Data Centre Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Centre Design Manager

Company: Salute Inc.

Location: Gatwick, England, GB

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations (Critical Environments)

Date Posted: 2026-05-14T15:46:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid option available with Gatwick office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of complex data centre and critical environment projects, encompassing feasibility, concept, developed, and technical design stages (RIBA Stages 1-4).

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring integrated, technically robust, and programmatically sound deliverables for critical infrastructure.

• Serve as the technical authority, rigorously reviewing design drawings, specifications, and calculations to guarantee adherence to industry standards and stringent client expectations in critical environments.

• Spearhead the preparation and meticulous review of technical submittals and comprehensive design packages, managing complex approval processes through client portals and tracking systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for Data Centre Design within critical environments, indicating a focus on infrastructure operations and reliability. The emphasis on RIBA Stages 1-4 suggests a strong emphasis on the design and planning phases of operations infrastructure projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of data centre and critical environment projects, taking ownership across RIBA Stages 1–4, including feasibility, concept, developed design, and technical design.

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring deliverables are integrated, technically robust, and delivered to program in a high-stakes operational context.

• Act as the technical authority, reviewing design drawings, specifications, and calculations to ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute, BS EN 50600, TIA-942) and client expectations for critical systems.

• Lead the preparation and review of technical submittals, full design packages, and documentation, including managing approval processes through client portals and trackers, ensuring operational readiness.

• Support bid and tender activity, including developing technical solutions, defining scope, identifying risks/opportunities, and contributing to commercial submissions for critical environment projects.

• Conduct site surveys, engineering assessments, and client workshops, translating operational requirements into practical, buildable design solutions for high-availability infrastructure.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams (sales, project delivery, commissioning) and external stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and specialist suppliers, to ensure seamless design integration.

• Review and technically validate supplier and subcontractor proposals, ensuring compliance with specifications and project requirements for critical operational components.

• Provide oversight on design risk management, change control, and technical query resolution throughout the project lifecycle, maintaining operational integrity.

• Ensure all designs are delivered in line with quality, safety, sustainability, and performance expectations, with a strong focus on resilience and uptime in critical environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a leadership role in the design lifecycle of data centers and critical environments, focusing on technical oversight, project delivery, and stakeholder management. The mention of RIBA stages and specific standards points to a structured approach to design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree/HNC in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

Experience:

• Proven experience in data centre design and engineering is essential, with a track record of leading technical design delivery on complex projects.

• Demonstrated experience working with construction/design contracts and an understanding of commercial implications within project lifecycles.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Data Centre Design principles and Critical Environment Engineering.

• Strong understanding of critical systems including UPS, cooling systems, LV systems, fire suppression, and BMS (Building Management Systems).

• Proficiency in managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams effectively.

• Ability to lead technical design delivery across RIBA Stages 1-4 (feasibility to technical design).

• Familiarity with key industry standards such as Uptime Institute Tier classifications, BS EN 50600, and TIA-942.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with bid and tender support, including technical solution development and risk assessment.

• Proficiency in conducting site surveys and engineering assessments.

• Excellent Client Relationship Management skills and experience in client workshops.

• Commercial awareness and experience in contract management.

• Experience with 3D modelling tools like CAD or BIM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in critical infrastructure design and project management capabilities. The explicit mention of specific industry standards and systems (UPS, cooling, BMS) highlights the specialized nature of this operations role within the data center sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end design and delivery of data centre and critical environment projects, ideally covering RIBA Stages 1-4.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams and ensure integrated, robust deliverables.

• Present examples of technical reviews, design validation, and compliance checks against industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute, BS EN 50600).

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your approach to workflow design and optimization for critical environment projects, from feasibility to technical design.

• Detail your methods for managing design risk, change control, and technical query resolution throughout the project lifecycle.

• Illustrate your process for translating operational requirements and site survey data into practical, buildable design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a robust portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's process-driven approach to design operations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement within the critical environment sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave allowance

• Private medical cover

• Health cash plan

• Life assurance

• Pension scheme

• Other flexible benefits

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility with options for fully remote work or a hybrid arrangement, with the Gatwick office serving as a central point.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering design roles in the UK, specifically within the specialized data center sector, considering the Gatwick location and the hybrid/remote flexibility. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a notable emphasis on professional development through industry training.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy and Critical Environment Solutions (Data Centres). Salute Inc., through its subsidiary Keysource, operates within the specialized field of designing, building, and maintaining critical infrastructure, particularly data centres. This industry demands high levels of precision, reliability, and technical expertise.

Company Size: Salute Inc. is part of a larger organization, suggesting a stable yet growing entity with potential for diverse career opportunities. As a consultancy, it likely fosters a client-focused, solution-oriented culture.

Founded: While the founding date of Salute Inc. isn't specified, Keysource has a history in critical environments, implying a company with established expertise and a forward-looking approach to technology and infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The role is within a growing consultancy team, suggesting a dynamic environment with opportunities for influence and development.

• The team likely comprises engineering specialists, project managers, and consultants focused on data centre and critical environment projects.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes delivering high-quality consultancy services, implying a focus on rigorous design processes, technical excellence, and client satisfaction.

• There's a stated commitment to continuous improvement, process enhancement, and the development of team growth.

• The approach likely involves a blend of technical leadership, client engagement, and commercial awareness in project execution.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d5856577-2c4f-400c-bcf3-4f80afedad61

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a highly specialized and critical sector. The culture is likely to be technically driven, solution-oriented, and focused on delivering high-reliability infrastructure. The "growing team" aspect suggests an environment where individuals can contribute significantly to strategy and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design operations of critical environments. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in data centre design, project leadership, and client-facing skills. The scope involves ownership of design delivery from inception to technical design, influencing project outcomes significantly.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Design Manager typically reports to a Head of Design, Engineering Director, or a Senior Project Director within a consultancy firm. They are responsible for leading and coordinating design teams, which may include junior engineers, CAD technicians, and external consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is foundational to the success of data centre and critical environment projects. Their designs directly influence project cost, buildability, operational efficiency, resilience, and uptime. Effective design management ensures that the final infrastructure meets performance requirements, client expectations, and industry standards, thereby directly contributing to the company's reputation and revenue generation through successful project delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of data centre design (e.g., high-density cooling, advanced power distribution, sustainable design) or critical infrastructure management.

• Leadership Expansion: Progress to roles such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Program Director, managing larger teams and more complex, multi-site projects.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the company's service offerings, design methodologies, and technology adoption in the critical environments sector.

• Industry Influence: Become a recognized expert through industry engagement, standards committees, or thought leadership contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a pivotal point for career advancement in the critical infrastructure design sector, moving beyond pure technical execution to encompass leadership, strategy, and business development support. Growth is tied to both technical depth and managerial scope.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role supports a hybrid working model, with the Gatwick office available as a base. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaboration, client meetings, and team coordination when on-site.

Office Location(s): The primary office hub mentioned is Gatwick, England, RH6 0PA. This location offers accessibility for those in the South East of England. The "fully remote" option provides significant flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid nature encourages a balance between focused, independent work (potentially remote) and collaborative engagement (in-office) for tasks like design reviews, team meetings, and strategic discussions.

• Access to necessary design software (CAD, BIM) and communication tools would be standard for a design management role.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected. The hybrid/remote flexibility allows for potential adjustments to work patterns to accommodate project demands and personal needs, aligning with modern operational efficiency practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on hybrid and remote options indicates a modern work environment that values flexibility and employee autonomy, while still providing a physical hub for collaboration and client interaction in the Gatwick area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess your experience in data centre design and critical environments. Be prepared to highlight key projects and your specific contributions.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve in-depth questions about critical systems (UPS, cooling, power distribution), design methodologies (RIBA Stages), relevant industry standards (Uptime, BS EN 50600), and problem-solving scenarios related to complex design challenges.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to review a sample design, identify potential issues, or propose solutions for a hypothetical critical environment project. This assesses your technical authority and design review capabilities.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion about your leadership style, collaboration approach, and how you manage multidisciplinary teams. Assess your alignment with the company's values and growth-oriented culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, commercial awareness, and long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful data centre/critical environment design projects. Prioritize those demonstrating end-to-end delivery (RIBA 1-4).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities and contributions within each project, especially as a lead or manager. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk mitigation).

• Process Focus: Detail your design process, including how you manage multidisciplinary teams, conduct technical reviews, and ensure compliance with standards.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, schematics, or BIM models where appropriate to illustrate design complexity and solutions.

• Client Engagement: Include examples of client interaction, workshop facilitation, and how you translated client needs into technical designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with current trends and challenges in data centre design, such as sustainability, modular design, and increasing power densities.

• Review common technical issues and solutions for UPS, cooling, and power systems.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and decision-making process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily scrutinize technical design capabilities and project leadership. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates a structured, process-driven approach to critical environment design is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar for 2D design documentation.

• BIM Software: Experience with Revit or other BIM platforms for 3D modelling, clash detection, and integrated design collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for task management, scheduling, and progress tracking (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from site surveys, performance monitoring, and technical assessments.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating technical reports, design documentation, and submittals.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Tools used for sharing designs and managing approvals with clients and stakeholders (e.g., client portals, document management systems).

• Specification Software: Familiarity with tools for writing detailed technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, a strong understanding of industry-standard design tools like AutoCAD and BIM software is implicit for a Data Centre Design Manager. Proficiency in these tools is essential for effective design creation, collaboration, and documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, robust, and reliable designs for critical infrastructure.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, long-term relationships.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external partners to achieve project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to enhancing processes, quality, and outcomes, driving efficiency and innovation.

• Resilience & Uptime: A core value intrinsically linked to data centre design, ensuring systems are built for maximum availability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engage with sales, project delivery, and commissioning teams to ensure design intent is carried through the project lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear, consistent, and professional communication with clients, contractors, and suppliers to manage expectations and resolve issues.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Foster an environment where team members can learn from each other, share best practices, and develop their skills, particularly in critical systems design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value technical rigor, client satisfaction, and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach. For operations professionals, demonstrating an understanding of these values and how they translate into day-to-day work is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Design Interdependencies: Coordinating multiple engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, IT infrastructure) to ensure seamless integration in a critical environment.

• Balancing Technical Requirements with Commercial Constraints: Delivering high-performance, resilient designs within budget and program limitations.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in data centre technology, cooling solutions, and energy efficiency measures.

• Client Expectations Management: Translating diverse client needs and operational requirements into practical, compliant, and future-proof designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas like advanced cooling technologies, power systems resilience, or sustainability in data centre design.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute credentials, Chartered Engineer status).

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of data centre projects, from enterprise facilities to colocation sites, offering varied design challenges and learning experiences.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within Salute Inc. and Keysource, gaining insights into strategic decision-making and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex, high-stakes design challenges in a rapidly evolving industry, with significant potential for professional growth through specialized training and diverse project exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design of a critical environment project that faced significant technical challenges. How did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical authority, and results.)

• "How do you ensure design integration and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, especially when working remotely or in a hybrid setup?" (Highlight communication strategies, use of collaboration tools, and conflict resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Salute Inc. and our work in critical environments?" (Research the company's projects and values; express genuine interest in their mission.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong client relationships, particularly in high-pressure project environments?" (Showcase your client management skills and understanding of consultancy dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, compliance achieved, project success).

• Highlight Process: Explain your design methodology, how you managed teams, and your approach to risk management and quality assurance.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of your designs, including specific systems (UPS, cooling, power), standards adherence, and any innovative solutions you employed.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and to the point, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep technical expertise in data centre design and strong leadership and communication skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail, highlighting your process and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to Data Centre Design, Critical Environments, RIBA Stages, UPS, Cooling Systems, BMS, CAD, BIM, and project leadership. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase end-to-end design delivery and multidisciplinary team management. Be ready to present specific case studies highlighting your technical solutions and process.

• Research Salute Inc. & Keysource: Understand their mission, recent projects, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare responses for technical questions, behavioral scenarios, and questions about your design process and leadership style, focusing on critical infrastructure operations.

⚠️ 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.