Design Manager (Data Centers)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Data Centers)

Company: AECOM

Location: Bogota, Colombia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Project Management (Data Centers)

Date Posted: 2026-05-04

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design lifecycle for colocation and hyper-scale data center projects, ensuring successful execution from initial site due diligence through to construction administration.

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and driving consistent quality across core and shell design disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire protection.

• Develop and implement robust project and program management plans for multi-site data center initiatives, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and client-specific design requirements.

• Act as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders, building strong relationships and proactively managing communication, scope changes, and issue resolution to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into project and program management within a specialized infrastructure sector (Data Centers). The role requires a blend of technical design oversight and strong leadership, client-facing, and execution management skills. The "Enterprise Capabilities" and "DCS" business group indicate this role is part of a centralized, specialized unit within AECOM focused on delivering repeatable, high-quality solutions for data center clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive data center design projects, encompassing site due diligence, campus planning, and the full spectrum of design phases (conceptual, schematic, detailed, construction documents) for both greenfield developments and existing facility modifications (add/move/change).

• Implement and enforce rigorous multi-site project and program management plans, ensuring consistency in design processes, quality standards, and execution across various locations.

• Administer, oversee, and perform peer reviews and quality assurance checks to guarantee designs meet AECOM, client, and industry standards for data center infrastructure.

• Manage and maintain the project's Basis of Design (BOD) and oversee the localization process, ensuring designs are adapted appropriately for specific regional requirements and regulations.

• Establish and manage a systematic process for identifying, tracking, and resolving scope changes, design errors, and inconsistencies throughout the design and construction phases.

• Host and actively participate in meetings with clients, external stakeholders, and internal teams to facilitate communication, gather requirements, and resolve project-related issues.

• Drive the growth and development of AECOM's data center design team in Bogota, fostering a culture of camaraderie, collective ownership, and efficient collaboration.

• Proactively manage and communicate project changes, risks, and potential impacts to all relevant stakeholders, both internally within AECOM and externally with clients.

• Identify potential project challenges and develop creative, effective solutions to mitigate risks and maintain project momentum.

• Develop and present compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, as well as for add/move/change initiatives.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with client stakeholders through consistent communication, reliable delivery, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Oversee the preparation and management of essential project administration documents, ensuring compliance and record-keeping standards are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project execution, client management, and team leadership, moving beyond pure design oversight. The mention of "repeatable quality" and "multi-site project and program management plans" suggests a need for standardization and scalable processes, typical of large-scale infrastructure firms like AECOM.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

• Master’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Preferred).

• PMP Certificate (Preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in data center design and/or project management, or demonstrated equivalent experience and/or education.

• A minimum of 8 years specifically in colocation and/or hyper-scale data center design management and engineering (Preferred).

Required Skills:

• Data Center Design Expertise: Profound understanding of core and shell design principles for colocation and hyper-scale facilities, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire protection systems.

• Project & Program Management: Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage multi-site project and program plans, ensuring budget and schedule adherence.

• Due Diligence & Site Planning: Experience in conducting thorough site assessments and developing strategic campus plans for data center development.

• Construction Administration: Familiarity with overseeing construction activities and managing design-related issues during the build phase.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Proficiency in administering peer reviews and implementing quality checks to meet high standards.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to communicate, collaborate, and build relationships with clients and external stakeholders.

• Technical & Financial Proposal Development: Experience in creating competitive proposals for design services.

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and foster a collaborative environment for design teams.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues early and developing creative, effective solutions.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Spanish and English.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification: Formal project management certification.

• Uptime Institute Accreditation: Recognized expertise in data center design and tier standards.

• Dynamic Work Environment Adaptability: Ability to thrive in fast-paced, time-sensitive situations with minimal supervision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering/architectural background and strong project management capabilities, specifically within the niche of data centers. The bilingual requirement (Spanish/English) is critical for operating in the Bogota office and potentially supporting regional projects. The preferred qualifications like PMP and Uptime Institute accreditation signal a desire for candidates with recognized industry credentials and a deep understanding of data center operational requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing the complete design lifecycle of at least two (2) significant colocation or hyper-scale data center projects.

• Case studies showcasing successful development and implementation of multi-site design project management plans, highlighting standardization and efficiency gains.

• Examples of rigorous quality assurance processes and peer review methodologies applied to complex infrastructure designs.

• Documentation illustrating the management of project Basis of Design (BOD) and the successful adaptation of designs through localization processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows detailing the stages of data center design, from initial site due diligence and conceptualization through detailed design and construction document preparation.

• Methodologies for onboarding and offboarding design resources, ensuring seamless integration and efficient project staffing.

• Frameworks for conducting quality control checks and peer reviews, ensuring compliance with both client specifications and AECOM standards.

• Processes for proactive risk identification, issue tracking, and solution development within design projects.

• Examples of client communication protocols and stakeholder management strategies employed during design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio for this role should focus on demonstrating leadership in complex, large-scale infrastructure projects, specifically data centers. It needs to showcase not just design oversight but robust project management, process implementation, team leadership, and client engagement. The emphasis on "repeatable quality" and "multi-site" projects suggests a need for documented, standardized processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While specific salary ranges are not provided, based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 8+ years of experience in a major capital city like Bogota, Colombia, and considering the specialized nature of data center design, a competitive annual salary would typically range from COP 120,000,000 to COP 200,000,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Bogota, the demand for specialized engineering and design talent in the infrastructure sector, and AECOM's position as a global leader.

Benefits:

AECOM offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability Benefits, Well-being Resources, Employee Assistance Program.

• Financial Security: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Leaves of Absences, Flexible Work Options (though this role is on-site, other roles may offer flexibility).

• Professional Development: Service Recognition Awards, potential for training and development programs.

• Additional Perks: Voluntary Benefits, Perks, Business Travel Insurance.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this full-time, on-site position are expected to be 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, particularly during critical design or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for comparable roles in Bogota, Colombia, and the specialized nature of data center design management. It's crucial for candidates to research local compensation trends for senior engineering and project management roles in the infrastructure sector. The benefits package is extensive and typical for a large multinational corporation like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Specializing in Data Centers, Transportation, Environment, Water, Energy, Buildings)

Company Size: Over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale means AECOM operates with established processes, significant resources, and a broad project portfolio, offering stability and opportunities for diverse project exposure. For operations professionals, this translates to structured career paths, potential for cross-functional collaboration, and access to a wide array of specialized tools and methodologies.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1910, signifying a stable, established organization with deep expertise and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• Operations within Enterprise Capabilities/DCS: This role sits within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities, likely a centralized function that provides specialized expertise and standardized solutions across various projects. The "DCS" business group further specifies a focus on Data Center Solutions. This suggests a dedicated, expert team focused on data center design and delivery.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or vice president within the Enterprise Capabilities or DCS group, overseeing a team of architects, engineers, and designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with AECOM's project management, construction management, procurement, and client relationship management teams, as well as external consultants, vendors, and clients.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and advanced analytics for informed decision-making in design and planning.

• Standardized Processes: As a global firm, AECOM likely employs standardized methodologies and best practices for project execution, quality assurance, and risk management, particularly within specialized units like DCS.

• Innovation & Technology: AECOM invests in digital innovation, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and advanced design tools to enhance project delivery and client value.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's structure as a global leader in infrastructure consulting suggests a culture that values technical expertise, project excellence, and client partnership. The "Enterprise Capabilities" and "DCS" focus indicates a drive towards specialization and repeatable success in key growth areas like data centers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within AECOM's data center design and delivery framework. It's a management role requiring significant technical depth combined with strong leadership, project execution, and client-facing capabilities. It bridges the gap between technical design and project success, demanding accountability for outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP within the Enterprise Capabilities or DCS business group. They will be responsible for managing a team of designers and engineers, and will interact extensively with project managers, client representatives, and potentially senior leadership on high-profile projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to AECOM's success in the rapidly growing data center market. They directly influence project profitability, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable, and scalable data center infrastructure. Their management of design quality and efficiency directly impacts project budgets and timelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles such as Director of Design, Program Director, or Regional Head of Data Center Solutions, managing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert within specific aspects of data center design (e.g., power systems, cooling, sustainability) or to gain broader experience across different project types and scales globally.

• Business Development: Involvement in developing new business opportunities, contributing to technical proposals, and strengthening client relationships to secure future projects.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, there may be opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other AECOM offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized and high-demand sector. The emphasis on client relationships and business development suggests opportunities to grow into roles with broader commercial responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at AECOM's Bogota office. This implies a traditional office setting focused on collaboration and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): Bogota, Colombia. Specific details like "Carrera 11 #" indicate a central business district location, likely accessible via public transportation and surrounded by amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature suggests a dynamic office where design teams can work together, brainstorm, and conduct reviews face-to-face. This is beneficial for complex design coordination.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and AECOM's internal digital infrastructure to support design and collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, including design teams, project managers, and leadership, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard business hours expected. However, the demands of project deadlines in the data center industry may necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases. The on-site requirement ensures immediate availability for critical on-site coordination and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. While it limits remote flexibility, it strongly emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and immediate problem-solving capabilities, which are often crucial in managing complex, time-sensitive infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to delve deeper into your experience with data center design management, project leadership, and team management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve meeting with senior engineers or architects from the data center team. You might be asked to walk through a specific project from your portfolio, discussing design decisions, challenges, and resolutions.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving: A potential exercise or discussion focused on a hypothetical data center design challenge, assessing your approach to problem-solving, process thinking, and ability to integrate different design disciplines.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a panel to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful data center design and management projects. Highlight colocation and hyper-scale experience.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the scope, your role and responsibilities, key challenges encountered, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Detail the project management methodologies, design processes, quality control measures, and team collaboration strategies you employed. Emphasize standardization and efficiency.

• Highlight Leadership & Client Management: Demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client expectations, and build strong stakeholder relationships.

• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss technical aspects of data center design (MEP, structural, civil, etc.) and how you managed interdisciplinary coordination.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AECOM's Business: Research AECOM's data center portfolio, recent projects, and their approach to infrastructure consulting.

• Review Data Center Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in hyper-scale and colocation data centers, including sustainability, power efficiency, cooling technologies, and security.

• Practice Project Walkthroughs: Be ready to present a project from your portfolio concisely and effectively, focusing on your role and achievements.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about leadership, conflict resolution, decision-making under pressure, and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential, strategic thinking, and the ability to integrate into AECOM's established project delivery framework. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with platforms like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and potentially others used for architectural and engineering design, coordination, and visualization in complex projects.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar platforms for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and financial reports. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools that can process and present data for decision-making is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating project status reports, financial summaries, and performance dashboards for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM data feeds into project planning and client relationship management is advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design processes, documentation, and project administration is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in industry-standard design and project management tools. AECOM, as a large firm, will have its own specific software suite and internal systems, but a strong foundation in common tools is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Excellence: A strong dedication to delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative data center solutions that meet stringent client requirements and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and consistent delivery.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and professional conduct.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards adopting new technologies, improving processes, and seeking more efficient and sustainable design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design teams work seamlessly with project managers, construction specialists, and client representatives to ensure holistic project success.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that values open, honest, and frequent communication to address challenges early and keep all stakeholders informed.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values likely emphasize integrity, client focus, and technical excellence. For this role, a collaborative spirit and a commitment to delivering complex projects successfully are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Orchestrating the intricate design coordination between multiple engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, civil, fire protection, security) for large-scale data center projects.

• Balancing Cost, Schedule, and Quality: Successfully delivering projects that meet stringent technical specifications while adhering to tight budgets and aggressive timelines, often requiring creative problem-solving.

• Client Expectation Management: Navigating diverse client needs and expectations, particularly with hyper-scale clients who demand highly specific and cutting-edge solutions.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in data center technology, power efficiency, cooling methods, and sustainability practices to ensure designs are future-proof.

• Team Development & Resource Management: Effectively leading, motivating, and managing a diverse team of design professionals, ensuring optimal resource allocation across multiple projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Access to specialized training and projects that deepen expertise in areas like power distribution, cooling systems, site selection, and sustainability in data center design.

• Project & Program Management Skills: Opportunities to hone leadership and management skills through complex project execution, potentially leading to PMP certification support or advanced project management training.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with leading clients and technologies in the rapidly growing data center sector, offering exposure to cutting-edge projects and market trends.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within AECOM's data center practice, providing guidance on career progression and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth in a highly specialized and in-demand sector, balanced by the inherent complexities of managing large-scale, technically demanding infrastructure projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data center design project you managed from inception to construction documents. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure quality and consistency across multiple design disciplines and potentially multiple project sites? Walk me through your process."

• "Imagine a critical design error is discovered late in the design phase that will impact the project schedule and budget. How would you approach this situation?"

• "How do you foster collaboration and communication within a multidisciplinary design team, especially when dealing with differing opinions or priorities?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AECOM and the data center industry, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for us in this market?"

• "How would you contribute to AECOM's culture of delivering a 'better world' through your work on data center projects?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate design teams to achieve peak performance."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework to clearly articulate your contributions and achievements.

• Quantify Every Metric: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate project scope, budget, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements, or capacity delivered.

• Focus on Process & Leadership: Highlight your management methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and how you led teams and navigated client interactions.

• Visualize Key Elements: Use diagrams, schematics, or project photos (if permissible) to illustrate design complexity, site layouts, or critical systems.

• Tailor to AECOM: Emphasize how your experience aligns with AECOM's known strengths, values, and the specific requirements of this Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of data center design, robust project management skills, effective leadership, and a client-centric approach. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing practical experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (Data Centers) position at AECOM:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experience in colocation and hyper-scale data center design management, project leadership, and client relations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience, specific project types managed, technical skills, and bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on quantifiable achievements and your approach to complex design and project management challenges. Prepare specific examples for leadership, problem-solving, and client management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's data center solutions, recent projects, and their corporate values. Understand their approach to infrastructure consulting and how this role contributes to their mission.

⚠️ 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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