Design Manager (gn)

Michael Page; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International exposure

Career development

High visibility

Ownership culture

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Design Manager in Zurich to lead multidisciplinary design teams across complex, large-scale projects. You will develop delivery schedules, coordinate with PMs, clients, and consultants, and ensure timely design package delivery in line with milestones.

Ideal candidates have a degree in a relevant engineering/architecture field, strong leadership, and familiarity with BIM processes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Experience on complex construction or engineering projects.
• Exposure to Data Centres, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductor Facilities, Industrial Plants, or Large-scale infrastructure.
• Familiarity with BIM environments and collaborative design processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams through project lifecycle.
• Develop and manage design delivery schedules with PMs, consultants, and clients.
• Drive planning, coordination, and execution of design deliverables across engineering disciplines.
• Manage external design consultants and engineering partners.

Skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Multidisciplinary design

Leadership

Construction coordination

Communication

Education

Engineering/Architecture degree

Tools

BIM software

Job description

• Lead Europe's most complex projects
• Work with world-class engineering teams

About Our Client

We are currently supporting a leading international engineering and construction organisation in the search for a Design Manager (m/f/d) to join its growing team in Zurich.

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of complex, large-scale projects across sectors such as Data Centres, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Advanced Technology Facilities.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy managing multiple stakeholders, and be comfortable working within international project teams. While we are particularly interested in experienced Design Managers, we are also open to considering strong and ambitious candidates with slightly less experience who possess the right technical background, project exposure, and leadership potential.

Job Description

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and manage design delivery schedules in collaboration with project managers, consultants, and clients.
• Drive the planning, coordination, and execution of design deliverables across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Manage external design consultants and engineering partners.
• Ensure the timely delivery of design packages in line with project milestones.
• Monitor design progress, identify risks, and implement recovery strategies where required.
• Facilitate design reviews and technical coordination meetings.
• Oversee document control and design management processes.
• Support BIM coordination and ensure seamless collaboration between design stakeholders.
• Manage design changes and ensure effective communication across project teams.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, constructability, and project objectives.
• Collaborate closely with construction, commercial, and project management teams.
• Support strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives within the design function

The Successful Applicant

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Experience working on complex construction or engineering projects.
• Exposure to one or more of the following sectors:
  • Data Centres
  • Life Sciences / Pharmaceutical Facilities
  • Semiconductor Facilities
  • Industrial Plants
  • Large-scale Infrastructure or High-Tech Construction Projects
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Experience managing design activities across multiple project phases.
• Familiarity with BIM environments and collaborative design processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-moving project environments.
• Fluent English is essential, both written and spoken
• Previous experience in a Design Manager, Design Coordinator, Lead Engineer, or similar role.
• Knowledge of German is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Project management experience within international organisations.
• Experience leading engineering teams or coordinating multiple design disciplines.
• Familiarity with large-scale EPC, Design & Build, or General Contractor project environments.

What's on Offer

• Involvement in some of Europe's most complex and prestigious engineering projects.
• International and highly collaborative working environment.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and mission-critical facilities.
• Significant career development opportunities within a rapidly growing business.
• High level of responsibility and visibility from day one.
• A culture that values initiative, ownership, and entrepreneurial thinking.