Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Project Delivery Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and represent the developer's design function for a significant hyperscale data centre program, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and technical standards.

• Oversee and coordinate multiple design teams, including contractor, client, and PMO functions, to drive design quality, constructability, and program compliance.

• Implement robust design governance, technical standards, and reporting frameworks to safeguard client interests and facilitate informed executive decision-making.

• Manage multi-disciplinary design coordination across CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) packages, focusing on interface management and technical integrity.

• Drive design review, approval, and change management processes to maintain technical excellence while optimizing cost, program, and quality outcomes in a complex project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements clearly place this role within a broader operational and project management context, specifically focusing on the oversight and governance of design processes within a large-scale capital project. The emphasis on client representation, stakeholder management, and driving technical and commercial objectives aligns it with senior operational leadership roles in construction and infrastructure development. The role demands a blend of technical expertise and strategic operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior design representative for the developer, providing owner's representation for all design-related matters across the entire data centre program.

• Coordinate the PMO team to effectively oversee the performance of the contractor’s design team, the client’s internal design team, and the PMO’s design function, ensuring alignment with the developer’s design intent, technical standards, and program objectives.

• Assist in defining and implementing the developer’s design governance, technical standards, and reporting frameworks to protect the client’s position throughout the project delivery lifecycle.

• Oversee multi-discipline design coordination across CSA and MEP packages, ensuring effective interface management, constructability, and compliance with employer’s requirements.

• Facilitate the design review, approval, and change management process, ensuring technical integrity is maintained while safeguarding cost, program, and quality outcomes.

• Oversee design inputs to procurement and tendering activities for CSA and MEP packages, supporting technical evaluation of bids, clarification workshops, and award recommendations.

• Direct and manage the wider design team, consultants, and technical specialists supporting the program, ensuring consistency, quality, and pace of delivery.

• Provide clear, timely technical and design reporting to enable senior client decision-making, adeptly translating complex engineering details into concise upstream communications.

• Maintain strong design control and technical discipline across all contractors and consultants, proactively managing design risk, RFIs, clarifications, and technical disputes.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with the client’s executive team, design consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, governance, and strategic oversight, which are core to operations roles. The "owner's representation" aspect implies a focus on ensuring operational efficiency and risk mitigation from a client's perspective. The need to translate technical complexity into executive reporting is a key operations skill.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• Chartered status (CEng, MRIBA, or equivalent) is desirable. Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in design management/design team management, engineering, or architectural delivery across major capital projects, with a demonstrable track record at a senior level.

• Essential experience in data centres, ideally across hyperscale or AI-ready developments.

• Proven experience operating client-side or on behalf of a developer, demonstrating the gravitas and judgment to represent the client at an executive level.

• Proven track record managing large, multi-party design teams across contractor, client, and PMO organizations. Required Skills:

• Strong multi-discipline technical knowledge spanning CSA and MEP, with the ability to interrogate design submissions across all packages.

• Strong reporting and communication skills, with a demonstrable ability to distill technical complexity into clear upstream reporting for executive audiences.

• Fluent English is required; working proficiency in Portuguese is an advantage.

• A collaborative, team-focused approach with the ability to influence at all levels.

• A proactive, delivery-focused mindset with the confidence to set technical direction and hold others to account. Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (MRIBA), or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Working proficiency in Portuguese.

• Experience with AI-ready data centre developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+ Years" (derived from AI analysis) combined with the specific demands for client-side representation, managing complex multi-party teams, and technical interrogation suggests a senior operational leadership role. The emphasis on communication, reporting, and influencing stakeholders is critical for operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successfully managing complex design processes within large-scale capital projects, demonstrating an understanding of the full project lifecycle from concept to completion.

• Include case studies detailing your role in implementing and overseeing design governance frameworks, technical standards, and reporting structures that ensured client objectives were met.

• Provide examples of how you have managed multi-disciplinary design coordination (CSA/MEP), highlighting your approach to interface management and ensuring constructability.

• Demonstrate experience in design review, approval, and change management processes, illustrating your ability to balance technical integrity with commercial and programmatic constraints. Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodology for establishing and enforcing design governance and technical standards on behalf of a developer or client.

• Outline your approach to managing design inputs for procurement and tendering, including technical evaluation, clarification workshops, and award recommendations.

• Illustrate your strategies for leading and directing diverse design teams (contractors, consultants, PMO), focusing on consistency, quality, and pace of delivery.

• Provide examples of how you have translated complex technical information into clear, concise reports for executive-level decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and operational focus, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to design management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication is crucial. The ability to present case studies on process optimization, governance implementation, and cross-functional team leadership will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the seniority of the role (10+ years experience), the critical nature of data centre development, the specific location in Lisbon, Portugal, and the client-side representation, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior Design Managers or Project Directors in major capital projects within Western Europe, the estimated annual salary range for this role is €80,000 - €120,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of hyperscale data centre experience and the responsibilities associated with owner's representation.

Benefits:

• Collaborative and supportive team environment with senior-led delivery.

• Real ownership, influence, and visibility at executive level from day one.

• Exposure to complex, fast-paced projects with leading clients shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

• Professional development opportunities, fostering continuous improvement and skill advancement.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements, including FIFO (fly-in/fly-out) on a weekly rotation, for the right candidate. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (estimated at 40 hours per week), with the understanding that project demands may require flexibility. The role is predominantly based in the client's Lisbon head office, with required site visits to the Alentejo Litoral region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior project and design management roles in major European markets, adjusted for Portugal's cost of living and the specialized nature of data centre construction. The inclusion of FIFO as a possibility is noted, which is common for roles requiring significant on-site presence away from a primary office location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy, with a specialization in major capital projects including data centres, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Mace operates at the intersection of construction expertise and consultancy, aiming to unlock potential and redefine industry boundaries.

Company Size: Mace is a significant global consultancy and construction company. While specific numbers aren't provided, their scope of operations suggests a large enterprise with a substantial workforce, indicating a structured organizational environment with established processes and career pathways.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history provides a foundation of experience and established methodologies in delivering complex projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of a PMO (Project Management Office) structure overseeing a major hyperscale data centre program. This implies a matrixed or layered reporting structure where the Design Manager leads the design function while reporting to senior client executives.

• The role involves managing and coordinating multiple design teams: the contractor’s design team, the client’s internal design team, and the PMO’s design function. This requires strong leadership and collaboration skills across different organizational entities.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close interaction with procurement, project management, construction, and executive stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role necessitates a strong data-driven approach to design review, risk assessment, and performance reporting, translating complex technical data into actionable insights for executive decision-makers.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Emphasis on defining and implementing robust design governance, technical standards, and efficient review processes to optimize project delivery, manage risk, and ensure quality.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated, the context of hyperscale data centre development suggests an expectation for efficient design processes, potentially leveraging digital tools and best practices to accelerate delivery and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's reputation as a global leader in construction and consultancy suggests a culture that values professionalism, technical excellence, and client focus. The "Create Opportunity" value specifically points to a commitment to employee development, which is a positive indicator for career growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management or director level within the operations and project delivery domain. It requires significant experience in managing complex technical processes, leading cross-functional teams, and interfacing directly with executive stakeholders. The focus on owner's representation and governance places it at a strategic operational level.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior client executives within the developer's organization. They will also manage and coordinate various design teams, including contractor, client internal, and PMO functions, requiring strong leadership and influence across these groups.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a critical impact on the success of the hyperscale data centre program by ensuring design quality, technical integrity, cost control, and timely delivery. Their oversight directly influences the project's ability to meet commercial objectives, technical specifications, and market timelines, thereby impacting the client's overall investment and future revenue potential.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into broader program management, director-level roles within Mace or for the client organization, overseeing larger portfolios of data centre or infrastructure projects.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in hyperscale data centre design and construction, becoming a recognized subject matter expert in a rapidly growing and critical industry sector.

• Client-Side Engagement: Develop extensive experience in owner's representation and strategic client advisory roles, building a strong reputation for delivering complex projects on behalf of major global clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a significant leadership opportunity, offering direct impact and high visibility. The growth potential leans towards strategic operational leadership within the data centre or broader infrastructure sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Predominantly an on-site role with a primary base in the client’s Lisbon head office. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to strategic planning, stakeholder meetings, and reporting. Site visits to the Alentejo Litoral region are also required, indicating a dynamic work environment that combines office-based strategy with on-the-ground project oversight.

Office Location(s):

• Lisbon Head Office: This provides access to a major European capital city with good infrastructure and amenities.

• Alentejo Litoral Region: Site visits will require travel to the project location, likely involving construction sites and associated facilities. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with various internal and external teams, suggesting an environment that encourages open communication and teamwork. The client-side representation means working closely with the developer's team.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a role of this nature would typically involve sophisticated project management software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms, document management systems, and communication tools necessary for managing large-scale design and construction projects.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with executive stakeholders, design consultants, contractors, and the PMO team is expected, fostering a highly communicative and dynamic work setting.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (estimated 40 hours/week) but will likely require flexibility to meet project deadlines and demands, especially during critical phases of design and construction. Travel to site will be a component of the schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role (office-based with site visits) is typical for senior project leadership. The emphasis on client-side representation suggests a professional, demanding, and highly collaborative workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly data centre experience and client-side representation.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your technical expertise in CSA and MEP, design management methodologies, and experience with large-scale capital projects. Be prepared to elaborate on your approach to design governance, coordination, and risk management.

• Stakeholder/Executive Interview: Assessment of your gravitas, communication skills, and ability to represent the client at an executive level. This may involve scenario-based questions related to decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where you will present relevant case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your experience in managing design processes, team leadership, and achieving project objectives. Focus on quantifiable results and your strategic approach.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership from Mace or the client to finalize selection and discuss cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Data Centre Experience: Showcase specific projects, challenges, and successes related to hyperscale or AI-ready data centres.

• Demonstrate Owner's Representation: Include examples where you acted on behalf of a client or developer, focusing on safeguarding their interests, managing consultants/contractors, and ensuring alignment with objectives.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your design management efforts on cost, schedule, quality, and risk reduction.

• Showcase Process & Governance: Detail your experience in implementing and managing design governance, technical standards, and reporting frameworks.

• Team Management Examples: Provide evidence of your ability to lead, coordinate, and influence large, multi-party design teams effectively.

• Communication Skills: Prepare concise summaries and visual aids that clearly communicate complex technical information to a non-technical or executive audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, RFI management, change order evaluation, and contractor performance issues within a data centre context.

• Prepare to articulate your strategic approach to design risk management and how you ensure technical integrity while meeting project constraints.

• Practice presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely, as you may be asked to walk through a design submission or a complex technical issue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh practical experience and the ability to demonstrate past performance through a portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their operational methodologies and strategic thinking in managing complex design processes within the data centre sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, Procore) for planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint) for managing design documentation, RFIs, submittals, and approvals.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom) for effective communication and coordination across geographically dispersed teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to use or interpret data from tools like Tableau or Power BI to create clear, executive-level reports on design progress, risks, and compliance.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, financial tracking, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with project management and procurement systems is beneficial. Familiarity with workflows that automate design review and approval processes would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different project systems (design, procurement, construction) integrate is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on project delivery and design management tools. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient process management, data analysis, and clear reporting is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A commitment to prioritizing safety in all design and project decisions, ensuring a secure and healthy work environment for all involved parties.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: A dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, owning the quality of design deliverables and strategic outcomes, and building enduring client relationships. This aligns with the owner's representative aspect of the role.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring compliance with regulations and influencing positive outcomes within the industry through honest and transparent practices.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging professional development, and empowering teams to achieve their full potential through learning and skill enhancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Operations Integration: A highly collaborative approach is expected, requiring seamless integration and communication between the design team, project management, procurement, and the client's executive leadership.

• Process Review Culture: An openness to reviewing and refining design and project management processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and risk mitigation. This involves constructive feedback exchange.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to foster collective growth and improve project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, client dedication, safety, and employee development. For operations professionals, this translates to a work environment that values accountability, meticulousness, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and team collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of the developer, contractors, consultants, and internal teams while maintaining a unified design vision and project objectives.

• Ensuring Technical Rigor in a Fast-Paced Environment: The hyperscale data centre sector demands rapid development. The challenge lies in maintaining high technical standards and design quality without compromising speed and efficiency.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively integrating and coordinating multiple specialized design disciplines (CSA, MEP, IT, etc.) to ensure seamless interfaces and prevent conflicts.

• Client-Side Representation: Holding external parties accountable and making critical decisions on behalf of the client, requiring strong judgment, negotiation skills, and the ability to build trust and authority.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Centre Design & Technology: Gaining deep expertise in the latest trends and technologies in hyperscale and AI-ready data centre development, including power, cooling, and IT infrastructure.

• Strategic Project Leadership: Developing advanced skills in large-scale program management, strategic decision-making, and executive-level stakeholder engagement.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), construction management, or specialized data centre design.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior design professionals and contribute to Mace's development programs, potentially leading to broader leadership roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to managing complexity and high stakes, which are typical of senior operations and project management positions. Overcoming these challenges will provide substantial opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you establish and enforce design governance for a major hyperscale data centre program on behalf of the client? Provide specific examples of frameworks and reporting mechanisms.

• Describe your approach to managing a multi-party design team (contractor, client, PMO). How do you ensure alignment, accountability, and quality of deliverables?

• Walk me through a complex technical challenge you faced in a previous data centre project. How did you analyze the issue, collaborate with stakeholders, and arrive at a solution that met technical, commercial, and program objectives?

• How do you translate complex engineering details into concise, actionable reports for executive stakeholders? What key information do you prioritize? Company & Culture Questions:

• Based on Mace's values, how would you apply "Client Focus" and "Integrity" in your daily responsibilities as Design Manager for this program?

• How do you foster a "Safety First" culture within a design team, particularly when managing external contractors?

• Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders at different levels to adopt your technical direction. What was your strategy and the outcome? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the actions you took (focusing on your operational/management approach), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Emphasize Operations & Governance: Highlight your process for design review, approval, risk management, and governance implementation. Show how your operational oversight contributed to project success.

• Showcase Data Centre Expertise: Be ready to discuss specific technical aspects of data centre design (e.g., power distribution, cooling systems, structural requirements) and how you managed them.

• Client-Side Perspective: Clearly articulate how you represented the client's interests and made decisions that protected their investment and strategic goals.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Prepare to present complex information efficiently and answer questions directly. Focus on impact and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience in design governance, multi-party team management, and client representation within the data centre context. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic approach to operational challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mace careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience in design management, engineering delivery, and specifically your data centre (hyperscale/AI-ready) and client-side project experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "owner's representation," "design governance," "CSA/MEP coordination," and "stakeholder management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, emphasizing your role in design management, team leadership, and successful project delivery. Include specific examples of design governance implementation, cross-functional team coordination, and technical reporting to executives.

• Research Mace and the Project: Understand Mace's values, industry position, and the significance of hyperscale data centres in Portugal. Familiarize yourself with the Alentejo Litoral region's development context if possible.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse articulating your experience, particularly your approach to design oversight, risk management, and stakeholder communication, in preparation for interview questions and portfolio presentations.

⚠️ 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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