Project Design Manager

Nova Complex; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Annual performance bonus

Pension contributions

Job summary

Nova Complex is looking for a Senior Project Design Manager to oversee the execution of technical and design issues for a data centre project in Helsinki. This project-driven role includes coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure innovative and compliant designs.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in design management, effective communication skills, and proficiency in relevant tools. A competitive salary and opportunity for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in project design management and technical coordination.
• Direct experience managing permitting applications with consultants.
• Proficiency in BIM software and strong knowledge of power distribution.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all technical design issues during the project lifecycle.
• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination with consultants and contractors.
• Coordinate with the internal design team to review and approve technical submittals.

Skills

Project design management

Technical coordination

Problem-solving

BIM (Revit)

HVAC systems knowledge

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Architecture or Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

CFD modelling

Job description

Senior Project Design Manager / Technical Manager

We are seeking a Senior Project Design Manager / Technical Manager to drive the execution and resolution of technical, permitting, and construction administration issues for our data centre project in Europe. Unlike strategic design roles, this position is project-driven and hands‑on, with responsibility to ensure that all aspects of design (architectural, structural, MEP, ICT, and security) meet technical, operational, and business requirements. This role involves coordinating with internal design teams based in Asia, external consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver innovative, cost‑effective, and scalable data centre designs while adhering to industry standards, regulatory compliance, and client expectations.

The successful candidate will support also the global permitting manager to manage the permitting process on the ground in Europe, directly engaging with consultants and authorities as and when required. This role is critical in ensuring that all technical, design coordination issues, and construction RFIs are timely resolved to deliver the project smoothly and without delay.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all technical design issues during the project lifecycle, ensuring each is resolved to closure.

• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination (architecture, civil, structural, M&E, ICT, environmental) with local consultants and trade contractors.

• Communication and Collaboration:

• Act as the bridge between internal design team in Asia and local consultants, ensuring alignment and timely issue resolution.

• Act as a liaison between the internal design team and local consultants engaged to obtain building permit and utilities application and approvals.

• Collaborate with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to resolve design‑related issues and ensure project goals are met.

• Coordinate with the internal design team to review and approve technical submittals, RFIs, mock‑ups, material samples, shop drawings, maintain change orders log related to design change or design/construction related coordination issues.

• Support the project manager and his team to resolve design issues arises during the construction execution stage and assess any change order requests or variation order requests raised by the contractors and consultants.

• Quality Control:

• Enforce quality control procedures through trade contractors to uphold design integrity and compliance with approved drawings and specifications.

• Carry out site observation on behalf of internal design teams to ensure critical works executed on site matches approved submissions and method statements.

• Inspect on‑site critical works for compliance with quality standards and specifications.

• Identify non‑conformities or defects and recommend corrective actions to the contractor.

• Site Coordination & Interface Management:

• Coordinate between our internal design team, local consultants, and trade contractors on site matters and resolve design‑related coordination issues or scope gap.

• Monitor the integration and interfacing of civil, structural, and architectural works with data centres M&E systems and DCIM systems.

• Support commissioning team on any design clarifications, test scripts review, witnessing of CxL4 and CxL5 tests on site. Also, any tequipm

• Attend site coordination and technical clarification meetings with contractors and consultants.

• Maintain records of changes, approvals, and any deviations from the original design.

• Compliance and Codes:

• Ensure that construction activities adhere to building codes, fire safety regulations, and other relevant legal requirements and in accordance with the local Building Control Act, and other relevant authorities having jurisdiction.

• Ensure safety‑in‑design is incorporated in contractors’ shop drawings.

• Monitor that site practices for all construction works are in line with HSE requirements and local code requirements. Alert the project manager or contractors if any unsafe act is observed on site and stop the work task if it is deemed too dangerous to proceed in accordance with local safety regulations.

• Provide on‑the‑ground support in Europe to actively manage design coordination with consultants and local authorities. Also, support the global permitting manager to resolve permitting issues with local authorities having jurisdiction including application preparation, submission, follow‑up, and direct communication with authorities.

• Track and report technical and permitting issues, providing clear visibility on risks, progress, and resolution timelines to senior management.

• Support the construction team by ensuring design and permitting deliverables are fully compliant and available when required.

• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of project location permitting processes, advising stakeholders on local regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Civil/Structural), or a related technical discipline.

• Certifications: PMP, CDCDP (Certified Data Centre Design Professional), LEED AP, or similar preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in project design management, technical coordination, and permitting execution within large‑scale infrastructure or data centre projects.

• Strong track record of resolving multi‑discipline design coordination issues during execution phases.

• Proficiency in BIM (Revit), AutoCAD, CFD modelling, and DCIM tools.

• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, power distribution (UPS, generators), and network infrastructure.

• Direct experience in managing permitting applications and approvals with consultants and authorities.

• Excellent problem‑solving skills with ability to operate under tight deadlines and complex environments.

• Familiarity with European permitting frameworks; Nordic experience preferred.

• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Finnish or other European languages is an advantage.

Certifications (Preferred)

• PMP

• CDCDP (Certified Data Centre Design Professional)

• LEED AP or equivalent industry certifications

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications

• Annual performance bonus

• Pension contributions and statutory employment benefits

• Opportunity to work on large-scale international data centre developments

Working Environment

This role requires regular on‑site presence and close coordination with project stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and authorities during project execution.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from qualified candidates from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.