Design Manager Data Centres

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Data Centres

Company: Goodman

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Data Centre Design & Development

Date Posted: June 3, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end design management for complex data centre projects, encompassing hyperscale and colocation facilities, within a growing global real estate organization.

• Drive the selection, management, and performance oversight of engineering firms and external consultants to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and time-efficient design solutions.

• Integrate and coordinate all critical systems, including power, cooling, IT, security, and firefighting, alongside Civil, Structural, and Architectural (CSA) aspects, ensuring seamless project execution.

• Champion sustainable design practices and the implementation of ESG strategies and certifications (e.g., BREEAM, LEED), aligning with Goodman's commitment to future-proofing real estate.

• Act as the primary design liaison, facilitating clear communication and collaboration between internal stakeholders, external consultants, contractors, and end-users throughout all project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a specialized and rapidly expanding sector of real estate development (Data Centres) for a global organization. The focus on "hyperscale or colocation data centres" indicates a need for deep technical understanding of critical infrastructure design. The emphasis on "selecting and managing engineering firms and experts" and "overseeing the Contractor’s design efforts" points to a significant contract management and technical oversight component, requiring strong leadership and negotiation skills. The mention of "RIBA3 stage" and "RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) and RIBA Stage 5 (Construction)" signifies a requirement for familiarity with established project delivery frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Strategy & Execution: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams (internal and external) to produce high-quality design solutions that meet project objectives for time, cost, sustainability, reliability, scalability, safety, and constructability.

• System Integration: Ensure seamless coordination and integration of all critical systems, including power, cooling, IT, security, and firefighting, with CSA aspects, from conceptualization through to construction documentation.

• Financial & Schedule Management: Support Project Managers in developing and managing design work plans, schedules, and budgets; lead cost/time-benefit analyses and value engineering initiatives to optimize project outcomes.

• Consultant & Contractor Oversight: Manage appointed engineering firms and consultants, including contract preparation, RFI/RFP processes, proposal evaluation, invoice approval, and performance monitoring; supervise the General Contractor's design efforts during construction phases.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Oversee design development from inception to the completion of construction documents, ensuring accuracy, adherence to Goodman's standards, and final user requirements; conduct regular QA/QC reviews of design submissions.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify and manage design-related risks, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project timelines and budgets are maintained.

• Sustainability Integration: Promote energy-efficient and sustainable design solutions, actively supporting the implementation of ESG strategies and certifications like BREEAM and LEED.

• Change Management: Review and manage design change requests throughout all project stages, providing clear visibility on cost and time impacts to all relevant stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the main point of reference for design activities, providing timely updates to internal stakeholders and representing the organization in design and project meetings.

• Documentation & Reporting: Ensure the progressive review, confirmation, and approval of all design aspects according to internal procedures and timelines; prepare basic drawings and preliminary layouts for site investigations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed breakdown of responsibilities highlights a role that requires a blend of technical design expertise, project management acumen, and strong commercial negotiation skills. The scope includes not only the technical design aspects but also the procurement of design services, management of consultants, and oversight of contractor design submissions, indicating a senior-level position with significant accountability for project outcomes. The specific mention of "RIBA stages" suggests a structured approach to project delivery that the candidate must understand and apply.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in data centre design, with a strong focus on CSA and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems development.

• Proven experience leading complex, multidisciplinary design teams and managing new construction, tenant improvements, and capital improvement projects.

• Demonstrated expertise in consultant negotiation and contract management.

Required Skills:

• Data Centre Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of hyperscale or colocation data centre design principles, including power, cooling, IT, security, and firefighting systems.

• Multidisciplinary Design Management: Proficiency in coordinating Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems.

• Project Delivery Frameworks: Strong understanding of contractual obligations, building regulations, and project delivery frameworks, particularly the RIBA stages.

• Consultant & Contractor Management: Proven ability to select, negotiate with, and manage engineering firms, consultants, and General Contractors.

• Software Proficiency: Expertise in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project, and advanced drafting/modeling software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication, coordination, and presentation skills for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset with a keen attention to detail, capable of developing creative and effective solutions under pressure.

• Sustainability Focus: Understanding of energy-efficient and sustainable design principles, with knowledge of ESG strategies and certifications (BREEAM, LEED).

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification is considered a significant advantage.

• Local Regulations: Advanced command of urban planning, building permits, firefighting, and environmental authorization procedures specific to Italy.

• Technical Standards: Knowledge of industry standards such as TIER, IEC.

• Language: Proficiency in French is required.

• Cost Management: Experience in value engineering and cost control initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree in a relevant engineering field, combined with a minimum of 5 years of specialized data centre design experience, positions this role as a mid-to-senior level position. The emphasis on both technical design skills (CSA, MEP) and project management/contractual skills (RIBA, consultant management) is crucial for success. The inclusion of specific software like Revit and Navisworks indicates a need for BIM proficiency, which is standard in modern construction and design management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: Examples of complex data centre design projects managed from concept to construction, demonstrating your role and contributions.

• System Integration Examples: Visualizations or documentation showcasing the integration of power, cooling, IT, security, and firefighting systems within a data centre context.

• Consultant Management Case Studies: Evidence of successful selection, negotiation, and management of engineering firms and consultants, highlighting project outcomes.

• Value Engineering Initiatives: Documented examples of cost-saving measures implemented through design optimization or value engineering without compromising quality or functionality.

• Sustainability Integration: Demonstrations of how ESG principles and certifications (LEED, BREEAM) were incorporated into design solutions.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Case studies illustrating how design-related risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of designed workflows for managing design processes, from initial concept to tender documentation, highlighting efficiency improvements.

• System Implementation Standards: Documentation outlining standards and procedures for implementing critical MEP and CSA systems in data centres.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Samples of reports or dashboards used to track design progress, budget adherence, and quality assurance metrics throughout the project lifecycle.

• Change Management Protocols: Demonstrated processes for managing and documenting design change requests, including impact analysis and stakeholder approval workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a robust portfolio is essential. It should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's process and methodologies. This includes demonstrating how they managed complex systems, led teams, negotiated contracts, and implemented efficiency improvements. The emphasis on "RIBA stages" should be reflected in how projects are presented, aligning with a structured project delivery lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in specialized fields like data centre development in Paris, France, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between €70,000 and €95,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the high demand for data centre expertise, the complexity of the role, and the cost of living in a major European capital. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Full coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution matching or similar retirement planning support.

• Performance Bonuses: Annual bonus structure tied to individual and company performance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., PMP, specialized data centre courses), and attending industry conferences.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Company Vehicle/Allowance: Potential provision of a company car or a car allowance due to the on-site nature of the role and potential travel.

• Mobile Phone & Laptop: Provision of necessary work tools.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of data centre development and the responsibilities of managing external teams and critical construction phases, flexibility may be required, including occasional work outside of standard hours or on weekends to meet project deadlines and address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Paris, France, and the specialized nature of data centre design management, a salary range of €70,000 - €95,000 gross per annum is a reasonable estimate for a candidate with 5-10 years of experience. This range accounts for the technical expertise required, the project management responsibilities, and the market demand for such professionals in a major European city. Benefits typical for international real estate development firms are assumed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development (Logistics, Data Centres, Business Parks) and Investment. Goodman is a global leader in this sector, known for its focus on modern industrial real estate.

Company Size: Goodman operates globally with approximately 1,000 employees across 5 continents. In Continental Europe, they are active in 7 countries with offices in major cities. This indicates a well-established, sizable organization with a significant international presence.

Founded: Goodman was founded in 1989. This longevity suggests stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the real estate market.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Data Centre project team is an expansion of Goodman's existing capabilities, indicating a strategic growth area.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will work closely with the Project Lead and Project Manager, suggesting a collaborative, project-centric reporting structure.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with internal departments (e.g., finance, legal, development) and external consultants, engineering firms, and contractors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes delivering "high-quality design solutions" based on analyses, implying a data-driven approach to decision-making.

• Process Optimization: A core aspect is managing design processes to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to timelines, reflecting a focus on workflow optimization.

• Sustainability Integration: Goodman emphasizes sustainability as a driving force, integrating ESG strategies into all projects, indicating a commitment to responsible development practices.

Company Website: https://ce.goodman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Goodman's positioning as a global leader in industrial real estate, now expanding into data centres, suggests a dynamic environment. The company's stated values of collective leadership, collaborative governance, and individual ownership point towards a culture that encourages initiative and teamwork. The strong emphasis on sustainability ("driving force behind everything we do") is a key cultural differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position within the project development and management function, specifically focused on the critical design phase of data centre construction. It requires a blend of specialized technical knowledge and robust project management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Project Lead or Project Manager, working within a dedicated project team. This structure allows for focused execution on specific development projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is foundational to the success of data centre projects. Effective design management directly impacts project timelines, budget adherence, operational efficiency, scalability, and long-term reliability of the data centre infrastructure, therefore significantly influencing the overall profitability and success of the development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in data centre design, potentially leading to roles focused on specific systems (e.g., high-voltage power, advanced cooling technologies) or becoming a subject matter expert.

• Project Leadership: Transition into a full Project Manager or Development Manager role, overseeing larger and more complex data centre projects from inception to completion.

• Global Mobility: With Goodman's international presence, opportunities may arise to work on projects in different regions or contribute to global design standards development.

• Team Leadership: Progress to managing a team of design managers or a broader design and engineering function within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in a growing sector like data centres offers significant growth potential. Candidates can deepen their technical specialization or move into broader project/development management roles. Goodman's global footprint provides opportunities for international experience and career advancement within the organization's structure, which emphasizes collective leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is primarily on-site for project execution, the candidate will likely operate from a Goodman office in Paris, France, which would typically be a modern, professional corporate environment.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. This implies working within a key European business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with project teams, internal departments, and external partners, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks), project management tools (MS Project), and communication platforms will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent meetings, design reviews, and site visits will be integral to the daily routine, promoting active engagement with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the demands of construction project management, especially in critical infrastructure like data centres, may require flexibility and occasional work outside of standard hours or on weekends to meet project deadlines, resolve urgent design issues, or attend critical site meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement means the candidate will be expected to be present in Paris and potentially travel to project sites as needed. The Paris office environment is likely professional and modern, supporting collaborative work with a global team. Flexibility in working hours is often a reality for project management roles in construction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on your data centre design experience, technical knowledge (CSA, MEP, systems integration), and understanding of project delivery frameworks (RIBA). Expect questions on specific projects and challenges encountered.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work or a specific case study demonstrating your design management capabilities, problem-solving skills, and approach to sustainability and stakeholder management.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess your collaborative style, leadership potential, and alignment with Goodman's values (sustainability, collective leadership).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Data Centre Specifics: Ensure your portfolio prominently features data centre projects, detailing your role in managing CSA, MEP, and critical infrastructure systems.

• Structure by Project Lifecycle: Organize your portfolio to reflect project phases, aligning with frameworks like RIBA, to demonstrate a structured approach.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to showcase the impact of your design decisions – e.g., cost savings from value engineering, energy efficiency improvements, adherence to schedule.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you managed diverse stakeholders (consultants, contractors, internal teams) and resolved complex design challenges through collaboration.

• Emphasize Sustainability: Detail your contributions to sustainable design, ESG initiatives, and certifications achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios involving design challenges, site constraints, or stakeholder conflicts, and articulate your problem-solving methodology.

• Value Engineering Exercise: You might be presented with a design element and asked to propose value engineering solutions. Focus on creative yet practical approaches.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• RIBA Framework Application: Be ready to discuss how you would apply RIBA stages or similar project delivery frameworks to manage a data centre design project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role in data centres will likely be rigorous, testing both technical acumen and project management capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases relevant projects and demonstrates a structured approach to design management, including sustainability and stakeholder engagement, will be critical. The emphasis on RIBA stages suggests interviewers will look for familiarity with structured project delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software:

  • AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and design.
  • Revit: For Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling integrated design and collaboration.
  • Navisworks: For 3D model coordination, clash detection, and simulation.

• Project Management Software:

  • MS Project: For detailed project scheduling, resource allocation, and timeline management.

• Collaboration & Communication Tools:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook): Essential for documentation, analysis, presentations, and communication.
  • Email & Instant Messaging Platforms: For daily communication with internal and external teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel (Advanced): For complex data analysis, cost estimation, and financial modeling related to design options.

• Reporting Dashboards: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency in creating and interpreting performance reports related to design progress, budget, and quality is expected.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function: CRM systems are typically for sales and customer management. However, understanding how design decisions impact operational efficiency and user experience within a data centre is key.

• Automation Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with any design automation or scripting tools within Revit or AutoCAD could be beneficial for efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks is explicitly mentioned and is non-negotiable for this role. These are industry-standard tools for complex building design and construction management, particularly for BIM integration. MS Project is also a key requirement for project scheduling.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value at Goodman, driving decisions towards energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and responsible development practices. Candidates are expected to champion ESG principles.

• Collective Leadership: Emphasis on shared responsibility and collaborative decision-making, rather than strict hierarchy. This promotes teamwork and empowers individuals to contribute their expertise.

• Individual Ownership & Accountability: While collaborative, each team member is expected to take ownership of their responsibilities and be accountable for their contributions to project success.

• Agility & Innovation: A culture that encourages adapting to change and finding new, effective ways to achieve goals, crucial in the evolving data centre market.

• Respect & Contribution to Greatness: Fostering an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and are motivated to achieve exceptional results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design integrates closely with project management, development, finance, and legal teams.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of information, particularly regarding design decisions and challenges.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Team members are expected to work together to identify and solve complex problems, leveraging diverse perspectives to find the best solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: An environment that values learning from projects, sharing best practices, and refining processes for future developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Goodman's culture, emphasizing sustainability, collective leadership, and individual accountability, suggests a professional yet collaborative environment. Candidates should be prepared to actively contribute to team-based problem-solving and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices in their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of data centre technology (cooling, power, IT infrastructure) to ensure designs are future-proof and scalable.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse requirements and expectations of end-users, internal departments, consultants, and contractors to achieve consensus.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex and potentially varying Italian and European building codes, permits, and environmental regulations for new data centre developments.

• Cost & Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality, technically advanced designs within tight budgets and aggressive project timelines, common in the competitive data centre market.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively embedding and achieving stringent sustainability goals and certifications within the practical constraints of design and construction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Data Centre Specialization: Gaining deeper expertise in specific data centre technologies and design principles through specialized training and on-the-job experience.

• Project Management Certifications: Pursuing PMP or PgMP certification to enhance project leadership skills and career progression.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Attending global data centre and construction industry events to stay abreast of trends and expand professional networks.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learning about different facets of real estate development, investment, and operations within Goodman.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design teams and contribute to strategic decision-making within the growing data centre division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in specialized construction sectors like data centres. The growth opportunities align well with the role's senior nature, offering paths for deeper technical specialization or broader leadership roles within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a hyperscale data centre from inception to construction, referencing a project delivery framework like RIBA. How do you ensure integration of CSA and MEP systems?" (Focus on structured approach, risk mitigation, and system coordination).

• Stakeholder Management: "How would you manage conflicting design requirements between an end-user prioritizing specific IT infrastructure and internal finance teams focused on budget constraints?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and finding balanced solutions).

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: "Describe a time you faced a significant design challenge on a complex project. How did you analyze the problem, develop solutions, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase analytical skills, creativity, and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Sustainability Commitment: "Goodman emphasizes sustainability as a driving force. How have you incorporated ESG principles into your previous design projects, and how would you champion them in this role?" (Demonstrate understanding of Goodman's values and practical application).

• Teamwork & Leadership: "How do you foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary design team, and how do you ensure accountability among team members?" (Align with Goodman's collective leadership and individual ownership values).

• Industry Knowledge: "What are the key trends you see shaping the future of data centre design, and how should these be considered in current development projects?" (Show industry awareness and forward-thinking).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key data centre projects. For each, clearly define the scope, your specific role, the design challenges, your solutions (technical, sustainability, cost), and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals – drawings, renderings, diagrams – to illustrate complex design elements and system integrations.

• Narrative Flow: Tell a story for each project, highlighting the problem, your process, and the successful resolution. Emphasize your contribution to meeting project objectives.

• Quantify Success: Present metrics related to cost savings, energy efficiency, schedule adherence, or risk mitigation achieved through your design management.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects, your decision-making process, and your contractual understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of data centre design, project management methodologies (especially RIBA), and an alignment with Goodman's values of sustainability and collaboration. A well-structured portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager Data Centres position:

• Submit your application: Apply directly via the provided link on the Goodman careers portal.

• Customize your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in data centre design (hyperscale/colocation), CSA and MEP systems management, project delivery frameworks (RIBA), and consultant/contractor management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Assemble a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your most relevant data centre design projects. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, responsibilities, design solutions, and project outcomes, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and stakeholder management.

• Research Goodman: Familiarize yourself with Goodman's global operations, their specific focus on data centres, and their stated values regarding sustainability and collective leadership. Understand their project portfolio and market position.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions related to your technical expertise, project management approach, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, using specific examples from your experience and drawing on your portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a detailed overview and strategic insights based on the provided information and industry standards. Candidates are strongly advised to review the official job posting and conduct their own research to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the role and company requirements before applying.