Design Manager Data Centres

Overview

Design Manager Data Centres

Milan

Always wanted to challenge the obvious and make great things happen? At Goodman we create space for your greatness.

Our organization is a dynamic and innovative real estate company, serving as both a developer and investor with a primary focus on logistics real estate. We are expanding our portfolio to include cutting-edge data centre development projects and are therefore seeking experienced data centre professionals.

Goodman is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our expanding Data Centre project team. As the Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in our data centre projects, working closely with the Project Manager, the wider project team, external consultants, and contractors. Your primary responsibilities will include managing consultant contracts, overseeing the Contractor’s design efforts, and ensuring that the design aligns with project objectives, delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Tender, Contracting, and Vendor Management: Prepare and execute Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements, clearly defining Scope of Work, Services, and Fees based on the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
• Lead the procurement process for services, including managing RFPs, and evaluate proposals to justify selections.
• Review and approve consultant invoices, proactively managing project budgets, and leading value engineering initiatives to ensure cost alignment.
• Oversee consultant workload distribution to ensure balanced output and the delivery of quality design work.
• Design & Project Management: Collaborate with Project and Cost Managers to develop and manage project-specific design work plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with all project team members and internal stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the design are reviewed and approved as required.
• Supervise the project design team (internal and external) to deliver high-quality design solutions.
• Represent the organization in regular design and project meetings, providing stakeholders with updates on design elements and any changes.
• Oversee design development and ensure the production of accurate construction documents and specifications.

Design Review and Validation

• Oversee and supervise the Contractor’s design efforts, especially during RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) and Stage 5 (Construction), ensuring the designs adhere to the contract documentation.
• Ensure that the Contractor’s design aligns with local specifics such as climate, workforce standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the consistency between the OPR and construction documents, flagging and documenting any deviations for resolution.
• Conduct regular QA / QC reviews of the Contractor’s design submissions, ensuring all deliverables meet the project’s quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Ensure close collaboration with the Contractor during construction to resolve design issues swiftly and ensure alignment between design and site execution.

Change Management

• Review and manage (end-user driven) design change requests during all stages of design.
• Provide design input to balance end-user requirements with project constraints.
• Ensure customer requirements are interpreted, verified, and documented, aiming for a 100% satisfaction rate.

Collaboration and Communication

• Lead cost / time-benefit analyses and present solutions that meet project goals.
• Coordinate design presentations between the company and consultants, ensuring thorough review and approvals.
• Support project team in presenting design solutions to stakeholders, including end-users.
• Collaborate effectively with the entire project team, ensuring that any proposed exceptions or changes are communicated and understood by all stakeholders.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure full adherence to design standards, documenting any deviations after reaching a consensus with the relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and manage design-related risks, developing mitigation strategies to ensure the project remains on track.

Qualifications

Education & experience

• Degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data centres or specialized facilities, focusing on CSA and MEP systems development.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams and managing new construction, tenant improvements, and capital improvement projects.
• Proven expertise in consultant negotiation and management.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

• Strong understanding of contractual obligations, building regulations, and project delivery frameworks (RIBA).
• Proficient in interpreting design and construction drawings, project schedules, and related documentation.