Design Manager

Position: Design Manager (Permanent)
Design Manager - Data Centre Engineering (Engineering Consultancy)

Location:

Manchester / London / Newcastle / Leeds / Guildford
Sector:
Data Centres

Help lead an engineering consultancy into the fast‑growth world of data‑centre design.

We're representing a forward‑thinking engineering consultancy as they expand into one of the fastest‑growing markets in the built environment: mission‑critical data‑centre design. With new hyperscale and colocation projects coming online across Europe, the business is now seeking an accomplished Design Manager who can guide multidisciplinary engineering teams into this exciting new territory.
This is a rare chance to shape strategy, influence design standards, and build a capability from the ground up - while working on technically complex, high‑profile digital‑infrastructure programmes.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for leading, coordinating and driving all design activities across early‑stage and detailed engineering packages for new data‑centre developments. Working with electrical, mechanical, CSA and specialist engineering teams, you will ensure all designs are technically robust, coordinated, compliant and aligned with client expectations.
You will also play a key part in building internal capability - shaping processes, mentoring engineers, and helping the consultancy establish itself as a data‑centre design partner of choice.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the multidisciplinary design process for data‑centre projects from concept to IFC.
Coordinate internal engineering teams (MEP, CSA, fire, controls, sustainability) to deliver fully integrated design solutions.
Develop design programmes, milestones, delivery strategies and interface requirements.
Manage design reviews, clash resolution, change control and stakeholder communication.
Oversee client technical engagement, ensuring requirements for power, cooling, space planning, redundancy and scalability are fully interpreted into design.
Produce and maintain design documentation, scopes of work, specifications and RFI responses.
Work closely with external consultants, contractors and equipment vendors to ensure alignment and technical accuracy.
Support business development by contributing to bids, proposals and capability materials for data‑centre clients.
Help shape internal design standards, templates and workflows as the consultancy expands into the mission‑critical sector.
Mentor and support junior engineers looking to develop their expertise in data‑centre engineering.

About You

Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Engineer leading coordinated design on complex building‑services or mission‑critical projects.
Previous exposure to data centres, hyperscale environments, or large MEP‑intensive buildings (pharma, healthcare, industrial, airports, energy etc.).
Strong understanding of MEP integration, cooling strategies, power distribution, redundancy configurations and technical compliance.
Ability to manage multiple design streams simultaneously and maintain clear project governance.
Excellent communication and client‑facing skills, able to represent the business with confidence.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with a structured approach to design management.
Ability to work collaboratively in a consultancy environment while driving high design standards.
Degree‑qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (MEP, building services, electrical, mechanical, civil etc.).

What's on Offer

A pivotal role in establishing a new data‑centre design capability within a respected consultancy.
Opportunity to influence design strategy, standards and processes from the outset.
Exposure to cutting‑edge hyperscale and colocation projects across the UK and Europe.
Competitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits.
Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options.
Real career progression as the data‑centre division grows.
A supportive, ambitious and collaborative engineering team committed to innovation and delivery excellence.

Be part of a consultancy's next big chapter.

If you're a Design Manager looking to take on a strategic, career‑defining role in the data‑centre sector, we'd be delighted to speak with you.

Apply today to join a business transforming its future through mission‑critical engineering