Design Manager - Site - Portugal

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Site

Company: CTS Group

Location: Project sites across Portugal

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-06T08:36:48

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (with rotational remote work)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead site-based design authority ensuring construction aligns with approved, coordinated designs from build through commissioning and handover.

• Manage the RFI (Request for Information) and Technical Query (TQ) process, ensuring timely resolution and communication between site teams, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and office-based Design & Engineering teams.

• Oversee and control design changes during the construction phase, assessing impacts on program, cost, resilience, and compliance, and managing them through the company's change control procedures.

• Facilitate seamless integration of prefabricated and modular data centre units, supporting site interfaces across critical systems like power, cooling, and fire protection.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly site-centric, requiring a strong focus on real-time problem-solving and coordination within a fast-paced construction environment. The rotational aspect (3 weeks on-site, 1 week remote) is a critical factor for candidates to consider, impacting work-life balance and project commitment. The "Operations" aspect here pertains to the operational execution of design principles on a live construction site, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary design lead on-site, serving as the key interface between the construction team, subcontractors, vendors, client representatives, and the central Design & Engineering department.

• Manage the RFI and Technical Query (TQ) lifecycle: accurately log, prioritize, resolve, or correctly route queries to the appropriate discipline or consultant, ensuring closure within established turnaround times.

• Implement and manage the design change control process during construction, rigorously assessing site-driven modifications for their impact on project schedule, budget, system resilience, and regulatory compliance.

• Thoroughly review contractor and vendor submittals, including shop drawings and equipment/material submissions, ensuring strict adherence to the approved design intent and specifications.

• Maintain rigorous drawing control and information release protocols on-site, ensuring all site teams exclusively work with the latest approved design revisions, in conjunction with document control procedures.

• Conduct regular site inspections and walk-downs to verify installation progress against design specifications, proactively identifying and resolving design-related non-conformances.

• Coordinate on-site clash detection and manage field changes in close collaboration with the BIM team, ensuring all modifications are accurately captured in the project model and the Common Data Environment (CDE).

• Provide crucial support for installation interfaces across critical systems including power distribution, cooling infrastructure, fire protection, building management systems (BMS), and energy and plant management systems (EPMS), with a specific focus on integrating prefabricated and modular units like EPODs and modular data centre solutions.

• Lead design input during site coordination, progress, and client meetings, providing clear and concise reporting on design status, open RFIs/TQs, and identified design risks to the Project Director.

• Support the testing and commissioning phases (Levels 1–5, including Integrated Systems Testing - IST) by providing necessary design clarifications and actively resolving commissioning-related issues.

• Oversee the management of as-built documentation, ensuring accurate red-line mark-ups and the timely delivery of design handover information required for client acceptance.

• Assist with site inspections and approvals required by local authorities (câmara municipal) and national regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and standards.

• Champion safety in design principles on-site and rigorously uphold CTS Group's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of CTS Group's standards and reference designs by providing valuable site-based lessons learned to the central Design & Engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight, project management, and cross-functional communication, all critical for successful site-based design operations. The emphasis on RFI/TQ management, change control, and submittal review directly relates to the operational execution of design documentation and approvals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's 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 at least 3 years specifically in a site-based design management, design coordination, or construction-phase engineering role.

• Demonstrable experience successfully working on data centre, mission-critical facility, or similarly technically complex construction sites is essential.

• Proven track record in managing RFIs, Technical Queries (TQs), submittals, and design change control processes specifically during the construction phase of projects.

• Experience in supporting testing and commissioning activities through to final project handover.

• Previous experience working within an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor or a Design & Engineering consultancy with direct site delivery responsibilities. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage design processes on-site, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Data Centre Construction: In-depth understanding of the unique challenges, processes, and technical requirements specific to data centre construction projects.

• Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Strong understanding of critical mechanical and electrical systems commonly found in mission-critical environments, including an appreciation for resilience topologies and Uptime Institute Tier standards.

• RFI & TQ Management: Proficient in managing the end-to-end process for RFIs and Technical Queries, ensuring efficient resolution and documentation.

• BIM & Digital Coordination: Working knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and digital coordination tools such as Navisworks and BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for effective site coordination.

• Change Control: Expertise in managing design changes during construction, assessing impacts, and implementing formal change control procedures.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant Portuguese and EU regulations, including the RJUE permitting regime, câmara municipal licensing processes, SCIE fire safety regulations, and Eurocodes with their Portuguese National Annexes.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Ability to make timely, sound technical decisions under significant programme pressure and to work effectively with diverse site teams and subcontractors.

• Communication: Fluent in English (mandatory) for effective communication with international teams and stakeholders. Portuguese language skills are advantageous.

Preferred Skills:

• Site-Based Coordination: Experience directly coordinating construction activities with design intent.

• Commissioning Support: Familiarity with the testing and commissioning phases of complex projects.

• EPC/Design-Build Experience: Prior roles within organizations that handle integrated design and construction delivery.

• Portuguese Language Proficiency: Added advantage for on-site communication and regulatory interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, site-based experience and a strong technical foundation in data centre infrastructure. The mention of specific regulations and BIM tools are key operational aspects for this role, indicating the need for candidates familiar with industry-specific compliance and digital workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful coordination of multi-disciplinary designs on complex construction sites, highlighting clash resolution and integrated workflows.

• RFI/TQ Resolution Examples: Documentation showcasing the process of managing RFIs and TQs, including problem identification, proposed solutions, and final resolution, with clear timelines.

• Change Control Documentation: Evidence of managing design changes during construction, detailing impact assessments (cost, schedule, technical), approval processes, and implementation.

• Submittal & Shop Drawing Review: Samples of review comments on contractor submittals and shop drawings, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to design intent.

• Site Inspection Reports: Examples of site inspection reports or non-conformance reports related to design execution, showing proactive identification and resolution of issues.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcasing understanding of how design is translated into site execution plans and how workflows are optimized for efficiency and accuracy.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how design information is effectively communicated and managed for site implementation, potentially including the use of digital tools for information flow.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrating how the effectiveness of design on-site is measured (e.g., through reduced RFIs, fewer changes, successful commissioning) and how feedback is used for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio for this role should focus on tangible evidence of managing design in a live construction environment. It needs to demonstrate practical application of design principles, process adherence, and problem-solving capabilities on-site, rather than purely conceptual design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location in Portugal, the rotational nature, and the senior level of the Design Manager role with 7+ years of experience in mission-critical construction, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Western Europe, a Gross Annual Salary range of €55,000 - €75,000 is estimated. This range accounts for the specialized technical expertise, site-based demands, and rotational work pattern. Benefits:

• Rotational Leave: 1 week of remote work for every 3 weeks on-site, providing a structured work-life balance.

• Accommodation & Travel: Provided or reimbursed accommodation and travel expenses during on-site rotations.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and potential certifications relevant to data centre design and construction.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution to a company-sponsored pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life assurance cover.

• Per Diem: Potential for per diem allowances during on-site periods to cover daily expenses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours apply during the 3-week on-site rotations, typically Monday to Friday, with potential for extended hours or weekend work as project demands require. The rotational schedule incorporates a dedicated remote week for rest and personal matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for similar Design Manager roles in Western Europe, considering the specialized data centre industry and the demanding rotational schedule. Benefits focus on supporting the logistical and personal needs associated with a site-based, rotational role.

🎯 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 modern digital infrastructure. The industry demands high levels of technical precision, reliability, and speed in delivery, driven by hyperscale cloud providers, colocation companies, and enterprise clients. This context means operations within CTS are geared towards efficiency, standardization, and robust engineering solutions.

Company Size: Growing International Company (specific employee count not provided, but implied to be significant given international operations).

• As a fast-growing international company with operations across EMEA, CTS likely offers a dynamic environment. For operations professionals, this can mean opportunities for broad exposure, involvement in scaling processes, and a chance to contribute to evolving methodologies. The international presence suggests a need for adaptable operational frameworks and strong cross-cultural communication.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided, but described as "fast-growing" and having a "proven track record."

• The company's history, while not detailed, is characterized by growth and established success. This implies a company that has successfully navigated early-stage challenges and is now focused on expansion and operational excellence. Operations roles will likely be key in sustaining this growth trajectory. Team Structure:

• Operations Team (Site-Based): The Design Manager is part of the on-site project delivery team, reporting to the Project Director. This team is multidisciplinary, including construction managers, site engineers, safety officers, and project coordinators.

• Design & Engineering Team (Office-Based): A dotted line to the Design Director signifies a connection to the central design and engineering function. This team likely comprises specialist engineers, BIM coordinators, and design leads responsible for the overarching design strategy and development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates constant collaboration with site construction teams, subcontractors, vendors, client technical representatives, and the central design office. Effective communication and coordination are paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Build: CTS emphasizes combining engineering excellence with digital transformation, suggesting a data-informed approach to design and construction.

• Standardization & Modularization: Development of digital systems and standardized modular data centre units indicates a focus on repeatable processes, efficiency, and scalability in their operational delivery model.

• Agile Project Execution: The need for speed and efficiency in delivering complex facilities implies an agile approach to project management and site operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on data centres, international growth, and a blend of traditional engineering with digital solutions shapes its operational culture. Professionals in operations roles will find an environment that values technical rigor, efficiency, and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Specialist

• This role is positioned as a senior, site-based design authority. It requires significant experience (7+ years) and a deep technical understanding, placing it at a level where individuals are expected to lead critical aspects of project delivery and mentor junior team members. The dual reporting structure (Project Director and Design Director) indicates a strategic position within the project lifecycle. Reporting Structure:

• Directly reports to the Project Director, emphasizing the operational and delivery focus of the role on site.

• Has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Design Director, ensuring alignment with the company's overall design standards and strategic engineering direction. This structure balances site-specific needs with corporate design governance. Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's role is critical in ensuring that the physical construction accurately reflects the designed specifications. This directly impacts project timelines, budget adherence, operational efficiency of the data centre, and its overall resilience and compliance. Errors or delays in design execution on-site can have significant financial and reputational consequences. Success in this role directly contributes to the successful, timely, and compliant delivery of high-value data centre assets. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Head of Site Design, or even transition into broader Project Management roles within CTS Group's international projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of data centre design (e.g., mechanical systems, electrical resilience, modular solutions) or BIM/digital construction management.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into office-based design leadership, engineering management, or contribute to the development of CTS's standardized modular solutions.

• International Exposure: Continued involvement in diverse international projects, broadening experience across different regulatory environments and project types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for experienced professionals to leverage their site-based expertise into broader project leadership or specialized technical roles within a growing, international organization. The emphasis on data centre infrastructure provides a niche for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Site-Based with Rotational Remote Component

• The primary work environment is a live construction site across Portugal. This involves working in potentially challenging conditions, requiring adaptability and resilience. The role also includes a significant remote work component (1 week out of 4), allowing for a balance between intensive on-site work and personal time. Office Location(s):

• Project sites are located across various locations in Portugal. Specific site assignments will depend on current project needs. The rotational nature means the Design Manager will be deployed to different project locations as required. Workspace Context:

• On-Site: The workspace will be a site office, which may vary in amenities depending on the project stage and location. It will be equipped for managing project documentation, communication, and coordination activities. Direct interaction with construction crews, subcontractors, and site leadership is constant.

• Remote: During the remote week, the workspace would typically be a home office environment, requiring reliable internet connectivity and the ability to maintain communication with the project team.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary project management software, communication platforms, BIM viewers (e.g., Navisworks, ACC), and potentially site-specific digital tools for progress tracking and issue reporting.

Work Schedule:

• The core schedule is a 3 weeks on-site, 1 week remote rotation. On-site weeks will involve full-time working hours, with potential for overtime as dictated by project timelines and site activities. The remote week allows for a dedicated period away from the project site.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to a site-based environment, balanced by a structured remote period. The operational aspect involves managing information and communication flow effectively across both physical and virtual workspaces.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess experience against core requirements, particularly site-based data centre construction and technical qualifications.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on technical knowledge, experience with RFIs, TQs, change control, BIM coordination, and understanding of data centre systems and regulations. This may involve case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Site/Project Immersion Interview: Potentially a discussion with a Project Director or senior site personnel to evaluate practical site management skills, problem-solving approaches, and fit within a site team culture.

• Cultural Fit & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of communication style, teamwork capabilities, adaptability, and alignment with CTS Group's values and high-performance culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management or the Design Director to discuss career aspirations, strategic alignment, and confirm suitability for the role and rotational commitment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Site Execution: Curate examples that clearly demonstrate your role in managing design during construction. Highlight specific challenges faced on-site and how you resolved them.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to show the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design-related RFIs by X%," "Managed Y number of design changes with Z impact on schedule/budget," or "Facilitated successful commissioning by resolving X design queries."

• Demonstrate Process Adherence: Show how you followed established processes for RFI management, change control, and submittal reviews. Include examples of documentation used.

• Highlight Collaboration: Use examples to showcase your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders (site teams, contractors, office engineers, clients).

• BIM Integration: If applicable, include visuals or explanations of how BIM was used for site coordination, clash detection, or information dissemination.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Be prepared for questions like: "A critical component is found to be incompatible with the approved design during installation. How do you proceed?" or "A subcontractor proposes a significant deviation from the design to save time. What is your process for evaluating this?"

• Technical Deep Dive: Refresh your knowledge on data centre systems (power, cooling, fire suppression, BMS/EPMS), resilience concepts (e.g., N+1, 2N), and relevant international/local standards (Uptime Institute, Eurocodes, SCIE).

• Regulatory Knowledge: Review the key Portuguese and EU regulations mentioned in the job description (RJUE, câmara municipal licensing, SCIE, Eurocodes).

• Communication Strategy: Practice articulating complex technical issues clearly and concisely, both for technical audiences and for project management reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical competence but also practical problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a demanding, site-based, rotational environment. A portfolio showcasing real-world application of design management principles on construction sites is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Autodesk Navisworks for clash detection and coordination; Autodesk BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for common data environment (CDE), document management, and field issue tracking.

• Project Management Software: Likely utilizes a project management platform (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or a proprietary system) for scheduling and progress tracking.

• Document Management Systems: Tools for managing drawings, submittals, RFIs, and TQs, integrated within the CDE or as standalone solutions.

• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for creating reports, presentations, and analyses.

• Data Visualization: Potential use of tools like Power BI or Tableau if detailed performance analytics are required, though primarily focused on site-level reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Not directly applicable to the Design Manager role, but awareness of CRM principles for client interaction management might be beneficial.

• Automation Tools: While the role itself isn't about automating design processes, understanding how automation (e.g., through BIM workflows, digital forms) impacts site execution and information flow is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with BIM and CDE platforms like Navisworks and BIM 360/ACC is explicitly required and critical for site coordination and information management. Familiarity with general project management and communication tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high standards of technical design and execution, ensuring the reliability and performance of data centres.

• Innovation & Digital Transformation: Embracing new technologies and digital tools to improve design, construction, and operational efficiency.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged, particularly between site and office teams.

• Efficiency & Speed: A drive to deliver complex projects quickly and efficiently without compromising quality or safety, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the data centre market.

• Safety First: Upholding rigorous HSE standards in all aspects of site operations and design implementation.

Collaboration Style:

• Site-Centric: The primary collaboration style is direct and hands-on, involving daily interaction with construction teams, subcontractors, and site leadership.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on bridging the gap between the central design office and the on-site execution teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Problem-Solving Focused: A collaborative approach geared towards identifying issues quickly and working together to find practical, efficient solutions.

• Feedback Loop: Encouraging the sharing of site lessons learned back to the central design team to drive continuous improvement in standards and future project designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: CTS Group's culture appears to be a blend of technical rigor, forward-thinking innovation, and a strong operational focus on efficient, safe project delivery. Professionals who can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and results-oriented environment will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Site-Based Demands: Working on active construction sites requires resilience to demanding conditions, tight schedules, and the need for constant vigilance regarding safety and quality.

• Rotational Work Pattern: Adapting to a 3 weeks on-site / 1 week remote schedule requires strong personal organization, time management, and the ability to disconnect and recharge during remote periods.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including site teams, subcontractors, vendors, client representatives, and office-based engineers, each with potentially competing priorities.

• Ensuring Design Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of the approved design intent while managing necessary site-driven changes and adaptations under programme pressure.

• Technical Complexity: Staying abreast of evolving data centre technologies, systems, and regulatory requirements in a rapidly advancing industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Centre Training: Access to training focused on advanced data centre design principles, specific M&E systems, modular construction techniques, and relevant industry standards.

• BIM & Digital Construction: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM coordination, CDE management, and the application of digital tools in construction operations.

• Project Management Skills: Development in areas such as advanced scheduling, cost control, risk management, and stakeholder communication within large-scale projects.

• Regulatory Expertise: Gaining deeper knowledge of Portuguese and EU construction regulations and permitting processes.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior design and project management professionals within CTS Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth within the specialized and high-demand field of data centre construction, balanced by the inherent challenges of site-based work and a rotational schedule.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design issue you encountered on a construction site and how you managed its resolution, including stakeholder communication and impact assessment." (Focus on process, technical solution, and communication.)

• "How do you ensure that site teams are consistently working to the latest approved design revisions and manage the distribution of updated information effectively?" (Assess understanding of document control and site operational procedures.)

• "Walk me through your process for evaluating a proposed design change from a subcontractor, considering its impact on cost, schedule, resilience, and compliance." (Demonstrate structured approach to change management.)

• "How do you balance the need for design accuracy with the pressures of a tight construction schedule on site?" (Assess prioritization, problem-solving under pressure, and decision-making.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on data centre construction projects with CTS Group?" (Show research into the company, industry, and role.)

• "How do you adapt to working in a rotational schedule (3 weeks on-site / 1 week remote) and what strategies do you employ to manage this lifestyle?" (Assess commitment and personal organization.)

• "Describe your experience working with BIM and CDE platforms like Navisworks and BIM 360/ACC in a site coordination context." (Gauge technical proficiency and practical application.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between the site construction team and the office-based Design & Engineering department?" (Highlight communication and bridging-the-gap skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visuals are Key: Use diagrams, drawings, site photos (if permissible), and BIM model screenshots to illustrate your points.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly state the challenge, your role, the actions taken, the tools/processes used, and the outcome (quantified if possible).

• Focus on Site Operations: Emphasize how you managed design in practice on site, rather than just the design itself.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate the step-by-step methodology you follow for key responsibilities like RFI management or change control.

• Highlight Regulatory Awareness: Integrate how you ensured compliance with Portuguese/EU regulations within your project examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, site-based experience, strong technical knowledge of data centres, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and processes under pressure, all within the context of a rotational work model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Site position:

• Submit your updated CV and a cover letter through the CTS Group careers portal or via the provided email address (jobs@dc-forte.com).

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your CV prominently highlights your experience in site-based design management, data centre or mission-critical construction, RFI/TQ management, BIM coordination (Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC), and familiarity with relevant regulations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that demonstrate your process for managing RFIs, technical queries, design changes, submittals, and site inspections. Include case studies of successful design coordination and problem-solving on construction sites.

• Research CTS Group: Familiarize yourself with CTS Group's projects, company culture, and their approach to data centre development. Understand their emphasis on engineering excellence, digital transformation, and modular solutions.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions regarding data centre systems, regulations, and project management processes. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples, focusing on your role in site-based design execution and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss your approach to the rotational work pattern.

⚠️ 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.