Senior Design Manager

Cundall; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cundall, a leading data centre and sustainability consultancy, is seeking a Senior Design Manager to join its Manchester-based Data Centre team. You will lead or support complex design delivery on high-profile projects, coordinating engineers and specialists to meet ambitious performance and sustainability targets.

The role emphasizes client engagement, risk and programme management, mentoring, and developing the team.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Significant experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary construction projects.
• Strong understanding of MEP-led coordination and organisational skills.
• Confident communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with leadership experience (Associate level).

Responsibilities

• Leading or supporting the design management of large-scale data centre projects.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing project deliverables.
• Driving project meetings, workshops, and design reviews.
• Working closely with clients to manage expectations and ensure successful outcomes.
• Supporting commercial, programme, and risk management activities.
• Contributing to consistency and improvement in design management processes.
• Supporting team development, mentoring, and client engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or Building Services

Job description

The Team

Join a Global Leader in Data Centre Engineering

Are you ready to shape the future of mission-critical infrastructure?

At Cundall, we don’t just design buildings, we design change. As a multi-award-winning global consultancy, named UK Building’s Engineering Consultant of the Year in 2024, 2022, and 2021, we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovative, sustainable design.

Our dedicated Data Centre team is leading the way in making these essential buildings more energy-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. Working exclusively in this field, we combine deep technical expertise with a forward-thinking approach, influencing global standards and pioneering bespoke solutions.

Sustainability is the heartbeat of everything we do. Our ambitious Zero Carbon Design 2030 goal means we’re committed to working only on projects that meet our zero carbon criteria by the end of this decade. If you’re passionate about decarbonising the built environment and want to make a real impact, we want to hear from you.

The Role

The Opportunity - Senior Design Manager

We are seeking experienced Design Managers to join our growing Data Centre team at both Senior and Associate level. These roles offer the opportunity to take a key position in delivering complex, high-profile projects. Depending on your experience, you will either lead project delivery or take on a broader role that includes client leadership, team development, and supporting business growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading or supporting the design management of large-scale data centre projects
• Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing project deliverables
• Driving project meetings, workshops, and design reviews
• Working closely with clients to manage expectations and ensure successful outcomes
• Supporting commercial, programme, and risk management activities
• Contributing to consistency and improvement in design management processes
• Supporting team development, mentoring, and client engagement

You’ll be part of a collaborative, expert team with a strong pipeline of exciting projects. It’s a fantastic environment to grow your skills and make a meaningful contribution.

The Skills

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for experienced design professionals with a strong technical background in engineering-led, multidisciplinary project delivery. Candidates should be comfortable coordinating complex interfaces on technically demanding projects.

Key Attributes

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Significant experience delivering complex, multidisciplinary construction projects. Ideally within data centres, mission-critical, or similarly technical environments.
• Strong understanding of MEP led coordination and organisational skills
• Confident communication and stakeholder management
• Understanding of project delivery, design processes, and risk management
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• (Associate level) Additional experience in leadership, client development, and mentoring

Why Join Us?

At Cundall, you’ll be part of a team that’s not only technically excellent but also committed to sustainability and innovation. You’ll work on projects that matter, with people who care, in a culture that supports your growth.

Ready to make a difference?

We know that to be the best at what we do we need a diverse workforce underpinned by an inclusive culture. Creating environments where everyone can find joy doing their best work is also great for everyone. That’s why we positively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our people.