Design Manager - Data Centres

Job Title: Design Manager – Data Centre Projects Location: Manchester Salary: £75k - £85k + Package Vertical Recruitment is working with an international, award-winning infrastructure specialist, with over 100 years of experience delivering innovative Mechanical, Electrical (M&E), and IT projects. Operating across three core divisions – Critical Infrastructures, Enterprise Services, and Facilities Management – they are recognised as leaders in the design and construction of data centres and other critical infrastructure projects globally. Due to continued expansion within their Critical Infrastructures division, particularly within their award-winning data centre design and build team, they are seeking an experienced and driven Design Manager to lead design activities on large-scale data centre projects. The position offers the opportunity to work with a company known for its exceptional reputation in critical environments and contribute to exciting projects in a fast-growing sector. Role Overview The Design Manager will oversee the design aspects of major data centre projects, ensuring that all design elements align with both client specifications and local regulatory standards across multiple countries. This role requires strong experience in managing the delivery of critical infrastructure designs, modifying client design templates to meet country-specific regulations, and leading a multidisciplinary team to achieve project objectives. Key Responsibilities * Lead the design process for data centre projects, managing the production of feasibility studies, concept designs, and finalised design deliverables. * Adapt and modify client design templates to meet varying international standards and codes, ensuring compliance across different countries. * Ensure that designs adhere to the requirements of critical environments, incorporating redundancy, resilience, and energy-efficient solutions. * Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing solutions to design challenges and ensuring that expectations are met. * Provide guidance on the design and technical aspects of data centre projects, including the coordination of proposals, technical submittals, and tender responses. * Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and subcontractors to deliver high-quality designs within project timelines. * Participate in site audits and reviews, focusing on design elements related to resilience, energy efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with data centre standards. * Maintain rigorous quality control measures, ensuring all design work adheres to health and safety regulations, project specifications, and local standards. About you * Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. * Strong experience at Principal or Associate level within a consultancy or contractor setting, with specific expertise in critical infrastructure and data centre design. * Understanding of design standards * Experience in Critical Environment design ideally within Data Centres but other sectors are acceptable * Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM software for design work * Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and lead design teams and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Benefits * Competitive salary package * Opportunities for professional development and career growth * Exposure to large-scale, international projects * A collaborative and innovative work environment