Senior Design Manager

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Location: London

The Opportunity

An established and rapidly expanding data centre developer is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to support the delivery of large-scale, hyperscale data centre developments.

This is an opportunity to join a growing organisation at the forefront of digital infrastructure, playing a key role in managing design development from early-stage concept through to construction and project completion.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal project delivery teams, external consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers to ensure designs are coordinated, technically robust, commercially aligned and delivered in accordance with programme requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process across all project stages, from concept and detailed design through to construction and handover.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design packages across architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and public health disciplines.
• Manage external design consultants, engineering teams and specialist subcontractors to ensure timely and coordinated design deliverables.
• Establish and maintain design programmes, deliverable schedules, design responsibility matrices and technical review processes.
• Ensure design solutions meet project specifications, applicable codes, statutory requirements and client standards.
• Drive design coordination, identifying and resolving technical clashes, design gaps and interface issues before they impact construction.
• Work closely with project management, construction, procurement and commercial teams to align design development with project milestones, procurement strategies and construction sequencing.
• Review technical submissions, drawings, specifications, design calculations and value engineering proposals.
• Manage design changes, technical queries, RFIs and design risk registers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support procurement activities through the review of technical tender documentation, contractor proposals and specialist equipment specifications.
• Identify opportunities to optimise design solutions, improve buildability, reduce risk and enhance cost and programme certainty.
• Monitor design progress against key milestones, escalating risks and implementing corrective actions where required.
• Support construction teams with technical design queries and ensure design intent is maintained throughout delivery.
• Oversee design documentation, as-built information and technical deliverables required for commissioning and project handover.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in a Design Manager or equivalent design leadership role within large-scale construction or infrastructure projects.
• Experience delivering data centre, mission-critical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor or other technically complex developments.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination across CSA and MEP packages.
• Demonstrable experience managing external consultants, design teams and specialist contractors.
• Knowledge of design management processes, technical compliance, design risk management and construction interfaces.
• Experience managing design programmes, deliverables, technical reviews and change control.
• Strong understanding of buildability, procurement interfaces, value engineering and programme-driven design delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project delivery, engineering, construction and commercial stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
• Relevant degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline is preferred.