major Building Projects

Toronto, Ontario | Canada

About the Company

One of Canada’s top 10 construction businesses, this established Tier 1 contractor has been delivering major projects for more than 100 years and is recognised as one of the country’s leading employers.

The business delivers major building projects ranging from approximately £35m to £200m+ and has extensive experience welcoming construction professionals from the UK into its Canadian operations.

Why Canada?

Canada offers experienced construction professionals a combination of long-term security of work, genuine career progression and an exceptional quality of life.

Consistently regarded as one of the world’s safest countries, Canada provides the opportunity to build your career within a strong construction market while enjoying a highly rated lifestyle.

For international hires, the business will support the visa/work permit process and provide financial assistance with relocation for you and your family.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager currently working within design management for a large building contractor to join the team in Toronto.

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for planning, organising, directing, controlling and evaluating construction design projects from start to finish, ensuring delivery in accordance with programme, specifications and budget.

You’ll work across major commercial, public-sector, healthcare and industrial building projects, with experience on projects valued at a minimum of £40m+ required.

The structure and delivery of projects in Canada differs from the UK market, but with more than 15 years of experience recruiting within Canada, we can provide detailed guidance throughout the process.

Key Responsibilities

Design Oversight & Coordination:

Lead and manage the design process for all construction projects, ensuring timely delivery of design stages. Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and project teams to ensure the design aligns with client requirements and project specifications. Coordinate the preparation of design deliverables, including conceptual designs, detailed drawings, and specifications. Provide input and review design proposals to ensure adherence to budget, feasibility, and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

Manage a team of designers, architects, and engineers to achieve project goals. Foster a collaborative environment between design teams and other departments (construction, procurement, etc.) to ensure seamless project execution. Mentor and guide junior designers, ensuring skills development and career growth.

Budget & Timeline Management:

Develop, monitor, and manage project timelines, milestones, and budgets for design-related activities. Track design progress and ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Assist in value engineering and cost-effective solutions while maintaining design integrity.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

Ensure all design work complies with local building codes, regulations, and industry standards. Review and assess design drawings for quality control, accuracy, and design integrity. Conduct design reviews and resolve design issues or conflicts in collaboration with project teams.

Client & Stakeholder Communication:

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing their concerns, providing updates, and managing expectations related to the design. Present design concepts, progress, and updates to clients, senior management, and other key stakeholders. Ensure client feedback is incorporated into the design process and maintain positive relationships with all project stakeholders.

Risk Management:

Identify design-related risks early in the project and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impacts on cost, timeline, or quality. Proactively address design changes, conflicts, or challenges, ensuring timely resolutions with minimal disruption to the project.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in design management within the construction industry, including experience with large-scale projects. Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams, project timelines, and budgets. Experience working with design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, etc.) and familiarity with building codes and regulations.

Skills

Strong project management skills, including time management, resource allocation, and prioritization. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of building codes, construction standards, and regulatory requirements. Problem-solving mindset with the ability to resolve design and construction challenges effectively. Ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and manage external consultants.

Certifications:

PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar certification is preferred. LEED accreditation or other sustainable design certifications are a plus.

Legal Information:

We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work.

For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

We value diversity and promote equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application