Design Manager; Remote

Design Manager

At Core Site, we empower a more connected future through high-performance data centers and interconnection solutions. Recognized as a trusted partner in digital transformation, our strategically located facilities and innovative services enable businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Our culture is defined by operational excellence and a relentless drive for innovation. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, wins are celebrated as a team, and ownership is part of our DNA.

At Core Site, we're not just building state-of-the-art infrastructure—we're creating a community of forward-thinkers committed to solving complex challenges and delivering exceptional customer experiences. At Core Site not only are we Committed to Excellence, but we also Build Connections, Own It, Do the Right Thing, Have Fun, and Win as a Team. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of digital infrastructure while nurturing your professional growth and success.

Role

Summary:

As a member of the Corporate Development team, the Design Manager manages the design process for capital expenditure projects across Core Site's existing facilities nationwide. This role sits alongside two regionally focused Development & Design Managers responsible for ground-up development and large-scale interior buildouts, and is specifically focused on the interior retrofit and improvement work that spans the full U.S. portfolio.

Projects are interior-scope, executed within operating data centers, and require someone who thrives in the complexity of occupied, live-infrastructure environments where precision, coordination, and minimizing customer disruption are as important as design quality. The role also provides periodic support to the acquisitions team on pre-purchase due diligence as business needs arise. The Manager coordinates design timelines, deliverables from internal and external stakeholders, scope changes, and associated budgets under the direction of the Vice President of Development & Design.

In the spirit of "Innovation for Improvement," the Manager stays abreast of emerging trends and new technologies applicable to upgrade and retrofit scenarios.

Project Scope:
Projects managed by this role include:

• Retrofits and infrastructure upgrades within operating data center facilities, including mechanical, electrical, and architectural improvements.
• Legacy building repositions, including the redesign of underutilized or aging infrastructure to meet current product standards.
• Planned phased interior buildouts supporting customer occupancy, deployment readiness, and capacity expansion within existing shells.
• Large-scale retrofits supporting specific occupancy and deployment requirements.
• Periodic pre-purchase due diligence support for the acquisitions team, including design and engineering reviews, test fits, and building assessment coordination.

Duties
- Standards and Processes:

• Assist with maintaining Core Site's OPR to reflect lessons learned, market trends, and technological advancements, with particular emphasis on retrofit and in-place project contexts.
• Capture lessons learned from each project and refine processes and documentation accordingly.
• Help develop or refine processes related to design documentation, review cycles, and drawing management.

Design Management:

• Prepare for and support project kickoff meetings with internal stakeholders to define project needs, constraints, and goals within operating-facility environments.
• Draft budgets and schedules for design and permitting activities; track against actuals and report variances.
• Facilitate initial and regularly occurring design meetings; review meeting notes and minutes for accuracy and clear assignment of action items.
• Ensure all owner-furnished equipment is accurately specified and fully integrated into design deliverables.
• Ensure all scopes are clearly identified, delineated, and coordinated across design disciplines.
• Ensure design consultants comply with OPR and that designs account for the operational realities of occupied facilities.
• Ensure permit packages are comprehensive to minimize review cycles and responses to building departments.
• Ensure bid set packages are comprehensive to minimize change orders during construction.
• Coordinate multi-phase design reviews to ensure timely stakeholder input and approvals.
• Manage and work with design partners (architects, engineers, specialty consultants) to develop design documentation across all project phases.
• Assist with procuring design and permitting-phase services; manage vendors within contract scope and timelines.
• Foster working relationships with design partners; monitor workload and work quality.
• Coordinate with the Vice President and external consultants to process and communicate scope-of-service change requests.

Permitting Management:

• Manage the building permit process from design submission through final permit issuance for retrofit, remodel, and…