Design Manager

Design Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Digital Realty

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design delivery for innovative data centre projects and manage multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Company: Dynamic company focused on cutting-edge design and engineering solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on modern design tools and techniques.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech industry while driving innovation and quality.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mission critical building design and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

The Design Manager sits within the Design, Engineering & Construction function and is responsible for project set‑up, delivery control and technical coordination of consultant teams. The role ensures implementation of the company’s Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG’s) and standardised design across data centre projects within the region.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead project set‑up and end‑to‑end design delivery for data centre projects, ensuring alignment with programme, budget and technical requirements.
  • Coordinate and manage multi‑disciplinary consultant teams across CSA and/or MEPH scopes.
  • Implement and govern the company’s Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG’s) and standardised design solutions.
  • Own design governance through the DLR Gating Process, including preparation of the Project Information Document (PID) and chairing G0/G1 calls aligned with RIBA delivery stages.
  • Control and report on project cost and schedule, working closely with Delivery teams on budgets, forecasts and milestone planning.
  • Oversee change control activities including budget reviews, contracts, change orders and invoice approvals.
  • Provide technical leadership throughout delivery, resolving escalated RFIs and managing technical submittals to timely close‑out.
  • Co‑manage commissioning activities and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) to support safe and successful project handover.
  • Produce and contribute to monthly project reporting, pipeline metrics and insurance reporting in line with corporate requirements.
  • Champion buildability, safety and quality by design across all phases of the project lifecycle.
  • Lead and participate in cross‑functional design reviews, promoting innovation, DfMA strategies and best‑in‑class technical solutions.
  • Support the evolution of regional and global design standards by feeding in lessons learned and market insights.
  • Drive adoption of modern design systems and tools (e.g. BIM/Revit) and ensure standard designs are agreed at key milestones.
  • Collaborate closely with Portfolio, Pre‑Construction, Construction, Operations, Solutions and Sales teams to resolve design challenges and deliver project goals.

What You’ll Need

  • Strong mission critical building delivery experience ideally in a multi‑disciplinary design environment.
  • Data centre design experience is preferred or experience of highly serviced building designs within the mission critical sector.
  • Familiarity of gating processes/change control within an Owner Operator Development organisation is preferred.
  • Familiarity of multi‑disciplinary subject matters within the Group to cover the key technical areas relevant to the data centre industry inclusive of all CSA and MEPH disciplines.
  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the CS/MEPH engineering disciplines or Architecture – equivalent experience in a related engineering, architecture or other discipline field will be considered.
  • Ability to clearly explain and communicate complex technical issues, confidently defending design decisions with senior internal and external stakeholders.
  • Able to work proactively and collaboratively with project teams, contractors and other specialists in a multi‑stakeholder environment.
  • Ability to navigate competing project pressures, assessing solution options against cost, risk, schedule and quality impacts.
  • Organised and pragmatic in developing and appraising technical solutions, operating effectively within a process‑orientated framework and fast‑paced environment.

Design Manager employer: Digital Realty

As a Design Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and innovative work culture that prioritises collaboration and technical excellence. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a commitment to employee growth, all within a cutting-edge environment focused on data centre projects. Join us to be part of a team that champions safety, quality, and modern design practices while making a meaningful impact in the mission-critical sector.

Digital Realty

Contact Detail:

Digital Realty Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Design Manager role that’s not even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects, especially those related to data centres. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work do the talking.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the company’s Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG’s). Be ready to discuss how you can implement these in your role and share examples of how you've done it before.

Tip Number 4

Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who can lead project set-ups and deliver top-notch designs. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to our values and mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Project Management
Technical Coordination
Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG's)
Multi-disciplinary Team Management
Budget Control
Change Control
Technical Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in project set-up and delivery control, especially in data centre projects. We want to see how your skills align with our Design Engineering Guidelines!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your familiarity with multi-disciplinary teams and how you’ve successfully managed design governance in past projects.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise! Whether it's your experience with BIM/Revit or your ability to manage change control activities, we want to know how you can bring value to our team.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Realty

Know Your Design Engineering Guidelines

Familiarise yourself with the company's Design Engineering Guidelines (DEGs) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented similar guidelines in past projects and how you can ensure standardised design across data centre projects.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in project set-up and delivery control. Discuss specific instances where you coordinated multi-disciplinary teams and managed budgets, schedules, and change control activities effectively.

Communicate Technical Concepts Clearly

Practice explaining complex technical issues in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to defend your design decisions, so being able to articulate your thought process clearly will impress the interviewers.

Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit

Be ready to talk about how you’ve worked collaboratively with various teams, such as Portfolio, Pre-Construction, and Operations. Highlight your ability to navigate competing pressures and resolve design challenges in a multi-stakeholder environment.