Design Manager jobs in United Kingdom

Job Title: Design ManagerCompany: PM GroupLocation: Birmingham, England, United KingdomJob Type: CONTRACTORCategory: Engineering & Design ManagementDate Posted: 2026-02-17T13:01:00Experience Level: 5-10 YearsRemote Status: On-site

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams to deliver complex engineering projects, with a focus on data centres and mission-critical facilities.
• Manage the entire design lifecycle, including programme, reviews, and approvals, ensuring strict adherence to client technical requirements and global standards.
• Provide essential technical oversight and risk management, identifying and mitigating potential issues throughout the design and construction phases.
• Foster collaboration between design, construction, and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project execution and on-time, within-budget delivery.
• Leverage a strong technical background in CSA and/or MEP disciplines within fast-track, hyperscale environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in the context of hyperscale data centres requires a blend of strong technical engineering knowledge and robust project management capabilities. The emphasis on "mission-critical" and "hyperscale" environments suggests a need for experience with highly complex, high-availability systems where precision and reliability are paramount. The contractor employment type indicates a project-based engagement, likely requiring a candidate who can quickly integrate and drive results.

• Spearhead the coordination and management of all multidisciplinary design activities for hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Develop and meticulously manage the design programme, including setting timelines, tracking progress, and facilitating timely design reviews and approval cycles.
• Uphold and enforce stringent compliance with client-specific standards, contractual obligations, and all relevant technical regulations and building codes.
• Proactively identify, assess, and implement mitigation strategies for design-related risks, ensuring project continuity and minimizing potential disruptions.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for design-related queries, liaising effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders.
• Oversee the integration of design elements with construction methodologies and commissioning plans to ensure a cohesive and efficient project delivery process.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and standards within PM Group, particularly within the data centre sector.
• Manage design consultants and external design partners, ensuring their deliverables meet the required quality, scope, and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "Data Centres / Mission Critical" sector and the emphasis on "hyperscale", core responsibilities will heavily involve managing intricate MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) systems. Experience with high-density power, advanced cooling systems, and stringent uptime requirements will be crucial.

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) or a related technical field is typically required.
• Professional certifications such as Chartered Engineer status or equivalent are often preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant portion dedicated to complex data centre or mission-critical facility projects.
• Demonstrated success in managing design programmes for large-scale, fast-track projects.
• Proven track record of leading and coordinating diverse, multidisciplinary design teams.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the end-to-end design process for large-scale projects.
• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination: Expertise in integrating and managing design inputs from various engineering disciplines (CSA, MEP, etc.).
• Technical Oversight: Strong technical acumen across core engineering disciplines relevant to data centres.
• Programme & Schedule Management: Proficiency in developing, tracking, and managing complex design schedules.
• Risk Management: Skilled in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective liaison.
• Compliance & Standards Adherence: Deep understanding of industry standards, building codes, and client-specific requirements.
• MEP/CSA Discipline Knowledge: Solid technical background in either Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, or Civil, Structural, Architectural systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within hyperscale data centre environments.
• Familiarity with fast-track construction methodologies.
• Knowledge of data centre infrastructure and technologies (e.g., power distribution, cooling systems, BMS).
• Experience with project management software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.
• Understanding of commissioning processes and their integration with design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a candidate who is proficient in managing significant design scopes independently but may still benefit from senior oversight on exceptionally complex challenges. The requirement for "CSA and/or MEP disciplines" indicates a degree of flexibility, but a strong understanding across both is highly advantageous.

• Demonstrable examples of successfully managed complex design programmes for data centres or mission-critical facilities.
• Case studies showcasing effective coordination of multidisciplinary design teams, highlighting problem-solving and integration strategies.
• Evidence of ensuring design compliance with stringent technical specifications, client standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation or descriptions of risk identification and mitigation processes implemented during design phases.
• Examples of managing design reviews, approvals, and the integration of design with construction and commissioning activities.

Process Documentation:

• A clear explanation of your approach to developing and managing a design programme, including key milestones and control mechanisms.
• Your methodology for conducting design reviews and driving the approval process efficiently.
• How you approach risk assessment and mitigation within the design lifecycle.
• Examples of how you ensure technical integrity and compliance with project specifications.
• Your process for collaborating with construction and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complexity, drive process, and ensure technical excellence. Emphasis should be placed on structured project delivery and risk aversion, especially given the mission-critical nature of data centres.

Salary Range:

• As this is a contractor role with a listed salary of $0 USD, a competitive contractor rate will be negotiated based on experience, expertise, and the specific project duration. For a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the Birmingham area managing hyperscale data centres, typical day or hourly rates could range from £400 to £700+ (GBP), translating to an annual equivalent of approximately £80,000 to £140,000+ (GBP) if working full-time equivalent hours.
• As a contractor, benefits are typically managed through the contracting agency or individually by the candidate. However, PM Group may offer:
• Access to PM Group's project network and potential for future engagements.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, cutting-edge hyperscale data centre projects.
• Professional development through exposure to advanced project methodologies and technologies.
• Potential for flexible working arrangements on a project basis, as negotiated.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature and the demands of hyperscale data centre construction, extended hours or weekend work may occasionally be required to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is listed as $0 USD, which is a placeholder. For a contractor role in the UK, especially in a specialized field like data centre design management, compensation is usually negotiated on a day or hourly rate. The provided estimation is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK, adjusted for the Birmingham location and the specialized nature of hyperscale data centres. It's crucial for candidates to clarify their expected rate during the application process.

Industry: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) for high-value industrial projects, with a strong specialization in hyperscale data centres, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage sectors.Company Size: PM Group is a global company, employing over 3,100 people across its offices worldwide. This size indicates a well-established organization with robust processes and a significant market presence.Founded: PM Group was founded in 1978, bringing decades of experience and a proven track record in delivering complex projects across various industries.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery team, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager.
• This team will include other specialists such as Project Engineers, Construction Managers, Commissioning Engineers, and Procurement specialists.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving direct interaction with clients, design consultants, and construction contractors.

Methodology:

• PM Group emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering projects that meet specific objectives through engineering excellence and robust project governance.
• Their methodology likely involves structured stage-gate processes for project development, from concept and feasibility through to detailed design, construction, and commissioning.
• A strong emphasis is placed on safety, quality, and sustainability in all project executions.

📝 Enhancement Note: PM Group's focus on "hyperscale data centres" and "mission-critical" facilities suggests a culture that values precision, reliability, and technical expertise. The global presence implies exposure to international standards and diverse project environments.

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant independent management of complex design processes. It is a hands-on role focused on technical leadership and project execution rather than high-level strategic operations planning.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager, working closely with a dedicated project team comprising engineers, construction managers, and commissioning specialists. This structure emphasizes project-specific delivery and cross-functional collaboration.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and critical to project success. By ensuring efficient, compliant, and technically sound designs, they directly influence project timelines, budgets, operational efficiency, and the ultimate success of the data centre facility for the client. Their work is foundational to the operational readiness of the asset.

• Project Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Project Director roles on larger or more complex data centre projects.
• International Experience: Opportunities to work on global projects, gaining exposure to diverse regulatory environments and construction practices.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design engineers and managers, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is classified as "Design Manager," its context within project delivery and operations of critical infrastructure means it has a strong "Revenue Operations" or "GTM Operations" flavor in terms of its impact on delivering a functional asset that generates revenue. The growth path focuses on increasing project scope and complexity within the EPCM and data centre domain.

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring the Design Manager to be present at the project location in Birmingham. While there might be some flexibility for remote work on specific tasks or during certain project phases, the core responsibilities necessitate on-site presence for coordination with construction and site teams.

Office Location(s): The specified location is Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom. This is a major city with good transport links, facilitating access for on-site work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve a combination of on-site project offices and potentially some time spent at consultant offices or client sites.
• Collaboration is a key aspect, with frequent interaction with project teams, engineers, and construction personnel.
• Access to project documentation, design software, and communication tools will be essential for effective task management.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as full-time contractor, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. However, project deadlines in the data centre sector can be demanding, potentially requiring flexible working hours, including evenings or weekends, to ensure project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is critical for a Design Manager on a construction project, especially in a fast-track environment. This implies a need for strong on-the-ground presence for site visits, problem-solving, and direct coordination.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess your experience against the key requirements, particularly your data centre and MEP/CSA design management background.
• Technical Interview: A discussion focusing on your technical expertise, experience with complex designs, and understanding of data centre infrastructure. Expect questions on specific design challenges you've faced and resolved.
• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your past work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your design management capabilities, programme control, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Behavioural/Cultural Fit Interview: An assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and how you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. This will also gauge your fit with PM Group's project delivery culture.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior project leadership to discuss the role in detail, project specifics, and contractual terms.
• Highlight Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction, improved operational efficiency).
• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to design management, programme control, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.
• Focus on Data Centres: Prioritize projects directly related to data centres or mission-critical facilities. If those are limited, highlight transferable skills from similar complex industrial projects.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including specific MEP or CSA challenges and solutions.
• Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely, focusing on the most relevant achievements for this specific role.
• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios: "How would you manage a design conflict between MEP and structural teams?" or "What steps would you take if a critical design approval is delayed?" Prepare to articulate your understanding of the typical challenges in hyperscale data centre design and construction.
• Practice explaining complex technical concepts and project management strategies in a clear, accessible manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study presentation suggests that PM Group values demonstrable experience and a structured approach to problem-solving and project delivery. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies and showcase tangible results.

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD and potentially other CAD platforms (e.g., Revit for BIM).
• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling tools like Revit, Navisworks for clash detection and model coordination is highly advantageous.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme management and scheduling.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for communication and document management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking design progress against schedule and budget.
• Software for generating reports on design compliance, risk status, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, familiarity with systems that manage project documentation and workflows is beneficial.
• Understanding of how design impacts procurement and construction automation processes is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM software like Revit and Navisworks is increasingly standard for managing complex, multidisciplinary designs in sectors like data centres, enabling better clash detection and coordination. Experience with established project scheduling tools like Primavera P6 is also a significant advantage for managing large-scale projects.

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in engineering design and project delivery.
• Integrity: Operating with honesty and transparency in all dealings.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client objectives.
• PM Group likely promotes a collaborative approach, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing across disciplines and project teams.
• The expectation is for proactive engagement with all project stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and contractors, to ensure seamless integration and problem resolution.
• A culture of continuous improvement and learning is probably embedded, with teams encouraged to share best practices and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of hyperscale data centre projects, the culture likely emphasizes precision, meticulous planning, and a strong sense of accountability within the team. Collaboration is key to managing the intricate dependencies between different design disciplines and project phases.

• Fast-Track Environment: The pressure to deliver complex designs within aggressive timelines requires exceptional time management and prioritization skills.
• Technical Complexity: Managing intricate MEP and CSA systems for hyperscale facilities presents significant technical challenges that demand deep expertise.
• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of clients, consultants, and construction teams can be demanding.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and mitigating unforeseen design or construction issues in a high-stakes environment.
• Industry Exposure: Working on cutting-edge hyperscale data centre projects provides invaluable experience in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of data centre design or project management methodologies.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced project directors and senior engineers within PM Group.
• Professional Networking: Building relationships within the data centre and mission-critical infrastructure sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in hyperscale data centre projects offer significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in developing resilience, advanced problem-solving skills, and expertise in managing high-complexity projects.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a significant design conflict between MEP and structural teams on a complex project. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on your process, communication, and outcome).
• "How do you approach developing and managing a design programme for a fast-track hyperscale data centre project?" (Highlight your planning, tracking, and control mechanisms).
• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design risks on a mission-critical facility project." (Emphasize proactivity, assessment, and mitigation strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about PM Group and our work in the data centre sector?" (Research PM Group's recent projects and values).
• "How do you foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary design team?" (Provide examples of your leadership and communication style).
• "How do you ensure design compliance with both client standards and regulatory requirements?" (Discuss your methods for verification and quality control).
• Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, particularly in data centres or similar complex environments.
• For each project, structure your presentation using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar problem-solution-outcome framework.
• Clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, risk reduction).
• Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your projects and your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely probe for evidence of proactive risk management, strong technical understanding, and the ability to lead diverse teams effectively under pressure. Your portfolio should serve as tangible proof of these capabilities.

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the PM Group careers portal, ensuring your CV is up-to-date and highlights relevant experience.
• Tailor your CV: Emphasize your experience in data centre or mission-critical design management, highlighting specific projects, your responsibilities, and any quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "hyperscale," "MEP," "CSA," and "programme management."
• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your expertise in managing complex designs, controlling programmes, and mitigating risks, ideally from data centre projects. Be ready to present these clearly and concisely.
• Research PM Group: Understand their project portfolio, company values, and recent achievements, particularly within the data centre sector.
• Practice interview questions: Prepare for technical, behavioural, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem‑solving skills, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the data centre industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Candidates must have proven experience managing complex designs within data centres or mission-critical environments, supported by a strong technical background across CSA and/or MEP disciplines. Experience working within fast-track hyperscale settings is essential.