AI HPC Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AI HPC Design Consultant

Company: Computacenter AG & Co. oHG

Location: Mobile England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales & Pre-Sales & Alliances / IT Infrastructure Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-08-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between pre-sales, technical design, and project delivery for enterprise-scale data center infrastructure solutions, with a specific focus on AI and HPC environments.

• The consultant will engage directly with customers to develop robust technical solutions, ensuring projects are commercially viable and technically sound from inception through to successful implementation and commissioning.

• You will be instrumental in shaping modern data center environments by providing expert guidance on physical layouts, power, cooling, and cabling strategies, thereby reducing delivery risks and ensuring successful project outcomes.

• This position involves extensive collaboration with a diverse team, including sales, consultancy, logistics, operational delivery teams, vendors, and clients, to deliver complex IT infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "AI HPC Design Consultant" and the description clearly indicate a specialization within data center infrastructure, focusing on high-performance computing and artificial intelligence workloads. The "Sales & Pre-Sales & Alliances" business unit suggests a strong customer-facing and solution-oriented aspect, requiring a blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen. The "Mobile England" location implies significant travel and client-site engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and internal teams during pre-sales engagements to architect and develop comprehensive technical solutions for data center infrastructure.

• Design detailed data center layouts, including cabinet placement, power distribution, cooling strategies, environmental considerations, and advanced cabling infrastructure, particularly for AI/HPC deployments.

• Develop accurate cost models, detailed Bills of Materials (BoMs), and Statements of Work (SoWs) to support customer proposals and commercial agreements.

• Conduct thorough reviews of technical designs and BoMs to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks, gaps, or design inconsistencies before implementation.

• Produce and maintain high-quality, installation-ready documentation, such as Point-to-Point (P2P) cabling maps, labeling schemes, and detailed installation guides.

• Liaise closely with logistics, vendor management, and operational delivery teams to ensure efficient and seamless project execution from procurement to on-site installation.

• Provide on-site technical guidance and support during installation and commissioning phases, effectively resolving design challenges and ensuring adherence to specifications.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with customers, technology partners, and internal stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, end-to-end involvement in data center projects, requiring the candidate to be proficient in both the strategic design and practical implementation aspects. The mention of AI/HPC infrastructure suggests a need for specialized knowledge in high-density computing environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is typically expected for this level of consultancy. Relevant certifications in data center design, project management, or specific vendor technologies would be highly advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in data center infrastructure design, implementation, or a related technical consulting role is required. Proven experience in AI and HPC environments is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of data center infrastructure, encompassing AI/HPC environments, physical layouts, cabinet design, and advanced cabling strategies.

• Proven ability to interpret and translate complex physical and logical infrastructure designs into practical implementation plans.

• Demonstrated experience in developing accurate cost models, comprehensive Bills of Materials (BoMs), and detailed Statements of Work (SoWs).

• Proficiency in creating delivery-ready documentation, including detailed P2P cabling maps and comprehensive installation documentation.

• Practical understanding of installation, commissioning, and operational delivery processes within data center environments.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of successful collaboration with customers, vendors, sales teams, and delivery engineers.

• Excellent organizational abilities with a demonstrated capacity to manage multiple complex projects concurrently.

• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset and the flexibility to support projects from initial design through to final delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Dell EMC, HPE, NVIDIA) related to networking, servers, storage, or data center infrastructure.

• Familiarity with data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools.

• Experience with CAD software for layout design.

• Knowledge of network architecture and security principles within data centers.

• Understanding of cloud integration strategies for hybrid data center environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "5-10 years" aligns with the complexity and client-facing nature of a design consultant role. The emphasis on both technical design and practical delivery suggests a candidate who can bridge the gap between theoretical solutions and on-the-ground execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase case studies demonstrating successful end-to-end data center design and implementation projects, particularly those involving AI/HPC infrastructure.

• Provide examples of detailed technical designs, including logical diagrams, physical layouts, power, and cooling specifications.

• Include samples of cost models, Bills of Materials (BoMs), and Statements of Work (SoWs) that highlight accuracy and commercial viability.

• Present documentation artifacts such as P2P cabling maps, installation guides, and commissioning reports that illustrate attention to detail and adherence to standards.

• Quantify the impact of your designs and implementations, demonstrating improvements in efficiency, cost savings, performance, or risk reduction. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to workflow design and optimization for data center infrastructure projects, from initial requirements gathering to final handover.

• Detail your methods for implementing and automating processes related to design, documentation, and project coordination.

• Demonstrate how you measure and analyze the performance of implemented processes, using data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list skills but demonstrate them through tangible examples of past projects and their outcomes, especially in complex areas like AI/HPC. The focus on documentation and process highlights the need for structured thinking and meticulous execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (England, UK), experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of AI/HPC data center design consultancy, a competitive salary range is estimated. For a role of this nature in the UK, a salary between £60,000 and £85,000 per annum is a reasonable estimate. This range accounts for the blend of technical expertise, client-facing responsibilities, and the strategic importance of AI/HPC infrastructure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and well-being programs, potentially including private medical insurance and mental health support.

• Generous pension scheme contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.

• A company car or car allowance, given the mobile nature of the role.

• Generous annual leave allowance, with potential for increases based on tenure.

• Opportunities for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 37-40 hours per week. However, due to the client-facing and project-driven nature of this role, flexibility may be required, including occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines and client needs. Travel will be a significant component of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for IT infrastructure consultants in the UK with specialized knowledge in AI/HPC and significant client-facing experience. The inclusion of a company car or allowance is inferred from the "Mobile England" designation, indicating frequent travel.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Computacenter operates within the IT Infrastructure Services sector, a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry driven by digital transformation. They are a leading independent provider of IT infrastructure services, working at the forefront of technology adoption for their clients.

Company Size: With approximately 21,000 employees worldwide, Computacenter is a large, established organization. This size offers stability, a wide range of career opportunities, and access to extensive resources and expertise, while also allowing for specialized teams and focused project work.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, Computacenter has a long-standing presence in the IT services market, indicating a mature and experienced company with a deep understanding of client needs and industry trends.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Sales & Pre-Sales & Alliances" business unit, suggesting a strong commercial focus and close alignment with the sales organization.

• The Data Centre Design & Implementation Consultant will be part of a collaborative team of data centre specialists, working alongside sales professionals, other consultants, logistics coordinators, and operational delivery teams.

• This structure implies a matrixed reporting environment where the consultant may report to a sales leader or a technical lead, with project-specific reporting lines as well. Methodology:

• Computacenter likely employs a structured approach to solution design, leveraging vendor partnerships and industry best practices.

• Emphasis is placed on a consultative sales process, understanding client challenges, and architecting solutions that align with business objectives.

• The company promotes a culture of "winning together," indicating a collaborative and performance-driven environment where teamwork is essential for successful project delivery.

Company Website: https://www.computacenter.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description as a "leading independent provider of IT infrastructure services" and its emphasis on "digitisation" and "teamwork and performance" suggest a client-centric, results-oriented culture that values collaboration and expertise. The "winning together" slogan reinforces this.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the IT infrastructure and data center consulting domain. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in data center design, particularly for AI/HPC, coupled with strong client-facing and project management skills. The scope involves influencing technical solutions and contributing to commercial outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will likely report into a management structure within the Sales & Pre-Sales & Alliances business unit, potentially to a Head of Data Centre Solutions or a Senior Sales Manager. They will work closely with account managers and sales teams, and also collaborate with technical delivery managers and operational teams.

Operations Impact: The consultant's impact is significant, directly influencing the technical architecture and successful implementation of critical IT infrastructure for clients. Their work ensures that clients have robust, scalable, and efficient data center environments capable of supporting demanding AI and HPC workloads, thereby enabling business innovation and operational excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/HPC infrastructure, cloud integration, or specific vendor technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Leadership: Progress into senior consulting roles, leading larger or more complex projects, or moving into team management positions within the data center practice.

• Broader Scope: Expand into broader IT strategy consulting or solution architecture roles that encompass wider aspects of digital transformation.

• Professional Development: Pursue advanced certifications, attend industry forums, and contribute to knowledge sharing within Computacenter.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's hybrid nature (technical design, pre-sales support, project delivery) offers a broad development path. The emphasis on AI/HPC suggests opportunities to stay at the cutting edge of technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is designated as "Mobile England," indicating frequent travel, Computacenter likely maintains office hubs or client sites where hybrid work is facilitated. This might include shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for technical design and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is based in "Mobile England," implying that the consultant will be expected to travel extensively across various client sites within the UK. Computacenter has a significant presence across the UK, with major offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other key business centers.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is dynamic and client-focused, requiring adaptability and strong on-site presence.

• Collaboration is key, involving regular interaction with clients, sales teams, and technical delivery personnel, often in client offices or data center facilities.

• Access to Computacenter's internal IT systems, collaboration tools, and potentially remote access to design software will be necessary.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are typically 37-40 per week. However, the "Mobile England" designation and the nature of client-facing project delivery mean that flexibility is essential. This may involve working outside of standard hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client schedules, project milestones, and urgent support needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mobile England" description is critical. It signifies a role that is not tied to a single office but requires significant travel to client locations across the country. This necessitates excellent time management and self-discipline.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and a brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and senior members of the Data Centre team. These will focus on your technical expertise in data center design, AI/HPC, power, cooling, cabling, and your experience with BoMs, SoWs, and documentation. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work, showcasing your design capabilities, project execution, and problem-solving skills. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Stakeholder/Sales Alignment: An interview focusing on your ability to collaborate with sales teams, engage with customers, and understand commercial aspects of projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the business unit to discuss career aspirations and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best represent your skills in AI/HPC data center design, end-to-end project delivery, and client engagement.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your solution, the key metrics (e.g., performance improvements, cost savings, risk reduction), and the overall ROI.

• Highlight Process: Show examples of your detailed design documentation, cost models, BoMs, SoWs, and installation guides. Explain your process for creating these.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around a narrative that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities, technical acumen, and collaborative approach.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, assumptions, and how you handled specific technical challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical challenges that might involve designing a small-scale data center solution for a specific AI/HPC scenario, or troubleshooting a hypothetical design flaw.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to explain them to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Develop a framework for approaching design problems: understand requirements, identify constraints, propose solutions, evaluate trade-offs, and document outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Mobile England" and "Sales & Pre-Sales & Alliances" suggests that interviewers will be keen to assess not only technical depth but also commercial awareness and client-facing skills. The portfolio is likely to be a key component in evaluating practical application of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & CAD Software: AutoCAD, Visio, or similar for creating physical layouts, rack elevations, and floor plans.

• Documentation Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating BoMs, SoWs, proposals, and presentations.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana for tracking project timelines and tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills are essential for cost modeling, BoM generation, and data analysis.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint for creating client-facing proposals and internal reports.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) used by sales teams to track opportunities and customer interactions.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, basic data analysis skills for interpreting performance metrics or cost data may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools revolve around design, documentation, and communication. Proficiency in Excel for financial modeling and BoM creation, alongside CAD/Visio for physical design, is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Teamwork & Performance: A core value at Computacenter, emphasizing collaboration to achieve shared goals and drive successful project outcomes.

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring satisfaction and building long-term partnerships.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to maintaining high standards of technical design and implementation, staying abreast of industry advancements.

• Efficiency & Delivery: A practical, solutions-oriented approach focused on delivering projects on time and within budget, minimizing risk.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with sales, pre-sales, logistics, and delivery teams, requiring clear communication and shared understanding of project objectives.

• Vendor Partnerships: Collaborative engagement with technology vendors to leverage their expertise and ensure optimal solution design and support.

• Client Engagement: A consultative and proactive approach to client interactions, building trust and fostering open dialogue about technical solutions and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "winning together" and "people matter" suggests a supportive yet performance-driven environment. Success in this role will depend on strong interpersonal skills and the ability to integrate effectively into various project teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Client Expectations: Balancing ambitious client requirements with technical feasibility, budget constraints, and delivery timelines.

• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI, HPC, and data center technologies requires continuous learning.

• Geographical Dispersion: The "Mobile England" nature of the role means managing travel logistics and maintaining consistent client engagement across different locations.

• Complex Integrations: Designing solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing client infrastructures and diverse technology stacks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training programs and certifications in AI/HPC technologies, data center design, and vendor-specific solutions.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend major technology conferences and vendor events to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior consultants and architects within Computacenter, gaining insights into advanced design principles and career progression.

• Cross-Skilling: Development opportunities to broaden expertise into areas like cloud architecture, cybersecurity for data centers, or broader IT infrastructure strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-demand, client-facing technical consulting role. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals willing to invest in continuous learning and skill development within specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data center design challenge you faced, particularly related to AI or HPC, and how you resolved it." (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, technical choices, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a scalable power and cooling solution for a new AI cluster with projected growth?" (Demonstrate your understanding of power densities, thermal management, and future-proofing.)

• "Walk me through the process of creating a Bill of Materials and Statement of Work for a significant data center infrastructure project." (Highlight your attention to detail, commercial awareness, and documentation skills.)

• "How do you balance technical perfection with commercial realities and project timelines when working with clients?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Computacenter and our role in the IT infrastructure market?" (Research the company's services, key partnerships, and recent news.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our 'winning together' culture?" (Relate your collaborative experiences and teamwork approach.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, HPC, and data center technologies?" (Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of Computacenter's business and the role's significance. Then, present 2-3 key case studies, dedicating ample time to each.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's business need, your design approach, the technical specifications, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., performance gains, cost savings, efficiency improvements).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids (diagrams, BoMs, screenshots) to illustrate your designs and documentation. Explain your process for creating these artifacts.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and encourage interaction. Explain your rationale behind design decisions and demonstrate your ability to adapt to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical application of skills through the portfolio, alongside a clear understanding of the commercial aspects and client-facing demands of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AI HPC Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Computacenter careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience with AI/HPC infrastructure, data center design, BoMs, SoWs, and client-facing roles. Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best examples of technical designs, cost models, documentation (P2P maps, installation guides), and project case studies. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your end-to-end project lifecycle involvement and impact.

• Research Computacenter: Understand their services, market position, key vendor partnerships, and company values to articulate your fit during interviews.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.

⚠️ 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.

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