Data Center Construction Design Manager

ABOUT WORLDWIDE MISSION CRITICAL

Worldwide Mission Critical is a global owner’s representation and project management company dedicated to the mission-critical industry, helping companies deliver their data centers on time and under budget.

Founded on the principle that the right team of experienced data center professionals will deliver great projects, our ability to provide oversight for all aspects of a project sets us apart.

SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of data center design and construction. The role requires leading a multi-disciplinary team with a diverse set of stakeholders through all design milestones.

This individual will oversee the design of multiple data center projects and manage challenging deliverables against aggressive project expectations (within budget and schedule objectives set for each project).

The Design Manager will work with the design team to facilitate the creation of a shared plan for execution and oversee the development of technical approaches to meet project requirements, addressing architectural and engineering challenges, and ensuring the successful execution of project phases.

We will consider candidates interested in being located out of our Dallas, TX or Herndon, VA office locations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and oversee Professional Consultants (Architects, Engineers) and Equipment Suppliers throughout the design process for various projects, including Greenfield construction and retrofit renovations.
• Review and approve consultant invoices and equipment submittals, providing recommendations to the Delivery and Procurement teams.
• Ensure design standards are up to date with industry best practices and align with client business objectives.
• Collaborate with the Delivery Team on schedules, budgets, and forecasts related to design and construction expenditures.
• Lead the consultant team in developing work letters that include program scope, budget (with emphasis on value-engineering), and schedule documents to support leasing activities.
• Prepare and deliver presentations throughout the project lifecycle to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors (Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Consultants).
• Communicate project status to internal and external stakeholders, both formally and informally.
• Prepare monthly project reports detailing budget, schedule, and scope objectives, ensuring smooth handoff to the delivery team.
• Tour project sites during construction and participate in commissioning activities.
• Monitor project timelines, resource utilization, and expenses to ensure successful project completion.
• Engage in client meetings to foster relationships and review project performance.
• Drive efficiencies and quality improvements in technical processes, documenting all project-related deliverables, including design plans and correspondence.
• Mentor preconstruction staff, fostering a culture of learning and expertise development.
• Represent the company at technical meetings with clients, architects, and contractor teams.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• Professional license (AIA / RA, PE) preferred; significant experience (+10 years) may substitute.
• 5-10 years of design experience on technically complex projects, particularly in data center design.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret design drawings, construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and detailed budgets.
• Ability to develop a data center concept given limited information and being able to characterize potential size, shape, capacity, and topology.
• Excellent understanding of advanced electrical, mechanical, security / monitoring, and fire detection / suppression systems.
• Proficient in CAD / BIM software, including AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit.
• General knowledge of design and construction terms, principles, and basic building code requirements.
• Financial Acumen : Ability to recommend, review, and analyse budgets and estimates.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and facilitate collaboration among diverse teams.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Experience drafting scopes of work and managing the incorporation of client-provided program design standards into construction documentation.
• Ability to coordinate design activities across teams (design, site services, procurement, and construction).
• Experience in change management and reporting project metrics (schedule, cost, scope, risks) to leadership.
1 day ago