Design Manager Data Centre

WSP in the Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the Middle East is seeking a Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design teams for Data Centre projects. You will oversee architecture, building services, ICT, and infrastructure across all design stages, ensuring high quality and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with clients, authorities, and subconsultants, promote digital design with BIM and 3D models, and mentor junior staff to strengthen delivery capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of project/design management experience in a design practice.
• Strong track record in managing multidisciplinary Data Centre projects through all design stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design for Data Centre projects, from concept to construction coordination.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across architecture, structural, MEP, ICT, life safety, infrastructure and utilities.
• Support client interface and manage communications, scope, schedule and budget with the project manager.
• Promote design excellence and sustainability, aligning with quality standards and client requirements.
• Advocate for digital design tools (BIM, Revit, digital twins) to enhance collaboration and performance.
• Manage design changes, risks, and approvals; track progress against objectives.
• Assist in business development through proposals and client engagement for future opportunities.

Skills

BIM

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data Centre design

Multidisciplinary coordination

Client liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture/related

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

Job description

Job Description:

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

The Design Manager will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary design teams within Property and Buildings with a focus on the Data Centre sector. The role requires leadership of integrated design teams across architecture, building engineering, specialist disciplines, infrastructure, utilities and master planning, ensuring coordinated, high-quality design solutions that meet client, regulatory and project requirements. The successful candidate will manage the design team through all phases of delivery, ensuring objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance with client requirements, quality standards, and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for Data Centre design, from concept and feasibility to detailed design, tendering, and construction coordination.
• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across architecture, structural, MEP, ICT, life safety, Infrastructure and utility disciplines to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Serve as part of client interface team, supporting the project manager in managing communication, expectations, scope, schedule, and budget.
• Champion design excellence and innovation, ensuring alignment with WSP’s global quality, digital, and sustainability standards.
• Promote the integration of digital design tools and technologies (e.g., BIM, Revit, digital twins) to enhance collaboration and performance.
• Manage project risks, design changes, and ensure timely approvals and documentation.
• Monitor project progress and performance against agreed objectives and deliverables.
• Support business development by contributing to proposals, presentations, and client engagement for future opportunities.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members to strengthen technical and project delivery capabilities.
• Facilitate design coordination across internal and externally appointed subconsultants and subject matter experts.
• Support coordination with stakeholders, authorities, contractors, consultants, and other third parties
• Support design assurance and technical governance processes.
• Assist in securing necessary approvals, permits, and stakeholder agreements where required.
• Review project deliverables to ensure adherence to quality standards and project requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of project / design management experience within a design practice.
• Strong track record in managing complex, multidisciplinary Data Centre projects through all design stages.
• Strong client-facing experience, preferably within a consultancy, engineering, or project delivery environment.
• Solid understanding of multidisciplinary coordination, project delivery methodologies, and regional authority standards.
• Proficiency in BIM and digital design tools (Revit, Navisworks, etc.).
• Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Prior experience working with a data centre focused, multinational design or engineering consultancy is highly desirable.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 70,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.