Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

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Position Overview JLL is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Manager to lead the coordination and integration of design activities for mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures effective collaboration among specialized design partners, drives the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, and manages complex design coordination to deliver quality, integrated project documentation for high-performance critical facilities.

The Sr. Design Manager leads multidisciplinary design teams through the unique challenges of data center environments, including critical power systems, advanced cooling infrastructure, high-density computing loads, and stringent uptime requirements. This role bridges design intent and construction execution while maintaining focus on operational reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability of data center facilities.

Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Coordination Lead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designers

Chair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environments

Review and validate design deliverables for completeness, technical accuracy, and adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA-942, BICSI)
Manage design partner schedules and milestone deliverables throughout all project phases, from concept through commissioning support

Facilitate effective communication among design disciplines, stakeholders, operators, and end users

Manage design scope changes and maintain comprehensive documentation of design modifications and their impact on critical systems

Coordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnel

Data Center Technical Expertise Apply deep understanding of data center infrastructure including critical power distribution (UPS systems, generators, switch gear, PDUs), cooling systems (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, direct/indirect evaporative cooling), and network/telecommunications infrastructure

Ensure design coordination addresses data center-specific requirements including redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1), concurrent maintainability, fault tolerance, and operational continuity

Coordinate integration of white space (data hall) designs with support infrastructure including power rooms, mechanical plants, network equipment rooms, and building management systems

Support coordination of hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies, airflow management, and thermal optimization

Ensure designs accommodate high-density computing loads, emerging cooling technologies, and future capacity expansion requirements

Coordinate fire protection systems appropriate for critical electronic environments

Support integration of physical security systems, access control, and monitoring infrastructureBIM Leadership & Digital Coordination Lead implementation of BIM execution plans, protocols, and standards specifically tailored for data center project complexity

Develop and maintain comprehensive federated BIM models across all design disciplines with emphasis on critical systems coordination

Lead BIM coordination sessions to proactively identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, maintenance access requirements, and operational constraints

Drive BIM workflows including rigorous model quality control, clash detection protocols, and version management for complex MEP systems

Implement digital collaboration platforms and common data environments to support geographically distributed design teams

Produce advanced BIM deliverables including fully coordinated 3D models, comprehensive clash detection reports, installation sequencing…