Design Manager - Office - Porto/Lisbon (Portugal)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Office

Company: CTS Group

Location: Porto / Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Design & Engineering Management

Date Posted: 2026-10-06T08:32:30

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site (5 days per week)

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Act as a key liaison between clients, internal engineering teams, external consultants, and project execution teams to drive design alignment with project timelines and objectives.

• Oversee multidisciplinary design activities, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, and Architectural disciplines, ensuring integrated and clash-free design packages.

• Drive design reviews focused on technical compliance, constructability, operability, and adherence to programme, regulatory, and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience level strongly align with a senior operations role focused on the technical and logistical execution of complex engineering projects. The emphasis on managing design programs, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring constructability places this role firmly within the operational oversight of project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and manage the project design programme, ensuring strict alignment of engineering deliverables with procurement, manufacturing, and construction timelines.

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

• Manage external design consultants and specialist engineering partners, ensuring clear scope definition, deliverable quality, and performance metrics are met.

• Maintain and update the design deliverables register and the information release schedule to ensure timely access to critical project documentation.

• Coordinate Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital design activities to ensure integrated, clash-free, and construction-ready design packages are produced.

• Drive rigorous design reviews, focusing on technical compliance, constructability, operability, programme adherence, and overall project requirements.

• Facilitate seamless coordination of design interfaces between CTS's internal Execution, Manufacturing, and Procurement teams, as well as other relevant departments.

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

• Support value engineering initiatives and design optimization efforts while rigorously protecting technical performance, system resilience, and critical client requirements.

• Proactively manage design risks, changes, and technical interfaces, accurately assessing potential programme and cost impacts.

• Support the permitting process, regulatory approvals, and engagement with local authorities (câmara municipal) and national regulators.

• Manage consultant scope, design fees, and associated commercial risks to ensure financial prudence and project profitability.

• Ensure consistent application of CTS's engineering standards, established processes, and lessons learned from previous projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on project execution, risk management, and process adherence, typical of senior roles within construction and engineering operations. The emphasis on managing external vendors, internal cross-functional teams, and regulatory compliance underscores the operational complexity and strategic importance of this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred.

• Alternatively, a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, or another relevant technical discipline will be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of relevant professional experience is required.

• This must include significant, demonstrable experience in managing multidisciplinary design delivery for large-scale projects.

• Proven experience within data centres, mission-critical facilities, or comparable technically complex infrastructure projects is essential.

• Experience across the full design lifecycle, from initial concept and detailed design through construction support and commissioning, is required.

• Experience working within a Design & Engineering consultancy, an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor, or a design-build environment is necessary. Required Skills:

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

• In-depth knowledge of BIM/digital coordination processes and common data environments (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360 / ACC).

• Familiarity with Portuguese and EU regulations, including the RJUE permitting regime, câmara municipal licensing, SCIE fire safety regulations, and Eurocodes (with Portuguese National Annexes).

• Proven ability to effectively manage consultants, technical stakeholders, and competing project priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Fluent English (mandatory) for clear communication and documentation. Preferred Skills:

• Portuguese language proficiency is advantageous for local stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific engineering disciplines, complex facility types (data centres, mission-critical), regulatory knowledge, and BIM proficiency indicates a need for specialized operational expertise. The requirement for 7+ years of experience suggests a senior role demanding strategic planning, execution oversight, and risk management capabilities within the project delivery lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of managed design programmes, showcasing alignment with procurement and construction phases, demonstrating project scheduling and milestone tracking.

• Case studies of multidisciplinary design coordination, highlighting successful integration of Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, and Architectural elements, and effective clash detection/resolution.

• Documentation illustrating management of design consultants and specialist partners, including scope definition, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.

• Demonstrations of BIM/digital coordination processes, including experience with common data environments and the delivery of integrated, construction-ready design packages.

• Evidence of managing design risks and changes, with clear articulation of impact assessments on programme and cost. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples for design reviews, emphasizing technical compliance, constructability, and operability assessments.

• Documentation showcasing experience with value engineering and design optimization processes, including how technical performance and client requirements were maintained.

• Records of supporting permitting and regulatory approval processes, detailing engagement with local and national authorities.

• Examples of managing consultant scope and design fees, demonstrating commercial awareness and risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with significant operational oversight, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of project management, technical coordination, risk management, and regulatory compliance processes is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible outcomes and the candidate's ability to manage complex, integrated project elements through to successful execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in Portugal, specifically within the data centre or complex infrastructure sector, the estimated annual gross salary range for Porto/Lisbon is €55,000 - €75,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of data centre design, the required technical expertise, and the cost of living in major Portuguese cities. Benefits:

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training programs, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Contribution to pension schemes or retirement savings plans.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to project success.

• Travel allowances for site visits and other CTS office locations as required. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from the Porto/Lisbon office. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and critical site demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in Portugal. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in a reputable international company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centre Development & Design-Build. CTS Group operates at the forefront of the rapidly expanding data centre market, combining engineering excellence with digital innovation to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions across EMEA. This industry demands precision, speed, and robust operational planning.

Company Size: CTS Group is a fast-growing international company with a significant presence and a workforce comprising over 40 nationalities. This indicates a dynamic, multicultural environment with established processes for managing diverse teams and international projects. The size suggests a structured organization with defined departments and clear reporting lines, yet agile enough to adapt to rapid growth.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, CTS Group's description as "fast-growing" and its focus on "digital transformation" and "standardised modular data centre units" suggest a modern, forward-thinking company that has achieved significant scale and market traction.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely structured with specialized disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Architectural) managed by senior leads.

• The Design Manager will report to a Design Director, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear leadership.

• Close collaboration is expected with the CTS Execution, Manufacturing, and Procurement teams, highlighting a matrixed or integrated project delivery model.

• Site-based Design Managers will work under the guidance and escalation support of the office-based Design Manager. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilization of BIM and digital coordination tools for integrated design analysis, clash detection, and performance simulation. Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for design optimization and risk assessment.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Management of design programmes, information release schedules, and design review processes to ensure efficiency and timely delivery.

• Automation & Efficiency: Development and application of standardized modular data centre units and digital systems to drive efficiency and scalability in design and construction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CTS Group's focus on data centres, international presence, and rapid growth points to a high-performance culture. The emphasis on engineering excellence, innovation, and digital transformation suggests a technically adept workforce that values precision and efficiency. The multicultural aspect implies a need for strong communication and collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level within the operations and engineering management spectrum. It requires substantial experience in managing complex technical projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and navigating intricate design and construction processes. The Design Manager is a critical node in the project delivery pipeline, bridging strategic planning with on-the-ground execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report directly to the Design Director, indicating a clear line of leadership and strategic guidance. They will, in turn, manage and guide external design consultants and provide crucial support and escalation points for site-based Design Managers. This structure emphasizes accountability and clear communication channels.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a profound impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, constructible, compliant, and delivered on time and within budget. Their role directly influences project risk, cost, quality, and client satisfaction, making them indispensable to CTS Group's ability to deliver high-performance data centres efficiently.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to advance to a Senior Design Manager, Design Director, or Programme Director role, overseeing larger, more complex portfolios of data centre projects.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as data centre electrical systems, mechanical cooling technologies, or advanced BIM integration.

• Leadership Development: Through managing consultants and supporting site teams, opportunities arise for developing stronger leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, paving the way for broader management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the specialized field of data centre development. The combination of technical management, project oversight, and cross-functional collaboration provides a strong foundation for advancing into senior operational leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is office-based, requiring full-time presence at the CTS Porto / Lisbon office. This environment is designed for collaboration and focused work, supporting the coordination of complex design activities.

Office Location(s): Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. These locations offer vibrant urban settings with access to talent and infrastructure, crucial for a company with international operations.

Workspace Context:

• The office workspace is expected to be collaborative, facilitating interaction between design disciplines and project teams.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including advanced BIM software, common data environments, and project management platforms, will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project managers, execution teams, and fellow design professionals will be frequent, fostering a cohesive project delivery environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 5 days per week, 40 hours, from the office. While office-based, the dynamic nature of data centre projects may occasionally require flexibility to address urgent site issues or critical design milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an office-based role underscores the need for direct collaboration and immediate access to project teams and resources, which is critical for managing intricate design processes in real-time.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application for alignment with core requirements (experience, education, technical skills).

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design management experience, data centre knowledge, BIM proficiency, and understanding of relevant regulations. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific project examples.

• Case Study/Challenge: A practical exercise or detailed discussion about a hypothetical design challenge, assessing problem-solving skills, decision-making under pressure, and ability to manage competing priorities. This may involve presenting a proposed approach to a design coordination issue.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Meeting with the Design Director and potentially other senior team members to assess alignment with CTS Group's collaborative, high-performance culture and to discuss team dynamics.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing multidisciplinary design delivery for complex infrastructure, ideally data centres.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design challenges faced, the processes you implemented (e.g., coordination workflows, risk management), and the measurable outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, cost savings, technical compliance achieved).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of design review documentation, BIM coordination reports, or RFI resolution processes to demonstrate technical acumen and problem-solving.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Detail how you managed interfaces between different engineering disciplines, consultants, and internal execution teams.

• Be Concise and Visual: Use clear visuals (diagrams, screenshots of BIM models if permissible) and concise explanations. Focus on your direct contribution and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared to discuss common design challenges in data centres, such as thermal management, power distribution, resilience, and space optimization.

• Structure Your Response: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar problem-solving framework to articulate your approach.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate how you would leverage established processes, tools (BIM, project management software), and collaboration strategies to overcome challenges.

• Consider Stakeholders: Think about how you would communicate with different stakeholders (client, site teams, consultants) during a challenging situation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize practical experience in managing complex technical projects and people. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your role, processes, and impact is essential for demonstrating your capability to handle the operational demands of this Design Manager position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with Revit for design authoring and Navisworks for clash detection and coordination is essential.

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

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme management, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level systems for managing design deliverables, RFIs, and technical queries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking design progress against programme milestones.

• Systems for managing and reporting on design risks and changes.

• Software for generating reports on consultant performance and fee management. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with project execution and procurement systems is beneficial.

• Automation within CDE platforms for workflow approvals and notifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong technical proficiency with industry-standard BIM and CDE platforms is a non-negotiable requirement. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient coordination, risk mitigation, and transparent communication is paramount for operational success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and buildable designs that meet rigorous performance standards.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are prioritized across all disciplines and project phases.

• Efficiency & Speed: A drive to optimize design processes and deliver projects with speed and precision, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the data centre industry.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, such as advanced BIM and modular design.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring project success and client trust.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A proactive approach to integrating design efforts with execution, manufacturing, and procurement teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement through regular design reviews and feedback loops with all project stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to enhance overall operational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at CTS Group appears to value a blend of technical rigor, collaborative teamwork, and a results-oriented mindset, essential for managing complex, high-stakes projects like data centres. Understanding and aligning with these values will be key for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing multiple design streams, consultant deliverables, and stakeholder demands simultaneously, ensuring no critical path is compromised.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving Portuguese and EU regulations for construction and data centres.

• Integrating Diverse Design Disciplines: Achieving seamless coordination and clash-free designs across a wide array of specialized engineering and architectural fields.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in BIM, digital construction, and data centre technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge BIM workflows, digital twins, and data analytics for design optimization.

• Data Centre Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific data centre technologies, sustainability initiatives, and advanced resilience strategies.

• Project Leadership: Developing advanced project management and leadership skills through managing increasingly complex and high-value projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex technical and logistical challenges within a high-demand industry. The focus on continuous learning and specialization will be key to navigating these challenges and advancing a career in data centre development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing the design programme for a large-scale infrastructure project. How did you ensure alignment with procurement and construction phases?" (Focus on programme management, cross-functional integration, and risk mitigation.)

• "Walk me through a complex design coordination challenge you faced, involving multiple engineering disciplines. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, technical understanding, and stakeholder communication.)

• "How do you approach value engineering while ensuring that critical technical performance and client requirements are not compromised?" (Highlight your ability to balance cost-efficiency with technical integrity.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CTS Group and our work in the data centre industry?" (Research CTS's projects, values, and market position.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between different engineering disciplines and with site execution teams?" (Discuss your experience with cross-functional teams and communication strategies.)

• "How do you ensure that design processes and lessons learned from previous projects are integrated into new ones?" (Show your understanding of continuous improvement and process implementation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the objective, detail your specific role and actions, highlight the challenges and solutions, and conclude with the measurable results.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the workflows, coordination methods, and risk management strategies you employed.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your efforts (e.g., reduction in clashes, adherence to schedule, cost savings).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience through concrete examples that showcase your ability to manage complex technical projects operationally. Demonstrating a strong understanding of data centre specifics, BIM, and regulatory compliance will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your updated CV via email to jobs@dc-forte.com, as per the application instructions.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supporting documents to highlight your experience in design management, multidisciplinary coordination, data centres, BIM, and regulatory compliance. Emphasize your role in project execution and operational oversight.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7+ years of relevant experience, focusing on achievements and responsibilities related to managing design programmes, coordinating engineering disciplines, and working within complex infrastructure projects.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare specific examples for strategy and behavioural questions. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CTS Group's projects, values, and the broader data centre industry landscape. Understand their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

⚠️ 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.