Senior Highway Project Manager

What is the role?

The Senior Highway Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, design, and delivery of complex highway infrastructure projects within the Civil Division. This role provides technical leadership, manages multidisciplinary project teams, oversees project scope, schedule, budget, and quality, and builds strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. The Senior Highway Project Manager also mentors junior staff and contributes to business development and the continued growth of LEA's Highway sector.

Why join LEA?

LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with a 72‑year history. We provide multidisciplinary engineering services across Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.

In the Civil Division at LEA, we specialize in the preliminary and detailed design of civil infrastructure, including land development, transit, municipal infrastructure, drainage and hydrology, water resources, highways, and provincial roads. Our expertise has contributed to numerous landmark projects across these sectors.

At LEA, we are committed to producing high-quality, client-focused engineering solutions while supporting the professional growth and self-realization of our people. As an employee-owned company, every team member contributes directly to LEA’s continued success and growth.

We’re confident that by joining LEA, you can discover and realize your full career potential because LEA:

• Has been recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People for 2025 & 2026, highlighting our commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace culture and supporting the next generation of professionals.
• Recruits high-performing, motivated individuals who strive to achieve the highest level of technical excellence and quality.
• Is an Employee-owned company, and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
• Offers a competitive total rewards package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
• Is continuously involved in many exciting and challenging projects throughout Ontario and around the world.
• Allows for a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Cultivates teamwork and collaboration, offering a variety of social events aimed at fostering relationships across the company, including sports leagues, game nights, special events, and volunteer/charitable opportunities.
• Is an organization that is committed to achieving our Environmental, Social & Governance objectives through our various committees.
• Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit as an employee-owned company, with continuous growth and expansion, taking part in meaningful projects.

In this role, your duties and responsibilities will include:

Design and Technical Work

• Lead the detailed design activities for complex highway projects in compliance with the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) manuals, design standards, and guidelines.
• Manage and coordinate project deliverables with the design team and provide technical guidance to Project Designers on complex design issues and day-to-day project delivery.
• Develop quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for highway projects.

Project Coordination & Project Management

• Manage the planning, coordination, and delivery of highway projects, including project scope, schedule, resources, and budgets, to achieve project objectives and client expectations.
• Represent LEA in project coordination meetings with clients, stakeholders, utility companies, and internal teams to support the successful delivery of high-quality project outcomes.
• Lead utility coordination meetings with utility companies, representatives, and owners, and manage utility conflicts to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and guidelines.
• Lead project meetings, addressing design-related queries and providing technical leadership.
• Liaise with other project discipline team members and sub-consultants to ensure seamless coordination of technical aspects throughout the project.
• Monitor project progress, identify project risks and issues, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies to support successful project delivery.

Client Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Support business development activities, including assisting with proposals, fee estimates, and the pursuit of new project opportunities.

Field Reviews & Investigations

• Lead or perform in-field reviews/investigations of existing highway conditions and provide technical recommendations, as needed.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior team members and participate in their professional growth and development plans.

Quality & Safety

• Support and promote a culture of health and safety by ensuring compliance with policies and proactively identifying and mitigating workplace hazards to protect the well-being of team members.
• Ensure project deliverables meet applicable quality standards, client requirements, and regulatory requirements.

Professional Development

• Continuously grow professional skills and knowledge through training sessions, seminars, workshops, and involvement in professional associations to stay updated on the latest trends, software, and technology.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities within the scope of the Civil Division.

The qualifications you need:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 15 years of experience managing highway projects, including planning, design, and delivery.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• Registered in the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) Registry, Appraisal and Qualification System (RAQS) for the following categories:
  1. Detail Design – Major Reconstruction and/or Widening;
  2. Detail Design – Multi-Lane Arterial & Expressway – Major Reconstruction and/or Widening;
  3. Detail Design – Multi-Lane Arterial & Expressway – Minor Reconstruction and Resurfacing.
  4. Preliminary Design – Functional Planning and Design Studies.
• Proven experience managing highway projects, including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management.
• Strong knowledge of Transportation Engineering principles and Jurisdictional Design Guidelines (e.g., TAC, MTO, OPSD, AODA).
• Demonstrated expertise in highway design principles, including alignments, geometrics, staging, utilities, roadside safety, quantity takeoffs, pavement marking, signage, and constructability.
• Experience coordinating with MTO stakeholders, navigating project approvals, and managing consultant and contractor teams.
• Proficiency in industry-relevant software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, InRoads/OpenRoads.
• Strong understanding of MTO procurement processes and contract types (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build), including risk management strategies.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong communication skills, including stakeholder engagement, report preparation, and presentations.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements in highway projects.

Total Rewards at LEA

At LEA, we offer a total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and work-life balance, along with unique opportunities for shareholding and long-term share value growth.

• Annual Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000. Compensation will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.
• Discretionary Profit Sharing: LEA offers opportunities to receive a bonus payment from the profit-sharing program.
• Shareholding: Unique opportunity to become a shareholder in the firm, have a voice in governance, and benefit from long-term share value growth.
• Group Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including prescription drugs, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life insurance, critical illness, wellness account, travel coverage, and virtual health services.
• Retirement & Savings Plans: RRSP with employer matching and TFSA options for tax-free growth.
• Personal Days: 7 days of flexible paid time off that can be used as needed, including for personal matters or vacation.
• Hybrid & Flexible Work Model: LEA operates in a hybrid environment with flex hours to ensure flexibility, safety, and well-being. Periodic attendance at our Markham/Toronto office is expected for in-person learning and collaboration.
• Social Club: LEA has a unique, employee-co-funded social club with an annual budget of approximately $50,000 to host social events and activities that bring employees together. Many events welcome guests, with the social club covering part or all of the guest costs.

Type of Position:

Full-Time Permanent

The work arrangement:

LEA operates in a hybrid environment to ensure flexibility, safety, and the well-being of everyone. Periodic attendance at our Markham office is expected to facilitate in-person learning of new tasks with experienced senior staff.

LEA's Commitment to Inclusive Hiring and Equal Opportunity:

LEA Consulting Ltd. is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) embedded in all strategic planning and operational activities. As part of our commitment to fair representation and equitable access to opportunities, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, neurodiverse individuals, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, refugees, veterans, and women.

We evaluate all qualified candidates based on their skills and experiences, without regard to factors such as age, colour, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, marital/family status, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Accessibility:

LEA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment or interview process, please contact [email protected]. We remain committed to ensuring that accommodations are available and supported throughout employment.

AI Disclosure:

We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process for this position.

Vacancy Status:

This position is an existing vacancy.

Apply and stay connected with LEA:

We appreciate your interest in joining LEA! If this role aligns with your experience, we would love to hear from you. While we’ll only be reaching out to candidates selected for an interview, we encourage you to apply again when a suitable opportunity arises. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.