Design Manager Data Centres

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Data Centres

Company: Goodman

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Real Estate Development / Data Centre Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for cutting-edge data centre development projects, ensuring alignment with Owner's Project Requirements (OPR).

• Manage consultant contracts, procurement processes, and vendor relationships to drive project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Lead value engineering initiatives and budget management for design-related expenditures, ensuring financial objectives are met.

• Collaborate with Project Managers, external consultants, and contractors to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions.

• Ensure Contractor's design efforts adhere to contract documentation, local specifics, and project quality standards throughout construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Goodman's strategic expansion into data centre development. The Design Manager will be instrumental in translating complex technical requirements into buildable designs, balancing stakeholder needs with project constraints, and ensuring successful project delivery within the specified budget and timeline. The emphasis on RIBA stages and MEP/CSA systems highlights the need for a deep understanding of building design and construction processes within specialized facilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, negotiate, and execute Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements, clearly defining Scope of Work, Services, and Fees aligned with the OPR.

• Lead the procurement process for design services, including managing Request for Proposals (RFPs), evaluating submissions, and justifying selections.

• Review and approve consultant invoices, proactively manage design budgets, and champion value engineering initiatives for cost optimization.

• Oversee the distribution of consultant workload to ensure balanced output and the consistent delivery of high-quality design work.

• Collaborate with Project and Cost Managers to develop and manage project-specific design work plans, schedules, and budgets.

• Ensure all aspects of the design are reviewed and approved by internal stakeholders and project team members.

• Supervise internal and external project design teams to deliver high-quality design solutions.

• Represent the organization in regular design and project meetings, providing stakeholders with clear updates on design elements and any changes.

• Oversee design development and ensure the production of accurate construction documents and specifications.

• Supervise and guide the Contractor’s design efforts during RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) and RIBA Stage 5 (Construction), ensuring adherence to contract documentation.

• Ensure Contractor's designs align with local specifics such as climate, workforce standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor consistency between the OPR and construction documents, identifying and documenting deviations for resolution.

• Conduct regular Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) reviews of Contractor's design submissions to ensure project quality standards and compliance requirements are met.

• Foster close collaboration with the Contractor during construction to resolve design issues swiftly and ensure alignment between design and site execution.

• Review and manage end-user driven design change requests throughout all design stages.

• Provide design input to balance end-user requirements with project constraints and feasibility.

• Ensure customer requirements are accurately interpreted, verified, and documented, striving for 100% satisfaction.

• Lead cost/time-benefit analyses and present innovative solutions that meet project goals.

• Coordinate design presentations between Goodman and consultants, ensuring thorough review and approvals.

• Support the project team in presenting design solutions to stakeholders, including end-users.

• Effectively coordinate with the entire project team, ensuring clear communication of any proposed exceptions or changes to all stakeholders.

• Ensure full adherence to design standards, documenting deviations only after reaching consensus with relevant stakeholders.

• Proactively identify and manage design-related risks, developing robust mitigation strategies to ensure project timelines and objectives remain on track.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive and cover the full spectrum of design management within a complex construction project. Emphasis is placed on proactive budget control, value engineering, and rigorous QA/QC processes, which are critical for large-scale real estate development. The role requires a strong understanding of contractual obligations and the ability to manage diverse stakeholder expectations, particularly from end-users and contractors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in data centres or specialized facilities, with a strong focus on Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems development.

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams.

• Demonstrated experience managing new construction, tenant improvements, and capital improvement projects.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of contractual obligations, building regulations, and project delivery frameworks, particularly RIBA stages.

• Proficient in interpreting design and construction drawings, project schedules, budgets, and cost estimates.

• Solid understanding of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical design concepts.

• Expertise in construction projects, with a particular focus on data centres and MEP systems.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Excellent communication, coordination, and presentation skills.

• Ability to develop creative solutions to reduce costs while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.

• Experience in guiding new design concepts through detailed design, peer review, construction, and operational phases.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting and design software such as AutoCAD and Revit.

• PMP or PgMP certification.

• Experience in sustainability initiatives within construction projects.

• Familiarity with data centre-specific design standards and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical expertise in data centre design (MEP/CSA systems), project management skills, and contract negotiation capabilities. Familiarity with RIBA stages and proficiency in design software like Revit and AutoCAD are crucial for effective collaboration and review processes. The mention of specific countries for building code knowledge indicates a need for localized understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed data centre or specialized facility design projects from concept to completion.

• Include documentation demonstrating your role in managing consultant contracts, including scope definition, fee negotiation, and performance oversight.

• Provide evidence of value engineering initiatives undertaken, detailing cost savings achieved and impact on project objectives.

• Present case studies illustrating your approach to QA/QC reviews of contractor designs and how you ensured compliance and quality standards.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your workflow for preparing and executing Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements.

• Illustrate your process for leading RFP processes, evaluating proposals, and justifying vendor selections.

• Document your methodology for budget management and cost control specifically for design-related expenditures.

• Outline your approach to overseeing design development, ensuring accurate construction documents and specifications are produced.

• Explain your QA/QC review process for contractor design submissions and how you ensure adherence to standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their experience in managing complex design processes for data centres. This includes not just technical design understanding but also strong project management, contract negotiation, and budget control skills. A focus on demonstrating impact through cost savings and quality assurance will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Salary: €65,000 - €85,000 (gross)

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in specialized facilities (data centres) in Paris, France. Factors considered include the complexity of the role, the strategic importance of data centre development for Goodman, and the cost of living in Paris. Salary ranges can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Opportunity to be part of a growing and innovative data centre development team.

• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a global organization.

• Contribution to sustainability initiatives as a core company value.

• Potential for international exposure within Goodman's global network.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site and requires active participation in project meetings and site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's seniority and location in Paris, a competitive salary reflecting specialized data centre design experience is expected. Benefits are likely to align with typical corporate offerings in France, with an emphasis on professional growth and involvement in a high-impact strategic initiative for Goodman.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development (Logistics, Data Centres, Business Parks)

Company Size: Approximately 1,000 employees globally.

Founded: Goodman was founded in 1989, bringing decades of experience in industrial real estate development and investment.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of an expanding Data Centre project team in Paris.

• This team will include Project Managers, Cost Managers, and likely other specialized consultants.

• The role involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders across various departments and external consultants/contractors.

Methodology:

• Goodman emphasizes collective leadership, collaborative governance, individual ownership, and accountability.

• Sustainability is a driving force, integrated into projects and the working environment.

• The company values agility, effectiveness, respect, and contributing to "greatness."

• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on process optimization are implied by the nature of operations roles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Goodman's culture appears to be forward-thinking, emphasizing collaboration, individual contribution, and sustainability. The expansion into data centres suggests a dynamic and growth-oriented environment. The emphasis on "challenging the obvious" and "making great things happen" points to a culture that encourages innovation and proactive problem-solving, which is vital for a Design Manager role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project management functions of a real estate development company. It requires significant technical expertise combined with management and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Data Centre project team, likely a Project Director or similar, and will manage external design consultants and oversee contractor design efforts. This structure allows for significant autonomy within defined project parameters.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful planning and execution of data centre projects. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and meet the Owner's Project Requirements, directly influencing the company's investment returns and market positioning in the critical data centre sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data centre design and construction, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within Goodman.

• Leadership: Advance to Senior Design Manager, Project Director, or Head of Data Centre Development roles, managing larger teams and portfolios.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain broader experience in real estate development, investment, and operational aspects of data centres.

• International Exposure: Opportunities to work on projects across Goodman's European or global footprint.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within specialized real estate development. The focus on data centres, a high-growth sector, provides significant opportunities for skill development and advancement. The company's global presence also offers potential for international career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Paris, France, within a Goodman office that supports its European operations. This likely offers a professional, modern workspace.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. Specific office address details would typically be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment designed to facilitate interaction between project teams, internal departments, and external partners.

• Access to necessary office technology and tools to support design management and communication.

• Opportunities for regular face-to-face meetings with Project Managers, consultants, and potentially site visits to project locations.

Work Schedule:

• Predominantly on-site in Paris.

• Standard business hours, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or deadlines.

• Regular site visits to project locations may be required, necessitating flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is fundamentally on-site in Paris, emphasizing the need for physical presence for collaboration, site inspections, and client/contractor meetings. The work environment is expected to be professional and supportive of complex project management needs within the real estate development sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct a preliminary screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Senior Project Director) focusing on your experience in data centre design, project management, consultant management, and technical skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

3. Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve meeting with other members of the project team (e.g., Cost Manager, Project Manager) or subject matter experts. Expect technical questions related to MEP/CSA systems, RIBA stages, and problem-solving scenarios.

4. Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your design management process and impact.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most relevant data centre or specialized facility projects.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project scope and objectives
  • Your specific role and responsibilities
  • Key design challenges and how you addressed them
  • Consultant and contractor management strategies
  • Value engineering and cost-saving measures implemented
  • QA/QC processes and compliance checks
  • Design changes managed and their outcomes
  • Final results and lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible (e.g., budget adherence, cost savings achieved, project timeline adherence, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design management methodology, including your approach to consultant management, design reviews, and stakeholder communication.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions on specific MEP/CSA systems, building codes, and construction methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss hypothetical situations, such as resolving design conflicts between consultants and contractors, managing scope creep, or dealing with unforeseen site conditions.

• Problem-Solving Exercises: You might be asked to walk through your process for analyzing a complex design issue or developing a cost-saving proposal.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed difficult stakeholders or communicated complex design information to non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience and problem-solving abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases your design management process and quantifiable achievements will be critical for success. Expect to demonstrate a deep understanding of data centre infrastructure and project lifecycle management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• Design Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is required for interpreting and reviewing technical drawings.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Zoom).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for budget management, cost analysis, data manipulation, and reporting.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that can present design data and project progress effectively, though not explicitly stated, is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Contract Management Systems: Potentially used for managing consultant agreements and vendor contracts.

• Document Management Systems: For organizing and accessing project documentation, drawings, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core project management and design tools. Strong analytical skills using Excel are crucial for budget and value engineering tasks. While not explicitly listed, familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles, supported by Revit, is a key requirement for modern construction design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across teams and with external partners to achieve project goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and challenging conventional approaches to find better solutions.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility into all aspects of project development and operations.

• Quality: A commitment to high standards in design, construction, and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Project Managers, Cost Managers, internal business units, and external consultants/contractors.

• Open Communication: A culture that values clear, direct, and respectful communication to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Feedback Exchange: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement in design and project execution.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Decisions and discussions are likely to be informed by data, metrics, and objective analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a proactive, collaborative, and accountable approach to work. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation aligns with the forward-thinking nature of the data centre industry and Goodman's strategic direction. Candidates should demonstrate how their approach to design management embodies these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling diverse stakeholder requirements (end-users, internal teams, contractors) with strict project timelines and budgets.

• Technical Complexity: Navigating the intricate technical requirements of data centre design, particularly MEP systems, and ensuring their integration.

• Regulatory Compliance: Staying abreast of and ensuring adherence to evolving building codes and regulations across different European jurisdictions.

• Value Engineering vs. Quality: Finding the optimal balance between cost-saving measures and maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance for critical infrastructure.

• Managing External Teams: Effectively overseeing and coordinating the work of multiple external consultants and contractors to ensure a cohesive and high-quality design output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Data Centre Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in data centre design and construction.

• Project Management Advancement: Developing skills in managing larger, more complex projects and potentially taking on leadership roles.

• Sustainability Integration: Learning how to incorporate advanced sustainability features and practices into large-scale development projects.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhancing skills in working with diverse teams across different countries and regulatory environments.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue further certifications (e.g., advanced PMP, LEED AP, specific data centre certifications) to enhance professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in complex infrastructure development, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth. Candidates who thrive in dynamic environments and are keen to deepen their expertise in a high-demand sector will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing and managing an Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) document for a data centre project."

• "How do you approach the procurement and management of architectural and engineering consultants to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness?"

• "Walk us through a value engineering exercise you led. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?"

• "Explain your methodology for conducting QA/QC reviews of contractor design submissions. What are the key elements you look for?"

• "How do you ensure that contractor designs align with local regulations, climate, and workforce standards?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Goodman and our expansion into data centre development?"

• "How do you align with Goodman's values of sustainability, collaboration, and individual ownership?"

• "Describe your experience working in a collective leadership or collaborative governance environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable result (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Process: Use your portfolio to illustrate your design management workflow, from consultant engagement to final construction documentation review.

• Highlight Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss specific MEP/CSA systems, design challenges, and technical solutions relevant to data centres.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively communicated and collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including end-users, consultants, and contractors.

• Tailor to Goodman: Research Goodman's projects and values, and try to align your presentation with their strategic objectives and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the data centre lifecycle, robust project management skills, and effective stakeholder engagement. Be ready to articulate your specific contributions and the impact you've had on previous projects, using your portfolio as evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager Data Centres position:

• Submit your application through the Goodman careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in data centre design, MEP/CSA systems, project management, consultant/vendor management, value engineering, and familiarity with RIBA stages and relevant building codes. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-4 key projects that best showcase your experience in data centre design management. Be ready to present detailed case studies.

• Research Goodman: Understand Goodman's business, their focus on logistics and data centres, their commitment to sustainability, and their company culture.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions related to design management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.

⚠️ 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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