Associate Technical Director - Industrial

Arcadis; Manila; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking an Architectural Leader in Manila, Philippines, to provide technical leadership for complex data center projects. The role involves coordinating design and construction while meeting client needs and maintaining quality oversight of deliverables. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in architecture, particularly in mission-critical environments, along with strong communication skills and a proven ability to mentor teams. Candidates will also support business unit management and engage with key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of architectural principles across sectors.
• Experience delivering mission-critical/data centre facilities.
• Working knowledge of data centre design standards and guidelines.
• Ability to coach and mentor design professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for data centre projects from design through construction.
• Accountable for quality of architectural deliverables.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders on project requirements.
• Coach and mentor team members to develop talent.

Skills

Architectural technical leadership

Data centre design

Strong communication

Coaching and mentoring

Project management

Education

Recognised expertise in Architecture

Tools

Uptime Institute Tier concepts

TIA-942

ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines

Job description

Role description

• Provide architectural technical leadership for large, complex mission‑critical/data centre projects from feasibility and concept through detailed design, permitting support, and construction administration.
• Lead architectural teams delivering data centre design packages (site planning, building layouts, white space planning, support spaces, envelope, security zoning, life safety coordination) while meeting programme schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Understand hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation client drivers (availability, scalability, speed to market, security, operational continuity) and influence architectural standards, details, and delivery approaches that support repeatable, scalable data centre solutions.
• Lead exceptional outcomes through architectural service excellence in mission‑critical environments, coordinating closely with MEP/CSA disciplines and supporting construction administration, commissioning interfaces, and handover requirements as needed.

Role accountabilities

• Promote and role model Arcadis Health and Safety Principles during the planning and delivery of work.
• Be accountable for the quality of all architectural deliverables for data centre projects (drawings, specifications, reports, schedules), ensuring they meet stated and unstated client requirements, align with operational and security needs, and are fit for permitting, construction, and handover.
• Develop and propose robust architectural solutions for data centres (site/building planning, white space and support space layouts, modular and phased expansion strategies, envelope and façade performance, security and access control zoning, code and life safety coordination). Guide the team through technical trade‑offs (CAPEX/OPEX impacts, speed to market, constructability, phasing) and provide alternatives when project parameters change.
• Lead the architectural delivery of complex data centre projects, ensuring effective project management, strong communication, and tight coordination across disciplines (CSA, electrical, mechanical, fire/life safety) and with contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams.
• Coach and mentor specialist professionals to support the development of Arcadis’ talent pool.
• Select, lead and develop the team, to ensure they have the necessary skills to deliver the task, they understand and are engaged with the project strategy, brief and client requirements, and manage their delivery of project objectives.
• Support the Business Unit Leader in the commercial management of the business unit (e.g. cost to complete, resource planning, utilisation) and contribute to disciplined delivery governance for fast‑paced data centre programmes.
• Engage with the client and key stakeholders (hyperscale, colocation, enterprise) to align on availability targets, basis of design, design review/approval gates, and protocols for managing change, risk, and schedule.
• Build strong working relationships with other teams and technical disciplines, Arcadis offices and external organisations to foster cooperation and to identify cross‑sell and trade‑up opportunities.
• Support the Regional office in the production of high‑quality winning bids.

Qualifications & Experience

• Thorough understanding of the key principles of the profession across several sectors.
• Recognised expertise in Architecture, with demonstrable experience delivering mission‑critical / data centre facilities.
• Demonstrate sound judgement of statutory, contractual and commercial issues in relation to own area of responsibility.
• Ability to coach and mentor design professionals to support the development of Arcadis’ talent pool.
• Working knowledge of data centre design standards and guidelines (e.g. Uptime Institute Tier concepts, TIA‑942, ASHRAE Thermal Guidelines) and project delivery practices including commissioning and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Lead teams and develop staff to meet changing technical and managerial needs.
• Exercise sound holistic independent judgement and take responsibility for project outcomes.
• Well‑developed communication skills with others at all levels including effective use of English orally and in writing.
• Able to discuss ideas and plan competently and with confidence.
• Have effective personal and social skills and able to manage diversity issues.