Design Manager - Nordics

Arcadis; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Mid-Senior level Data Centre Design Manager. The role involves managing the design process for large-scale data centre projects, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Architecture or Engineering, with at least 8 years of relevant experience and strong skills in BIM and technical documentation. Join a pioneering company committed to sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in design management for large-scale data centre or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in managing design teams, BIM coordination, and technical submittals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full design package, ensuring compliance with client procedures and standards.
• Lead and participate in design meetings with clients and design teams to ensure scope clarity.
• Review preliminary designs before progressing to Draft IFC.
• Manage BIM team to develop a clash-free model by Final IFC stage.
• Review contractors’ design submissions for quality and completeness.

Skills

Strong understanding of data centre design standards and processes

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Proficient in BIM software and project management systems

Ability to review complex technical documentation and ensure compliance

Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field

Professional accreditation (e.g., CEng, PE, PMP)

Job description

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role Description

The Data Centre Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the complete design process of data centre projects from preliminary design (BOD) through to construction and as-built documentation. The role ensures all design packages are developed in line with client procedures, coordinates between multiple stakeholders, manages technical deliverables, and guarantees seamless integration across all project stages.

This role will require travel to Norway and Finland – 1 week in country and 1 week working from the UK.

Role Accountabilities

Design Package Management

• Oversee the full design package, ensuring compliance with client procedures and standards.
• Coordinate the breakdown and packaging of works between Pads, Utilities, Foundations (PUF), Core & Shell (C&S), and Fit Out (FO).

Stakeholder Coordination

• Lead and participate in design meetings with clients and design teams to ensure scope clarity and no delivery gaps.
• Engage with the design team and vendors to define technical deliverables during the Draft IFC (Issued For Construction) stage.
• Ensure delivery of technical submittals via the Construction Submittal Register (CSR).

Design Review & Quality Assurance

• Review preliminary designs before progressing to Draft IFC.
• Manage BIM team to develop a clash‑free model by Final IFC stage.
• Oversee delivery and review of Draft and Final IFC documentation.
• Review constructability in line with the Move In Move Out (MIMO) report.
• Participate in Risk Review meetings, ensuring all risks are identified and addressed in the design.
• Ensure closure of all design issues raised by stakeholders.

Permitting & Compliance

• Review and engage in the permit process to secure all necessary permits for construction commencement.

Construction Phase Support

• Ensure contractors provide all required design deliverables per programme schedule.
• Review contractors’ design submissions for quality and completeness.
• Implement and manage a robust RFI (Request for Information) procedure for timely resolution of design queries.
• Ensure all construction changes are accurately captured in as-built drawings and the final BIM model.

Temporary Works & QA

• Oversee design and implementation of temporary works, ensuring robust procedures are in place.
• Implement and maintain Design QA procedures throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., CEng, PE, PMP) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in design management for large‑scale data centre or mission‑critical infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in managing design teams, BIM coordination, and technical submittals.

Skills

• Strong understanding of data centre design standards and processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficient in BIM software and project management systems.
• Ability to review complex technical documentation and ensure compliance.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Professional Services

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills‑based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together. You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. Together, we can create a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.