Design Manager - Hyperscale

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Hyperscale

Company: NEXTDC

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and planning of hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring innovative, scalable, and compliant solutions aligned with industry best practices.

• Drive project delivery across all phases, from initial due diligence to final handover, providing critical technical analysis and strategic advice.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, and specialty consultants, to achieve project objectives.

• Focus on safety in design, buildability, and prefabrication to enhance speed of delivery and foster innovation in technical and commercial outcomes.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Design Centre of Excellence SMEs to achieve economies of scale and speed through standardized equipment and application of lessons learned for hyperscale projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a rapidly evolving technological landscape, focusing on hyperscale data centres crucial for cloud computing and AI infrastructure. The emphasis on "hyperscale" and "AI thriving" indicates a need for candidates with experience in large-scale, high-performance environments, aligning with modern GTM strategies for technology services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Management: Oversee all aspects of the design process for hyperscale data centre projects, from conceptualization to detailed design, ensuring alignment with project briefs, NEXTDC design standards, and client requirements.

• Culture and Leadership: Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, motivating multidisciplinary teams and delegating responsibilities effectively to maintain engagement and respect.

• Safety Leadership: Champion a strong safety culture in design, ensuring all designs adhere to rigorous safety standards, building codes, and regulations to minimize risks during construction and operation.

• Project Planning: Develop comprehensive project plans for design phases, including timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones, ensuring efficient progress towards project completion.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks, including technical challenges, changing client needs, unforeseen site conditions, and commercial implications.

• Cost & Commercial Management: Manage design budgets and contribute to commercial outcomes, ensuring designs are cost-effective, deliver strong Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and support business case objectives.

• Quality Control: Implement robust quality control processes for all design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, compliance with standards, and adherence to NEXTDC's quality benchmarks.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate clear and consistent communication with internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and clients to ensure alignment on design objectives and project progress.

• Innovation & Optimization: Drive innovation in data centre design by exploring new technologies, materials, and construction methods (e.g., prefabrication), focusing on speed, scale, security, sustainability, and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership and project management within the critical infrastructure sector. The emphasis on "economies of scale," "speed through standardized long lead, free issue equipment," and "ROIC for hyperscale projects" suggests a strong focus on operational efficiency and financial performance, critical for revenue generation in the data centre industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, or another relevant industry qualification. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in Data Centre or mission-critical design management, with a preference for roles involving hyperscale facilities.

• Proven experience working for Consulting Engineers, Principal Contractors, or client-side Design Management roles. Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and specialty consultants, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

• Data Centre Design Expertise: In-depth understanding of technical principles, construction methods, materials, best practices, building codes, regulations, and safety standards specific to data centres and mission-critical facilities.

• Project Planning & Execution: Proven capability in managing complex design projects and sub-projects concurrently, from due diligence through to handover.

• Risk Management & Problem Solving: Ability to anticipate potential issues, implement proactive measures, and effectively resolve design-related problems.

• Commercial Acumen: Proven commercial experience, understanding of TCO, ROIC, and business case development relevant to large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Design Management Tools Proficiency: Skilled in using design management and collaboration tools essential for coordinating complex projects.

• Communication & Delegation: Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication and the ability to delegate responsibilities clearly and manage the workforce.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prefabrication and modular construction methodologies.

• Familiarity with sustainability certifications and practices in data centre design.

• Proficiency in advanced project management software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.

• Experience in international data centre projects or hyperscale deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in data centre design and strong leadership/project management capabilities. The requirement for a degree in Architecture or Engineering, coupled with 5+ years of experience in mission-critical environments, positions this as a senior role requiring substantial domain knowledge and proven leadership in complex project delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: Examples of complex data centre or mission-critical facility designs managed, detailing project scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Team Leadership Evidence: Documentation or case studies demonstrating the management and motivation of multidisciplinary design teams.

• Risk Mitigation & Problem Resolution: Case studies illustrating proactive risk identification and successful resolution of design challenges.

• Commercial Impact Demonstration: Examples of how design decisions contributed to cost savings, ROI improvements, or optimized TCO.

• Buildability & Prefabrication: Evidence of experience or proposals incorporating buildability principles and prefabrication strategies for efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of designing and optimizing workflows for design project phases, ensuring efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Collaboration Methods: Documentation of processes used for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing design tool integration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Methodologies for tracking design progress, quality metrics, and performance against project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase technical designs but also demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and commercial impact. Candidates should prepare to articulate their role in process optimization, risk management, and team coordination, highlighting how their contributions led to tangible business benefits like speed, cost efficiency, and scalability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in specialized fields like hyperscale data centres in Melbourne, Australia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between AUD $140,000 and $190,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the high demand for specialized engineering and design talent in this sector, the complexity of hyperscale projects, and the cost of living in Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Gifted Share Options: Opportunity to own a stake in the company's growth and success.

• NEXTDC Days: Additional paid leave days, promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.

• Volunteer Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives, reflecting company values.

• Professional Development: Investment in ongoing learning, training, certifications, and conferences to enhance skills and career progression.

• Holistic Wellbeing Programs: Comprehensive support for physical, mental, and emotional health.

• Mental Health Programs: Dedicated resources and support systems to ensure employee well-being.

• Hybrid Working Practices: Flexibility to balance on-site collaboration with remote work.

Working Hours:

Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid working arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the role's seniority, specialized industry (hyperscale data centres), location (Melbourne), and the typical compensation structure for similar positions in Australia. The benefits package is extensive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being, growth, and long-term commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Data Centres / Infrastructure. NEXTDC is a leading operator of hyperscale data centres in Australia and expanding into Asia, playing a critical role in supporting the digital economy, cloud computing, and the burgeoning AI sector.

Company Size: ASX 100 listed company, indicating a significant market presence and substantial operational scale. The company has grown rapidly since its founding, operating 17 data centres across Australia and expanding internationally.

Founded: NEXTDC was founded 16 years ago, positioning it as a relatively young but rapidly growing and innovative company in the tech sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Project Delivery team, contributing to the strategic planning and execution of data centre infrastructure.

• Collaboration: Expected to work closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the Engineering and Design Centre of Excellence, sector leads, and project delivery teams.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Will collaborate with various departments including Operations, Commercial, and potentially Client Engagement teams to ensure designs meet strategic business and customer needs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on using data to inform design choices, optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and maximize Return on Investment (ROI).

• Standardization & Scalability: Focus on developing and applying standardized design principles and leveraging long-lead equipment to achieve economies of scale and speed in hyperscale deployments.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Commitment to continuous improvement, exploring cutting-edge technologies, buildability, and prefabrication to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NEXTDC's positioning as a leader in hyperscale data centres for cloud and AI highlights its critical role in Australia's technological advancement. The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and employee development, making it an attractive environment for operations professionals seeking to contribute to high-growth, impactful projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level Design Manager position, responsible for leading complex technical design initiatives within the hyperscale data centre domain. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to manage substantial projects and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Engineering, Design, or Project Delivery department, such as a Head of Engineering, Director of Design, or Chief Technology Officer. They will, in turn, manage and guide multidisciplinary design teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts NEXTDC's ability to deliver cutting-edge hyperscale data centre infrastructure. Their designs are fundamental to the company's capacity to support cloud providers, AI companies, and other high-tech enterprises, directly influencing revenue generation, market competitiveness, and operational efficiency through optimized TCO and ROIC.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles within the Engineering and Design departments, such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or VP of Infrastructure.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in hyperscale data centre design, focusing on specific areas like power systems, cooling technologies, or AI-specific infrastructure requirements.

• International Exposure: As NEXTDC expands internationally, there may be opportunities to contribute to global projects or lead design efforts in new markets.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping the future of NEXTDC's data centre design strategy and technology roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Design Manager in a company like NEXTDC is strongly tied to the growth of the data centre industry and the increasing demand for hyperscale solutions. The role offers significant opportunities for both technical specialization and broader leadership development within a dynamic and expanding organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working practices are offered, suggesting a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work capabilities. The primary work environment will involve office-based design coordination and potentially site visits to active construction or operational data centres.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. NEXTDC operates multiple data centres across Australia, and the Design Manager may be involved in projects located in various regions, necessitating potential travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely supports collaborative work, with meeting rooms, design studios, and shared workspaces designed to facilitate team interaction and brainstorming.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to advanced design software, collaboration platforms, and potentially virtual reality tools for design reviews and immersive experiences.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse team of engineers, architects, project managers, and other operations professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and cross-functional learning.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. Hybrid arrangements offer flexibility, allowing for better integration of personal commitments with project deadlines and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, combined with the nature of data centre design (involving both office-based planning and potential site visits), offers a structured yet flexible work environment. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic schedule that prioritizes project milestones and collaborative needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume by HR/Recruitment to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on technical expertise, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Candidates should be ready to discuss their approach to managing complex designs and multidisciplinary teams.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be presented, requiring candidates to demonstrate their problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to apply data centre design principles. This is a key opportunity to showcase portfolio elements.

• Panel Interview: Interaction with key stakeholders, including senior engineers, project managers, and potentially department heads. This stage assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful hyperscale data centre or mission-critical design projects.

• Quantify Achievements: Clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, improved efficiency, compliance achievements). Use metrics like TCO reduction, ROIC improvement, or speed-to-market gains.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight your experience in leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams, managing stakeholders, and driving consensus.

• Showcase Process Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your design management processes, risk mitigation strategies, and quality control measures.

• Tailor to Hyperscale: Emphasize specific considerations for hyperscale environments, such as scalability, power density, cooling efficiency, and advanced security measures.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hyperscale Design Principles: Refresh knowledge on core data centre design elements, including power distribution, cooling systems, network infrastructure, physical security, and fire suppression, with a focus on high-density and large-scale applications.

• Safety & Compliance: Be ready to discuss relevant building codes, safety standards (e.g., AS/NZS standards, international equivalents), and design for safety principles.

• Commercial Awareness: Understand key commercial metrics like TCO, ROIC, and CAPEX/OPEX considerations in large infrastructure projects.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have managed conflict, driven alignment, and fostered collaboration within diverse project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of technical skills, leadership capabilities, and problem-solving abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates quantifiable achievements and demonstrates a deep understanding of hyperscale data centre design and its commercial implications will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Engineering Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM (e.g., Revit), and potentially specialized simulation software (e.g., CFD for airflow, thermal analysis tools).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or Confluence for team communication, document sharing, and knowledge management.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from performance monitoring systems and engineering simulations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Experience interpreting data from dashboards that track project progress, budget adherence, and design metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating reports on design status, risk assessments, and project outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs affect downstream operational systems and potential for design automation (e.g., parametric design, scripting) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is a baseline requirement. Experience with project management and collaboration tools is essential for managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project workflows. An understanding of how design choices impact operational efficiency and cost (TCO/ROIC) is also a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to continuously improve designs, explore new technologies, and implement efficient processes for hyperscale data centres.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork, open communication, and the synergy achieved through diverse perspectives in design and project delivery.

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, rigorous safety standards, and achieving optimal technical and commercial outcomes.

• Customer Centricity: Understanding that designs must meet the evolving needs of clients in the cloud and AI sectors, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.

• Sustainability: A focus on designing environmentally efficient data centres that minimize their carbon footprint and operational impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encourages close working relationships with engineering SMEs, project delivery teams, and commercial stakeholders to ensure designs are holistic and aligned with business objectives.

• Process-Oriented: Values structured processes for design reviews, risk management, and quality assurance, with an openness to feedback and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fosters an environment where lessons learned from previous projects are captured, shared, and applied to future designs, promoting collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: NEXTDC's emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and customer focus aligns with the demands of a fast-paced technology sector. The company culture likely rewards proactive problem-solving, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering high-performance infrastructure solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in cloud computing, AI hardware, and data centre technologies to ensure designs remain future-proof and scalable.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse requirements of internal teams, clients, regulatory bodies, and construction partners on large-scale projects.

• Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Navigating potential disruptions in the supply chain for specialized data centre equipment and materials.

• Balancing Innovation with Risk: Implementing new technologies and methods while ensuring design robustness, safety, and compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on advanced data centre technologies, hyperscale design principles, and emerging trends in AI infrastructure.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading industry events and pursue relevant professional certifications in data centre design, project management, or engineering.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within NEXTDC's engineering and operations teams, providing guidance on career progression and strategic thinking.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working on a variety of hyperscale projects and collaborating with different departments, broadening understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the cutting-edge nature of hyperscale data centre development. NEXTDC's commitment to professional development suggests a supportive environment for individuals looking to grow their expertise and navigate these complexities effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary team through a complex design challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, process, and results).

• "How do you ensure that designs for hyperscale data centres are scalable, resilient, and cost-effective (considering TCO and ROIC)?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and commercial awareness).

• "Walk us through your process for managing design risks and ensuring safety in design for critical infrastructure projects." (Highlight proactive risk management and safety culture). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NEXTDC and our role in supporting Australia's digital future and AI growth?" (Show research and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you foster collaboration and maintain team engagement in a hybrid work environment, particularly when managing diverse technical teams?" (Address collaboration style and adaptability).

• "How have you applied lessons learned from previous projects to improve design outcomes or processes?" (Emphasize continuous improvement and knowledge sharing). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, detailing the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, renderings, or flowcharts to illustrate complex designs and processes.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, be ready to present specific metrics related to cost, schedule, performance, or efficiency improvements.

• Focus on Hyperscale Relevance: Clearly articulate how your experience directly applies to the demands of hyperscale data centres and NEXTDC's strategic goals.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical details, design choices, and your personal contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of hyperscale data centre requirements, robust project management skills, commercial acumen, and effective leadership. The portfolio is a critical tool for illustrating these competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience in data centre or mission-critical design management, emphasizing hyperscale projects, multidisciplinary team leadership, and commercial outcomes (TCO, ROIC). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your ability to lead complex designs, manage teams, solve problems, and deliver tangible results. Be ready to present these with quantifiable achievements.

• Research NEXTDC: Understand their mission, market position, and recent projects, particularly their focus on cloud and AI infrastructure. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills, especially in the context of hyperscale data centre design.

⚠️ 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.