Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is seeking a Sr. Design Manager to lead the coordination and integration of design activities for mission-critical data center projects.

The role drives BIM processes, leads multidisciplinary teams, and ensures reliability and energy efficiency of complex facilities. You will manage design coordination, RFI workflows, and constructability reviews while aligning with industry standards and client requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural), Construction Management, or related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designers.
• Chair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environments.
• Review and validate design deliverables for completeness, technical accuracy, and adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA-942, BICSI).
• Manage design partner schedules and milestone deliverables throughout all project phases, from concept through commissioning support.
• Coordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnel.
• Coordinate BIM workflows, model quality control, clash detection, and version management for complex MEP systems.
• Lead BIM coordination sessions to identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, and maintenance access requirements.
• Mentor junior design coordinators and support professional development of project team members.

Skills

Design coordination

BIM management

Clash detection

Project leadership

Stakeholder comms

RFI management

Team mentoring

Technical review

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related technical field

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

BIM 360/ACC

Procore

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Position Overview JLL is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Manager to lead the coordination and integration of design activities for mission‑critical data center projects. This role ensures effective collaboration among specialized design partners, drives the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, and manages complex design coordination to deliver quality, integrated project documentation for high‑performance critical facilities. The Sr. Design Manager leads multidisciplinary design teams through the unique challenges of data center environments, including critical power systems, advanced cooling infrastructure, high‑density computing loads, and stringent uptime requirements. This role bridges design intent and construction execution while maintaining focus on operational reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability of data center facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Coordination

• Lead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designers
• Chair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environments
• Review and validate design deliverables for completeness, technical accuracy, and adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA‑942, BICSI)
• Manage design partner schedules and milestone deliverables throughout all project phases, from concept through commissioning support
• Facilitate effective communication among design disciplines, stakeholders, operators, and end users
• Manage design scope changes and maintain comprehensive documentation of design modifications and their impact on critical systems
• Coordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnel

Data Center Technical Expertise

• Apply deep understanding of data center infrastructure including critical power distribution (UPS systems, generators, switchgear, PDUs), cooling systems (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, direct/indirect evaporative cooling), and network/telecommunications infrastructure
• Ensure design coordination addresses data center‑specific requirements including redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1), concurrent maintainability, fault tolerance, and operational continuity
• Coordinate integration of white space (data hall) designs with support infrastructure including power rooms, mechanical plants, network equipment rooms, and building management systems
• Support coordination of hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies, airflow management, and thermal optimization
• Ensure designs accommodate high‑density computing loads, emerging cooling technologies, and future capacity expansion requirements
• Coordinate fire protection systems appropriate for critical electronic environments
• Support integration of physical security systems, access control, and monitoring infrastructure

BIM Leadership & Digital Coordination

• Lead implementation of BIM execution plans, protocols, and standards specifically tailored for data center project complexity
• Develop and maintain comprehensive federated BIM models across all design disciplines with emphasis on critical systems coordination
• Lead BIM coordination sessions to proactively identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, maintenance access requirements, and operational constraints
• Drive BIM workflows including rigorous model quality control, clash detection protocols, and version management for complex MEP systems
• Implement digital collaboration platforms and common data environments to support geographically distributed design teams
• Produce advanced BIM deliverables including fully coordinated 3D models, comprehensive clash detection reports, installation sequencing coordination drawings, and maintenance access studies
• Establish and monitor compliance with project‑specific and organizational BIM standards and data center industry best practices
• Champion adoption of emerging digital design tools and advanced BIM technologies including reality capture, digital twins, and computational design

RFI Management

• Manage the complete design RFI lifecycle including submission protocols, priority assessment, technical review coordination, and response distribution
• Coordinate complex RFI reviews with appropriate design partners and subject matter experts to ensure technically accurate, timely responses that maintain system integrity
• Maintain comprehensive RFI management systems and databases ensuring proper documentation of all design clarifications and their implications for interconnected systems
• Analyze RFI trends to identify systemic design issues and implement proactive resolution strategies that reduce future coordination challenges
• Interface with construction teams to clarify design intent, support field resolution, and maintain design integrity of critical systems
• Assess RFI impact on project schedule, budget, and system performance, escalating critical issues and recommending mitigation strategies
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce RFI volume through enhanced design coordination and improve response efficiency

Design Quality Assurance & Constructability

• Lead comprehensive design reviews to verify coordination between all disciplines with particular focus on critical system interfaces
• Identify and resolve design gaps, conflicts, and constructability issues before they impact construction schedules or system reliability
• Verify that designs meet applicable codes, data center industry standards, client operational requirements, and sustainability objectives
• Lead value engineering initiatives while protecting design integrity, system redundancy, and operational performance requirements
• Ensure coordination between design documentation and construction methodology, particularly for complex critical system installations
• Review shop drawings and construction submittals for alignment with design intent and coordination with adjacent systems
• Lead resolution of field conflicts between design documents and site conditions, ensuring solutions maintain system reliability and performance

Stakeholder Leadership & Communication

• Prepare comprehensive design status reports, coordination documentation, and technical presentations for executive stakeholders and client leadership
• Effectively communicate complex technical design issues, coordination challenges, and recommended solutions to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholders
• Lead presentation of coordination findings, clash resolution strategies, and design optimization recommendations during project reviews
• Develop clear visual documentation of design coordination solutions, BIM deliverables, and system integration strategies
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, owner's representatives, operators, commissioning agents, and external design partners
• Mentor junior design coordinators and support professional development of project team members

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural), Construction Management, or related technical field
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in design coordination and BIM management, with at least 5 years specifically supporting mission-critical or data center projects
• Demonstrated experience leading design coordination activities on large-scale, complex construction projects with budgets exceeding $50M
• Deep working knowledge of data center design principles, critical infrastructure systems, and mission-critical operational requirements
• Advanced proficiency with BIM software platforms (Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC, Procore, or similar) and 3D coordination tools
• Proven experience leading BIM coordination workflows, advanced clash detection processes, and model-based construction planning
• Comprehensive understanding of data center construction documentation, specialized installation methods, and commissioning sequencing
• Demonstrated experience managing complex design RFI workflows and technical documentation processes for critical facilities
• Strong leadership presence with ability to drive resolution of complex technical coordination challenges
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and systems thinking approach
• Superior communication abilities with capacity to lead and influence diverse, multidisciplinary teams
• Expert ability to read and interpret complex architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and low-voltage design drawings

Preferred

• Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline
• Professional registration (PE, RA, LEED AP, CxA) or active progress toward professional certification
• Data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, CDCE from DCIEP or Uptime Institute ATD/ATS)
• BIM-related certifications (Autodesk Certified Professional, buildingSMART Professional Certification Program, or equivalent advanced credentials)
• Experience with advanced BIM applications including 4D construction sequencing, 5D cost integration, and digital twin implementation
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and energy efficiency standards specific to data centers (LEED, ENERGY STAR for Data Centers, EU Code of Conduct)
• Significant experience with hyperscale data centers, colocation facilities, enterprise data centers, or edge computing facilities
• Deep familiarity with virtual design and construction (VDC) methodologies and integrated project delivery (IPD) approaches
• Experience with computational design, generative design tools, and advanced visualization technologies
• Demonstrated experience with cloud-based collaboration platforms, construction management software, and digital project delivery tools

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position: 96,470.00 – 139,700.00 USD per year. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location: Remote –Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Lufkin, TX, Shreveport, LA

Benefits

Personalized benefits that support personal well‑being and growth: JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include: 401(k) plan with matching company contributions Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care Paid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company Holidays Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely. For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement. For additional details please see our career site pages for each country. For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here. Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [e-mail]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL. Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment. Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest. Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job‑related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. California Residents only If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.