Design Manager

Job Description

Design Manager - Data Centre Engineering (Engineering Consultancy)\n\nLocation: Manchester / London / Newcastle / Leeds / Guildford\n Sector: Data Centres\n\nHelp lead an engineering consultancy into the fast‑growth world of data‑centre design.\n\nWe'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. \nThis 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.\n\nThe Role\n\nAs 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. \nYou 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.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nLead the multidisciplinary design process for data‑centre projects from concept to IFC.\nCoordinate internal engineering teams (MEP, CSA, fire, controls, sustainability) to deliver fully integrated design solutions.\nDevelop design programmes, milestones, delivery strategies and interface requirements.\nManage design reviews, clash resolution, change control and stakeholder communication.\nOversee client technical engagement, ensuring requirements for power, cooling, space planning, redundancy and scalability are fully interpreted into design.\nProduce and maintain design documentation, scopes of work, specifications and RFI responses.\nWork closely with external consultants, contractors and equipment vendors to ensure alignment and technical accuracy.\nSupport business development by contributing to bids, proposals and capability materials for data‑centre clients.\nHelp shape internal design standards, templates and workflows as the consultancy expands into the mission‑critical sector.\nMentor and support junior engineers looking to develop their expertise in data‑centre engineering.\n\nAbout You\n\nProven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Engineer leading coordinated design on complex building‑services or mission‑critical projects.\nPrevious exposure to data centres, hyperscale environments, or large MEP‑intensive buildings (pharma, healthcare, industrial, airports, energy etc.).\nStrong understanding of MEP integration, cooling strategies, power distribution, redundancy configurations and technical compliance.\nAbility to manage multiple design streams simultaneously and maintain clear project governance.\nExcellent communication and client‑facing skills, able to represent the business with confidence.\nStrong organisational skills and attention to detail, with a structured approach to design management.\nAbility to work collaboratively in a consultancy environment while driving high design standards.\nDegree‑qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (MEP, building services, electrical, mechanical, civil etc.).\n\nWhat's on Offer\n\nA pivotal role in establishing a new data‑centre design capability within a respected consultancy.\nOpportunity to influence design strategy, standards and processes from the outset.\nExposure to cutting‑edge hyperscale and colocation projects across the UK and Europe.\nCompetitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits.\nFlexible working arrangements with hybrid options.\nReal career progression as the data‑centre division grows.\nA supportive, ambitious and collaborative engineering team committed to innovation and delivery excellence.\n\nBe part of a consultancy's next big chapter.\n\nIf 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.\n\nApply today to join a business transforming its future through mission‑critical engineering