Sr. Design Manager

Digital Realty; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Realty is seeking a Sr. Design Manager in Atlanta to drive design and engineering standards for data center development. You will oversee multiple concurrent projects, lead A/E consultants, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure adherence to DEG guidelines while delivering value engineering opportunities.

You will coordinate with Delivery teams, review submittals, and present executive-level updates, shaping design through all project phases from concept to commissioning.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience managing technically complex projects, including direct design and/or commissioning experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; Professional License (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
• Ability to lead and manage internal teams, external partners, and project stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
• Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and construction industry practices, terminology, and contract structures.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
• Financial acumen with the ability to review, analyze, and provide recommendations on budgets and estimates.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee architects, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers through the full design lifecycle for both new builds and renovation projects.
• Lead end-to-end RFP processes for Architectural/Engineering consultants and Commissioning Agents, including evaluation and vendor selection recommendations.
• Manage consultant performance, including invoice review/approval and tracking of DEG deviations across projects.
• Apply and uphold Digital Realty Design & Engineering standards to ensure alignment with best practices and business objectives, with a focus on value engineering.
• Partner with Delivery teams to develop and review project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction activities.
• Review OFCI equipment submittals and provide recommendations to Delivery and Procurement teams.
• Lead design review sessions (e.g., page turns), evaluating drawings, Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for build-to-suit projects, leading consultant teams and developing work letters with Sales and Business Development.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and monthly project reports, ensuring alignment with gating processes and seamless transition to Delivery teams.
• Build and manage vendor relationships; conduct site visits and participate in commissioning activities (Levels 4 & 5); contribute to internal design innovation and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Interpreting drawings & specs

Vendor management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Professional license (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Your role

As the Sr. Design Manager, you will be responsible for implementing Digital Realty Design & Engineering Guidelines & Standards and will lead the design of multiple, concurrent projects. You’ll provide strategic and innovative thinking regarding the design and engineering of our data center development projects and manage challenging deliverables against aggressive project expectations (within budget and set schedule objectives).

Position

Sr. Design Manager

Location

Atlanta, GA

What You’ll Do

• Direct and oversee architects, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers through the full design lifecycle for both new builds (greenfield, powered shell/core, data centers) and renovation/upgrade projects.
• Lead end-to-end RFP processes for Architectural/Engineering consultants and Commissioning Agents, including proposal evaluation and vendor selection recommendations.
• Manage consultant performance, including invoice review/approval and tracking of Design & Engineering Guideline (DEG) deviations across projects.
• Apply and uphold Digital Realty Design & Engineering standards to ensure alignment with industry best practices and business objectives, with a focus on value engineering.
• Partner with Delivery teams to develop and review project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction activities.
• Review OFCI equipment submittals and provide recommendations to Delivery and Procurement teams.
• Lead design review sessions (e.g., page turns), evaluating drawings, Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, commissioning plans, and testing scripts.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for build-to-suit projects, leading consultant teams and developing work letters (scope, budget, schedule) in partnership with Sales and Business Development.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and monthly project reports, ensuring alignment with gating processes and seamless transition to Delivery teams.
• Build and manage vendor relationships; conduct site visits and participate in commissioning activities (Levels 4 & 5); contribute to internal design innovation and continuous improvement efforts.

What You’ll Need

• 7+ years of experience managing technically complex projects, including direct design and/or commissioning experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; Professional License (AIA, PE/PEng) preferred.
• Ability to lead and manage internal teams, external partners, and project stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret design/construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
• Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and construction industry practices, terminology, and contract structures.
• Familiarity with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
• Financial acumen with the ability to review, analyze, and provide recommendations on budgets and estimates.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD.
• Strong team collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills; self‑motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight; prior experience with Digital Realty projects and DEG knowledge preferred.

What We Can Offer You

Our rapidly evolving business sector offers the opportunity to be part of a courageous and passionate team who work together to understand and meet the changing needs of our global customers.

Join us and you’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work. As part of our team, you’ll get to work with people from different business areas, challenge the way we do things and put your ideas into action. We’ll also give you plenty of development opportunities so you can build a rewarding and successful career with us.

Health and Safety

Safety isn't just a priority here at Digital; it's critical to everything we do. Safeguarding lives, protecting assets, and securing data aren't just ideals - they're essential pillars of our commitment to excellence for our people, our partners and our customers. We have a culture of care where every member of Team Digital embraces a relentless pursuit of working safely across Digital Realty. Together we are Safely Powering Progress.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Digital Realty offers its employees a highly competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions. Central to our compensation philosophy is rewarding our employees for achieving the values and objectives aligned to the company's overall goals and values.

Compensation range $160,000 – $200,000. This compensation range represents the Company’s good faith belief as to what it will pay as a base salary for this position at the time of this posting.

Benefits: For this role, Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401k match, disability benefits, wellness and education benefits, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, holidays, and more.