Structural Design Lead

Vallum Associates; Finland; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vallum Associates is seeking an experienced Head of Structural Design to lead the structural design assurance on a major Finnish data centre programme. This PMC/client-side leadership role oversees third-party designers, reviews submissions, and ensures compliance with Finnish standards.

The successful candidate will coordinate with architecture, civil and MEP teams, support transition from design to construction, and bring strong stakeholder management and English proficiency to a multinational

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Structural or Civil Engineering (or an equivalent).
• Significant structural engineering and design experience on major projects.
• Experience as Head of Structural Design, Structural Design Manager or technical lead.
• Experience reviewing designs produced by third-party consultants or contractors.
• Experience in a PMC, engineering consultancy, client-side organisation or major contractor.
• Knowledge of Finnish structural design regulations, standards and construction practices.
• Data centre/mission-critical or large-scale technical project experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Structural Design discipline on behalf of the client.
• Oversee third-party structural designers and engineering consultants.
• Review and challenge structural design submissions.
• Ensure design comments and technical queries are closed.
• Provide independent structural design assurance and oversight.
• Support third-party inspections and quality reviews.
• Ensure designs comply with Finnish regulations and project requirements.
• Identify constructability and coordination risks early.
• Review interfaces with architectural, civil and MEP packages.
• Coordinate with CSA, Electrical, Mechanical and wider project teams.
• Interface with client, contractors, consultants and project management.
• Support transition from design to construction and site delivery.
• Provide technical guidance as construction progresses.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

English fluency

Regulatory knowledge

Design assurance

Coordination

Education

Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering

Job description

Head of Structural Design – Data Centres

• Location: Finland
• Contract: Permanent or Freelance

The Opportunity

We are supporting a leading engineering and project management consultancy delivering a major data centre programme in Finland.

We are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Structural Design to lead structural design assurance and technical oversight on behalf of the client.

This is a PMC / client-side design leadership position, rather than a purely hands-on production design role. You will oversee the work of third-party designers and consultants, ensuring structural solutions meet the required technical, regulatory, quality and project standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Structural Design discipline on behalf of the client.
• Oversee and coordinate third-party structural designers and engineering consultants.
• Review and technically challenge structural design submissions.
• Ensure design comments, actions and technical queries are appropriately addressed and closed.
• Provide independent structural design assurance and technical oversight.
• Support third-party technical inspections and quality reviews.
• Ensure structural designs comply with Finnish regulations, standards and project requirements.
• Identify structural, constructability and coordination risks before they impact construction.
• Review structural interfaces with architectural, civil and MEP packages.
• Coordinate closely with CSA, Electrical, Mechanical and wider project teams.
• Interface with the client, contractors, consultants and project management team.
• Support the transition from design into construction and site delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight as construction progresses.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced Structural Design professional with a strong background in major construction projects.

Ideally, you will have:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Structural or Civil Engineering.
• Significant structural engineering and design experience.
• Experience operating as a Head of Structural Design, Structural Design Manager, Structural Lead, Technical Lead or similar.
• Strong experience reviewing and managing designs produced by third-party consultants or contractors.
• Experience within a PMC, engineering consultancy, client-side organisation or major contractor.
• Strong understanding of design assurance, technical review and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Knowledge of Finnish structural design regulations, standards and construction practices.
• Previous project experience in Finland is highly advantageous.
• Data centre, mission-critical or other large-scale technical project experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of constructability and structural interfaces.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Professional working proficiency in English.

Location & Programme

Finnish-based candidates are strongly preferred.

The programme is currently within the design and preparation phase, allowing a degree of flexible/remote working. Site presence will increase as the programme moves into the main construction phase.

Both permanent and freelance arrangements can be considered.

This is an opportunity to join a major Finnish data centre programme at an early stage and provide structural leadership throughout design, construction and delivery.