Design Manager - Office - Madrid, Spain

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Office

Company: CTS Group

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-06T08:43:53

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end design delivery process for complex data centre projects from concept through to handover, ensuring technical excellence and compliance.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, and Architectural disciplines, leveraging BIM and digital design tools.

• Act as a crucial liaison between clients, internal engineering teams, external consultants, and project execution teams to drive design alignment with programme, procurement, and construction priorities.

• Drive design reviews, value engineering initiatives, and risk management to optimize project outcomes while upholding technical performance and client requirements.

• Ensure consistent application of CTS engineering standards, processes, and lessons learned across all projects managed from the Madrid office.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a fast-growing international design and build company specializing in data centre development. The "Office-Based Design Manager" implies a central coordination role, distinct from site-based Design Managers, focusing on strategic oversight and integration of design efforts within the broader project lifecycle. The emphasis on data centres and mission-critical infrastructure suggests a need for deep technical understanding of these environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and manage the project design program, strategically aligning engineering deliverables with procurement, manufacturing, and construction timelines to ensure seamless project progression.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities across Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Architectural, and specialist engineering disciplines, fostering collaboration and integration.

• Manage external design consultants and specialist engineering partners by defining clear scopes, deliverables, quality standards, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and optimal outcomes.

• Maintain and update the design deliverables register and information release schedule, ensuring accurate tracking of all project design documentation.

• Coordinate BIM and digital design activities, utilizing common data environments to ensure integrated, clash-free, and construction-ready design packages.

• Drive comprehensive design reviews focused on technical compliance, constructability, operability, adherence to program, and specific project requirements.

• Coordinate critical design interfaces with CTS Execution, Manufacturing, Procurement, and other relevant internal teams to ensure seamless integration and minimize potential conflicts.

• Serve as the office-based escalation point for site-based Design Managers, resolving escalated RFIs and technical queries, and formally approving necessary design changes.

• Support value engineering and design optimization efforts, carefully balancing cost-efficiency with the critical protection of technical performance, system resilience, and client requirements.

• Proactively manage design risks, changes, and technical interfaces, accurately assessing potential impacts on program schedule and project costs.

• Support permitting processes, regulatory approvals, and engagement with local authorities (ayuntamiento) and regional bodies to ensure project compliance.

• Manage consultant scope, design fees, and associated commercial risks, ensuring financial prudence and contractual adherence.

• Ensure consistent application of CTS engineering standards, established processes, and valuable lessons learned from previous projects across all design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight, project management, and stakeholder management. The role requires a proactive approach to risk management, value engineering, and ensuring compliance with both technical specifications and local regulations. The emphasis on "office-based" coordination suggests a strategic role in harmonizing design efforts across multiple projects and teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering strongly preferred; alternatively, a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, or another relevant technical discipline is acceptable.

Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience, with a significant portion dedicated to managing multidisciplinary design delivery for complex projects.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable experience within data centres, mission-critical facilities, or comparable technically complex infrastructure projects, understanding their unique demands.

• Strong understanding of Mechanical and Electrical systems and their interfaces within mission-critical environments, including resilience topology and Uptime Institute Tier standards.

• Proven experience across the full design lifecycle, from concept development and detailed engineering through construction support and commissioning phases.

• Experience within a Design & Engineering consultancy, EPC/design-build contractor, or a comparable project delivery environment.

• Strong understanding of BIM/digital coordination methodologies and common data environments (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360 / ACC).

• Knowledge of Spanish regulations, including the Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE), REBT, RITE, RSCIEI fire safety regulations, municipal licensing (licencia de obras / licencia de actividad), and Eurocodes (Spanish National Annexes).

• Ability to effectively manage consultants, technical stakeholders, and competing project priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Fluent English (mandatory) for clear communication across international teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Spanish language proficiency is advantageous for enhanced communication and stakeholder engagement within Spain.

• Familiarity with data centre-specific design software and simulation tools beyond core BIM.

• Experience with modular data centre unit design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in engineering, particularly within the data centre or mission-critical infrastructure sector. The requirement for Spanish regulatory knowledge is a key differentiator, indicating the need for localized expertise. Fluency in English is mandatory, reflecting the international nature of CTS Group.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex data centre or mission-critical infrastructure projects where you managed the design delivery process from inception to completion.

• Include specific examples of how you coordinated multidisciplinary engineering teams (e.g., M&E, Structural, Architectural) to achieve integrated, clash-free designs.

• Demonstrate your experience with BIM and common data environments, providing visuals or descriptions of clash detection reports, federated models, or integrated design packages.

• Detail your approach to managing design consultants and specialist engineers, including examples of scope definition, performance monitoring, and issue resolution. Process Documentation:

• Present a case study on a project where you successfully managed the design program, clearly illustrating how engineering deliverables were aligned with procurement and construction phases.

• Provide an example of a design review process you implemented or managed, highlighting key focus areas such as technical compliance, constructability, and programme impact.

• Detail your experience in managing design risks and changes, including how you assessed and mitigated potential programme and cost impacts, with specific examples of risk registers or change logs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants are expected to present a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their capabilities in managing complex, multidisciplinary design processes within the data centre or mission-critical infrastructure domain. The emphasis is on practical application of design management principles, BIM coordination, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on tangible project outcomes and process efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in specialized infrastructure sectors like data centres in Madrid, Spain, a competitive annual salary range of €60,000 to €85,000 is estimated. This range accounts for the technical expertise, project complexity, and required regulatory knowledge.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Professional development opportunities, including training programs, certifications, and conference attendance relevant to data centre design and engineering.

• Opportunities for international travel to project sites and other CTS Group offices.

• Participation in a dynamic and fast-growing international company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and career advancement within the organization.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, aligned with standard business operations in Madrid. Flexibility may be required for critical project deadlines or urgent technical queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research on similar roles in Madrid, Spain, considering the specialized nature of data centre design and the required experience level. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time professional roles within international engineering and construction firms, focusing on aspects that appeal to experienced professionals in technically demanding fields.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centre Development & Design/Build. CTS Group operates within the rapidly expanding data centre sector, a critical component of the digital economy, focusing on engineering excellence, innovation, and digital transformation to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions across EMEA.

Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, CTS Group is described as "fast-growing" and "international," with "over 40 nationalities represented." This suggests a medium to large enterprise with significant global reach and ambitious expansion plans. For operations professionals, this implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact and growth, but also potential for rapid change and evolving processes.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's current operations and "fast-growing" status indicate a modern, forward-thinking organization likely established within the last 10-20 years, aligning with the boom in data centre infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Design Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design and engineering function.

• The role requires close collaboration with site-based Design Managers, implying a distributed project execution model where office-based strategy and coordination are essential.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, involving interactions with Engineering disciplines, specialist consultants, vendors, CTS's Execution teams, Manufacturing, and Procurement. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are driven by technical requirements, client needs, and performance metrics (e.g., Uptime Institute Tier standards), with an emphasis on data-driven optimization.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing design programmes and aligning them with construction and procurement, indicating a structured approach to workflow management and optimization.

• Automation & Efficiency: The company's focus on digital transformation and standardized modular units suggests an underlying drive for automation and efficiency in design and delivery processes.

Company Website: https://careers.cts-group.co

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance, driven by innovation and technical precision. The international presence and diverse workforce are key cultural indicators. The focus on data centres implies a fast-paced, technically demanding environment where precision, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position within the Design & Engineering function, specifically focused on project design management. It requires significant technical expertise and proven experience in managing complex design processes, making it a crucial contributor to project success.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Design Director, indicating a clear line of accountability and a reporting relationship that involves strategic oversight and guidance. This structure also suggests opportunities to influence design strategy at a higher level.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and critical to project success. By ensuring technically sound, buildable, and compliant designs delivered on time and within budget, they directly influence project execution efficiency, cost-effectiveness, client satisfaction, and the overall resilience and performance of the data centres. Their work underpins the company's ability to deliver on its promises to hyperscalers and colocation providers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Manager, Lead Design Manager, or Principal Design Manager roles, taking on larger, more complex projects or leading teams of Design Managers.

• Technical Leadership: Transition into specialized technical leadership roles within specific engineering disciplines or focus areas like data centre innovation, sustainability, or modular design.

• Project Management Progression: Move into broader Project Director or Program Management roles, overseeing multiple projects or entire project portfolios, leveraging design management expertise as a foundation.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potential to move into roles within Engineering Management, Operations Management, or even Business Development, applying a deep understanding of project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for career progression within specialized technical fields and project management. The emphasis on data centres and international projects provides a strong foundation for growth in a high-demand industry. The reporting structure to a Design Director suggests a clear path for mentorship and advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is office-based in Madrid, Spain, requiring full-time attendance at the CTS Group Madrid office. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The specific office address is Av. del General Perón, 38, Madrid, 28020. This location in Madrid likely offers good accessibility via public transport and proximity to business amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting the coordination of multidisciplinary teams and interactions with colleagues from various departments.

• Access to necessary digital tools, software (e.g., BIM platforms, project management software), and IT infrastructure will be provided to facilitate design management and coordination tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other engineering teams, project managers, and senior leadership will be available, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This aligns with typical business operations in Spain. While office-based, occasional travel to project sites or other CTS offices may be required, necessitating flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is firmly rooted in an office-based setting, emphasizing face-to-face collaboration and access to company resources. The Madrid office serves as a central hub for design coordination and management activities, with the understanding that occasional site visits are part of the role's demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and application, potentially followed by a brief screening call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Discussions with the Design Director and potentially other senior engineers or project managers to delve into technical expertise, project experience, and understanding of data centre design principles. Expect questions on M&E systems, BIM coordination, and regulatory compliance.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their design management experience. This may involve a specific case study detailing a complex project, focusing on their role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and project outcomes.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary design for data centres or similar complex infrastructure.

• Role Clarity: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and contributions within each project, distinguishing your role from team members or the overall project team.

• Process Demonstration: Illustrate your design management process, including programme management, consultant coordination, design reviews, and risk management. Use visual aids like Gantt charts, process flow diagrams, or examples of design documentation.

• Technical Depth: Showcase your understanding of key technical aspects, such as M&E systems, resilience topologies, BIM coordination (clash detection, federated models), and how you ensured technical compliance and constructability.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Provide examples of how you incorporated Spanish regulations (CTE, REBT, etc.) into the design process and managed approvals.

• Problem-Solving & Outcomes: Detail challenges encountered (e.g., design clashes, scope creep, regulatory hurdles) and the solutions you implemented. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements, reduction in RFIs).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific scenarios related to managing conflicting design requirements, resolving technical queries from site teams, or handling consultant performance issues.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts and project management strategies clearly and concisely.

• Research CTS Group's projects, values, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business.

• Prepare thoughtful questions about the team structure, project challenges, design processes, and opportunities for professional development within CTS Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, focusing on both technical proficiency and practical application of design management skills. A well-structured portfolio presentation is crucial, allowing candidates to visually demonstrate their capabilities and problem-solving approaches. Understanding Spanish regulations and data centre specifics will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Revit (for modeling and design), Navisworks (for coordination and clash detection).

• Common Data Environments (CDE): BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for collaboration, document management, and workflow automation.

• Project Management Software: Tools for program management, task tracking, and resource allocation (specific tools not listed, but essential for managing design programs).

• CAD Software: AutoCAD or similar for 2D design and drafting where applicable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Deliverables Register: A system (likely Excel-based or within a project management tool) to track all design documents, their status, and release schedules.

• Reporting Dashboards: Tools for generating reports on design progress, risks, and consultant performance, likely integrated with project management or CDE platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: CTS Group likely uses internal systems for managing consultant contracts, fee tracking, and RFI/technical query management, which the Design Manager will interface with.

• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Autodesk's BIM suite (Revit, Navisworks) and cloud collaboration platforms (BIM 360/ACC) is non-negotiable. The role also necessitates strong skills in project management and reporting tools to effectively manage design programs and communicate progress.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to delivering technically superior, robust, and reliable data centre designs that meet the highest industry standards.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and digital transformation to enhance design processes, project delivery, and the performance of data centre solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where multidisciplinary teams, internal departments, and external partners work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: Driving optimized workflows, value engineering, and streamlined processes to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding strict adherence to project requirements, regulatory standards, and ethical business practices in all design and project management activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: The Design Manager acts as a central orchestrator, ensuring seamless integration between office-based design teams, site execution teams, and external consultants.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication channels to address issues, share updates, and facilitate quick decision-making, especially in resolving RFIs and technical queries.

• Constructive Feedback: Maintaining a culture where design reviews are seen as opportunities for constructive feedback and continuous improvement, benefiting both the design quality and team development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the application of lessons learned and best practices across projects to foster organizational learning and consistent delivery standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: CTS Group's culture emphasizes technical rigor, innovation, and a collaborative, high-performance approach. The values are geared towards delivering complex projects efficiently and reliably, with a strong focus on engineering excellence and adherence to industry standards, particularly within the demanding data centre sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Multidisciplinary Complexity: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical requirements, to achieve a cohesive and functional design.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in data centre technology, design methodologies, and digital tools to ensure designs remain cutting-edge and future-proof.

• Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and ensuring compliance with evolving and complex Spanish building regulations and municipal requirements, which can vary significantly.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing the inherent tension between design quality, programme timelines, cost constraints, and client specifications, requiring strong negotiation and prioritization skills.

• Remote Team Coordination: Effectively managing and integrating design efforts from potentially dispersed teams or consultants, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Centre Training: Access to industry-specific courses and certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute, ASHRAE) to deepen expertise in data centre design and operations.

• BIM & Digital Tools Advancement: Opportunities to become proficient in advanced BIM workflows, data analytics, and emerging digital construction technologies.

• Project Management Skills: Development of advanced project and program management techniques applicable to large-scale infrastructure projects.

• International Exposure: Gaining experience on a variety of international projects, broadening understanding of different market demands and regulatory environments.

• Leadership Mentorship: Guidance from the Design Director and senior leadership within CTS Group, fostering growth towards leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges due to the technical complexity and fast-paced nature of data centre development. However, these challenges are balanced by substantial growth opportunities in a high-demand industry, with ample scope for technical specialization and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different engineering disciplines. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for arbitration, collaboration, and decision-making.)

• "How do you ensure that designs are not only technically sound but also constructible and cost-effective in a project like a data centre?" (Prepare to discuss your approach to constructability reviews, value engineering, and cost impact analysis.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a design program. How do you align engineering deliverables with procurement and construction phases, especially when dealing with tight deadlines?" (Be ready to discuss your project management methodologies, scheduling tools, and risk mitigation strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CTS Group and our work in the data centre sector, specifically in Spain?" (Research CTS's projects, their values, and their market position. Highlight alignment with your career goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with site-based teams and external consultants to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the construction phase?" (Discuss your communication strategies, RFI management, and problem-solving approach in a distributed team setting.)

• "How do you stay current with evolving data centre technologies, BIM advancements, and Spanish building regulations?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically by project phase or thematically by key responsibilities (e.g., Coordination, Risk Management, Compliance).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals such as BIM model screenshots, clash detection reports, workflow diagrams, and project timelines. Avoid dense text.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative. For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific role and actions, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Data Focus: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, "Reduced design clashes by 30% through proactive BIM coordination," or "Identified value engineering opportunities saving €X,XXX."

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted slot, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of data centre design, robust project management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing practical experience, so ensure it is well-curated, visually appealing, and tells a compelling story of your contributions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in managing multidisciplinary design for data centres or mission-critical infrastructure. Include case studies demonstrating your coordination, BIM, regulatory compliance, and project management skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Data Centre Design," "BIM Coordination," "Mechanical/Electrical Systems," "Spanish Regulations," and "Project Lifecycle Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to design challenges, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research CTS Group, their projects, company culture, and their presence in the Spanish market. Understand their core values and technological focus to articulate why you are a strong cultural and technical fit.

⚠️ 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.