Design Manager

About the role

Our client, a leading developer and operator of mission-critical digital infrastructure, is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee the planning and coordination of complex construction projects from initial concept through project completion. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are technically sound, operationally efficient, and aligned with quality, schedule, and cost objectives while supporting high-availability environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from early planning through construction handoff, ensuring project objectives are met at every stage.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Development, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and other key stakeholders to maintain alignment across all project phases.
• Coordinate design reviews, project milestones, and deliverables while facilitating communication between internal teams and external partners.
• Support governance activities by providing project updates, risk assessments, and design performance reporting to leadership.
• Partner with Construction, Procurement, Telecommunications, Power, Security, Controls, Commissioning, and Operations teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Manage requests for information (RFIs), design revisions, change management activities, drawing updates, and design-related issue resolution.
• Drive implementation of modern construction approaches, including prefabricated mechanical and electrical systems, modular infrastructure, advanced electrical distribution, microgrid readiness, liquid cooling technologies, and high-density facility designs.
• Review and coordinate infrastructure solutions supporting AI and machine learning workloads, GPU deployments, and evolving power and cooling strategies.
• Verify that all designs comply with applicable building codes, safety regulations, sustainability objectives, energy requirements, and utility standards.
• Deliver complete design documentation that satisfies project governance requirements while meeting schedule, budget, and operational expectations.
• Develop and maintain Site-Specific Owner's Project Requirements (SSOPR) documentation across assigned projects.
• Track key project metrics, including design schedules, budget performance, milestone completion, and overall project progress.
• Maintain project controls such as kickoff documentation, design logs, risk registers, change tracking, and executive reporting.
• Capture project lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enhance future project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5-7 years of experience managing design and/or construction projects with demonstrated success delivering complex facilities.
• Strong understanding of design coordination, construction processes, and project delivery methodologies.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of permitting processes, local building codes, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with project and design management software such as Procore, Microsoft Project, AutoCAD, or comparable platforms.
• Advanced experience using Bluebeam, Revit, ACC/BIM 360, and design software capable of producing conceptual site layouts is required.
• Ability to provide BIM support to regional project teams when needed.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority projects within demanding schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or an equivalent project management credential.
• Experience with design-build and/or design-bid-build delivery methods.

Travel

Travel of approximately 20-30% is required, primarily to project sites and regional offices throughout North America.

• Atlanta, GA
• Ashburn, VA
• Denver, CO
• New Albany, OH
• Phoenix, AZ
• Quincy, WA
• San Antonio, TX
• Santa Clara, CA
• Port Washington, WI (5 days onsite, not hybrid)
• Shackelford County, TX (5 days onsite, not hybrid)