Design Manager

About Ares Technology ARES delivers expert support for mission-critical data center operations, specializing in electrical and mechanical systems, commissioning, and infrastructure reliability. With a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and technical excellence, ARES empowers teams to succeed in high-performance environments across the globe. About The Role We are seeking an experienced and highly driven Design Manager to lead the design and construction administration of mission-critical and data center projects. This role is responsible for owning the full design lifecycle, from concept through construction and final project closeout. The Design Manager serves as the technical and design authority, ensuring all disciplines are fully integrated and aligned with project goals. Success in this role means delivering coordinated, code-compliant, and constructible designs that maintain design intent, quality, schedule, and budget through commissioning. What You'll Do Design Leadership and ManagementLead multidisciplinary design efforts across architecture, structural, MEP, fire and life safety, low-voltage, security, DAS, and BMS/EPMS systemsDevelop and maintain the Basis of Design (BOD) aligned with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)Manage design progression through Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction DocumentsEstablish clear milestones, deliverables, and design budgetsConduct regular check-ins with leadership and stakeholdersEngineering and Systems CoordinationCoordinate critical power and cooling infrastructure, including redundancy strategies such as N+1 and 2N configurationsOversee BIM and Revit coordination, including clash detection and constructability reviewsEnsure compliance with relevant codes and standards including IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, Uptime Institute criteria, and local AHJ requirementsCollaborate with internal design leadership as neededConstruction AdministrationReview submittals, shop drawings, and product dataRespond to RFIs accurately and within agreed timelinesIssue design clarifications and instructions and evaluate change orders for scope and cost impactParticipate in site observations, OAC meetings, and commissioning activitiesSupport project closeout, punch lists, and integrated systems testinProject, Schedule, and Budget ManagementManage design scope, fees, and resources across internal teams and external consultantsDevelop and maintain design schedules aligned with procurement and construction timelinesIdentify risks, manage assumptions, and drive value engineering initiativeClient and Stakeholder EngagementServe as the primary point of contact for clients on design-related mattersLead design reviews and coordinate approvals with authorities having jurisdiction and utilitiesCommunicate project status, risks, and key decisions to stakeholders at all levelsTeam and Quality LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop design staff while setting clear expectations and accountabilityEstablish and enforce QA and QC processes at each design milestonePromote a culture centered on constructability, operability, and continuous improvementStandards and Service DevelopmentDevelop and maintain design standards, templates, and repeatable solutionsSupport consultant selection, scoping, and performance evaluation Qualifications Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design for data centers or mission-critical facilitiesStrong knowledge of building systems including electrical, mechanical, and cooling infrastructureFamiliarity with industry standards such as IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and Uptime Institute Tier classificationsExperience with BIM and Revit coordination processesStrong leadership, communication, and project management skills