Design Manager - Site - Spain

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Site

Company: CTS Group

Location: Project sites across Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-06

Experience Level: 7+ years (with 3+ years in site-based design coordination)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Rotational: 3 weeks on site / 1 week remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the on-site design authority, ensuring construction aligns with approved design documentation throughout project lifecycles.

• Manage critical communication channels between site teams, subcontractors, vendors, client representatives, and the central Design & Engineering department.

• Oversee the Request for Information (RFI) and Technical Query (TQ) process, ensuring timely and accurate resolution to maintain project momentum.

• Implement and manage a robust design change control process to assess and approve modifications during the construction phase, mitigating impacts on schedule, cost, and resilience.

• Facilitate the integration of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and modular data centre units, ensuring seamless installation and interface coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for the successful execution of complex data centre projects, bridging the gap between design intent and on-site reality. It requires a strong understanding of both design principles and construction methodologies, with a particular emphasis on mission-critical infrastructure. The rotational hybrid model suggests a need for individuals comfortable with intensive on-site periods balanced with remote work for focused analysis and reporting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary design lead on site, serving as the key liaison between field construction teams, subcontractors, vendors, client technical representatives, and the company’s office-based Design & Engineering teams.

• Manage the end-to-end RFI and Technical Query (TQ) process, including logging, prioritization, routing to appropriate disciplines or consultants, and ensuring closure within stipulated turnaround times.

• Control and document design changes initiated during the construction phase, rigorously assessing their impact on program, cost, resilience, and compliance before managing them through the official CTS change control procedures.

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

• Maintain drawing control and information release on site, ensuring all site teams are consistently working with the latest approved design revisions, in close coordination with document control functions.

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

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

• Provide technical support for the installation interfaces across critical systems, including power distribution, cooling systems, fire protection, Building Management Systems (BMS)/Energy Performance Management Systems (EPMS), and the integration of prefabricated and modular data centre units (e.g., EPODs, modular units).

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

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

• Oversee the compilation and management of as-built documentation, red-line mark-ups, and all design handover information required for client acceptance and project closeout.

• Assist in site inspections and approvals conducted by local Spanish authorities (Ayuntamiento) and regional governing bodies.

• Champion safety in design principles on site and ensure strict adherence to CTS Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards.

• Facilitate the feedback loop of site-specific lessons learned to the central Design & Engineering team, contributing to the continuous improvement of CTS standards and reference designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, on-the-ground approach to design management, requiring strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence outcomes directly on site. The mention of specific systems like EPODs and modular units indicates a need for familiarity with modern data centre construction technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering 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 working on data centre, mission-critical facilities, or similarly technically complex construction sites is essential.

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

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

• Experience gained working within an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractor or a Design & Engineering consultancy that has direct site delivery responsibility. Required Skills:

• Design Management & Coordination: Proven ability to lead and coordinate design efforts on complex construction projects.

• Data Centre Infrastructure: Strong understanding of Mechanical and Electrical systems crucial for mission-critical environments, including resilience topologies and Uptime Institute Tier standards.

• RFI & TQ Management: Expertise in managing the full lifecycle of RFIs and Technical Queries to ensure efficient problem resolution.

• Change Control Processes: Proficiency in assessing, documenting, and managing design changes during construction.

• Submittal Review: Skilled in reviewing contractor and vendor submittals against design intent and specifications.

• Site Inspection & Verification: Ability to conduct thorough site inspections to ensure compliance with design and quality standards.

• BIM & CDE Proficiency: Working knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital coordination tools such as Navisworks, BIM 360, or Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) for on-site coordination.

• Spanish Building Regulations: Knowledge of Spanish regulatory frameworks, including the Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE), REBT (Low Voltage Electrical Regulations), RITE (Thermal Installations Regulation), RSCIEI (Fire Safety Regulations for Industrial Establishments), municipal licensing requirements (licencia de obras / licencia de actividad), and Eurocodes (with Spanish National Annexes).

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Ability to make timely, sound technical decisions under significant programme pressure.

• Communication & Collaboration: Capacity to work effectively with diverse site teams and subcontractors, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English (mandatory).

Preferred Skills:

• Spanish Language Fluency: Spanish language skills are advantageous for on-site communication and stakeholder engagement.

• MEP Systems Integration: Deeper knowledge of the integration and interfaces across various MEP systems and modular unit installations.

• Testing & Commissioning Support: Experience actively participating in and supporting IST phases.

• EPC/Design-Build Experience: Direct experience within EPC or design-build contractor environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Spanish regulations and BIM tools highlights the technical depth required. The preference for fluent Spanish suggests a focus on candidates who can seamlessly integrate into local site teams and manage communication effectively within Spain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Site-Based Design Challenges: Present detailed examples of complex design issues encountered on construction sites and how they were resolved, showcasing problem-solving methodologies and technical acumen.

• RFI/TQ Management Examples: Illustrate your process for managing RFIs and TQs, including logging, tracking, resolution strategies, and communication protocols, ideally with examples of efficiency improvements.

• Design Change Control Documentation: Provide examples of how you have managed design changes during construction, demonstrating your ability to assess impacts (cost, schedule, resilience) and follow formal change control procedures.

• Submittal Review Process: Showcase your approach to reviewing contractor submittals and shop drawings, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with design intent.

• Site Inspection & Non-Conformance Reports: Include examples of site inspection reports and non-conformance reports you have generated, demonstrating your ability to identify and document design-related issues.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of workflow design for managing site design coordination, RFI/TQ processes, and change control, with a focus on optimizing turnaround times and communication efficiency.

• System Implementation & Automation: Highlight experience with implementing or utilizing digital tools for design coordination, such as BIM, CDE, Navisworks, or BIM 360/ACC, and how these systems enhance site operations.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how you track and report on design-related metrics on site, such as RFI/TQ closure rates, design query resolution times, and the impact of design changes, to drive performance improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles in a live construction environment is critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their processes for managing common site-based design challenges and showcasing their ability to leverage digital tools for improved coordination and control.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in specialized construction (data centres, mission-critical) in Spain, a competitive salary range is estimated between €55,000 - €75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the rotational nature of the role, the required technical expertise, and the cost of living in major Spanish regions where project sites are typically located. Benefits:

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

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance coverage.

• Travel & Accommodation: All travel and accommodation expenses covered during on-site rotations.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and professional growth within the data centre sector.

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

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial security for dependents.

• Per Diem Allowance: Daily allowance for expenses incurred during on-site periods.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours on-site are typically 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, aligning with project site operations. Extended hours may be required during peak periods or to meet critical deadlines, with compensatory time off or overtime arrangements as per company policy. Remote work weeks will adhere to standard professional working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Spain, factoring in the specialized nature of data centre construction and the required experience. The rotational model is a key benefit, offering a structured way to manage the demands of site-based work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centre Design and Build (EPC/Design-Build) across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The company focuses on delivering high-performance, sustainable, and future-ready data centre solutions, integrating engineering excellence with digital transformation.

Company Size: Fast-growing international company with over 40 nationalities represented, indicating a dynamic and expanding organization with a global outlook. This size suggests a structure that balances established processes with agility and opportunities for impact.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the description "fast-growing international design and build company" implies a relatively modern organization that has achieved significant scale and market presence.

Team Structure:

• Project Delivery Teams: The Design Manager is embedded within project delivery teams on construction sites, reporting directly to the Project Director.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A dotted line to the Design Director indicates a clear reporting and communication channel to the central engineering and design leadership.

• Global Network: Collaboration extends across site teams, subcontractors, client representatives, and the office-based Design & Engineering teams, fostering a diverse and interconnected work environment.

Methodology:

• Engineering Excellence & Innovation: CTS emphasizes combining technical precision with innovative approaches to data centre development.

• Digital Transformation: The company actively develops digital systems and modular data centre units, reflecting a forward-thinking operational strategy.

• Standardized Modular Solutions: A key methodology involves developing standardized modular data centre units to meet evolving client needs efficiently.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the focus on engineering excellence and digital systems implies a data-centric approach to project planning and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CTS Group appears to be a rapidly expanding player in the data centre market, valuing innovation, technical expertise, and a global, inclusive culture. The operational model likely involves a blend of centralized design standards and decentralized site execution, requiring strong communication and coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the project delivery and engineering operations domain. It is a critical on-site leadership role that requires significant technical expertise, project management acumen, and the ability to influence project outcomes directly. It sits at the intersection of design, construction, and client relations.

Reporting Structure:

• Direct Report: Project Director on site.

• Dotted Line Report: Design Director (likely office-based), providing technical guidance and alignment with company-wide design standards.

• Team Interaction: Works closely with site construction managers, subcontractors, vendors, client technical representatives, and the central Design & Engineering team.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's primary impact is ensuring the successful, compliant, and efficient construction of data centres according to approved designs.

• They directly influence project schedule adherence, cost control (by managing design changes effectively), quality of installation, and overall project risk mitigation related to design.

• By feeding site lessons learned back to the central team, they contribute to the long-term improvement of CTS’s design standards and operational efficiency for future projects. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Lead Design Manager roles on larger, more complex, or multiple projects.

• Project Management: Potential transition into full Project Director roles, leveraging deep site and design understanding.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific data centre systems (e.g., power, cooling, modular solutions) or regulatory compliance.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects across EMEA as the company continues its expansion.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Leading initiatives to enhance design coordination, RFI management, or change control processes across CTS.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a high-growth industry, particularly for individuals who excel in complex, fast-paced project environments and possess strong technical and interpersonal skills. The blend of site and remote work also offers flexibility for continued professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily site-based within active construction zones across Spain. This involves working within temporary site offices and directly on the construction floor, interacting with trades and project personnel. During the remote week, work will be conducted from a home office.

Office Location(s): Project sites are located across various regions in Spain. Specific project locations will vary, requiring flexibility and willingness to travel and relocate to different sites as projects commence and progress.

Workspace Context:

• On-Site: Dynamic, fast-paced construction environment. Requires adaptability to varying site conditions and direct engagement with diverse teams. Access to site facilities, including project offices, meeting rooms, and the construction area itself.

• Remote: Professional home office setup enabling focused work on documentation, reporting, and virtual coordination meetings. Access to company digital platforms and communication tools.

• Technology: Reliance on digital tools for design coordination (BIM, CDE), communication (email, collaboration platforms), and project management.

Work Schedule:

• Rotational: 3 weeks on-site, 1 week remote. This structure requires discipline and effective time management to maximize productivity during both phases.

• On-Site: Typically aligns with standard construction hours, potentially including extended periods to meet project milestones.

• Remote: Standard professional working hours, with flexibility often available depending on task requirements and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is demanding and requires individuals who thrive in both intense, hands-on site settings and focused, independent remote work. The rotational schedule is a key feature of the work environment, necessitating strong organizational skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on relevant experience in data centre/mission-critical construction, technical qualifications, and knowledge of Spanish regulations.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with a member of the Design or Engineering team to assess technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of MEP systems and data centre design principles. This may include scenario-based questions related to site design challenges.

• Site/Project Management Interview: Conversation with the Project Director or a senior project manager to evaluate experience in site-based design management, RFI/TQ handling, change control, and ability to work within a project team structure. This stage will likely assess your understanding of the rotational work model and site deployment.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their capabilities in managing design on site, resolving complex issues, and ensuring compliance.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion with senior leadership, potentially covering cultural fit, career aspirations, and finalization of terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Site Relevance: Prioritize examples that directly showcase your experience managing design during construction. Highlight how you interfaced with site teams, subcontractors, and resolved on-site issues.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Clearly articulate your structured approach to RFI/TQ management, change control, and submittal reviews. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the positive outcomes of your work. For instance, "Reduced RFI turnaround time by X%," or "Prevented potential cost overruns of €Y by proactively managing design changes."

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that highlight your understanding of MEP systems, resilience, and relevant codes/standards (especially Spanish regulations).

• BIM/Digital Tools Integration: If applicable, provide examples of how you utilized BIM or other digital coordination tools on site to resolve clashes or improve communication.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that your contributions are clearly delineated.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios involving design clashes, site-driven changes, or urgent RFI/TQ requests. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach, immediate actions, and follow-up steps.

• Regulatory Compliance Questions: Review common Spanish building codes (CTE, REBT, RITE, RSCIEI) and be ready to discuss their implications for data centre design and construction.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage differing opinions or urgent requests from site teams, subcontractors, and clients regarding design issues.

• Rotational Work Model: Be ready to discuss your approach to managing work effectively during both the on-site and remote phases of the rotation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical, on-site experience and the ability to navigate the complexities of construction projects. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the responsibilities and required skills will be a significant asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM authoring tools is beneficial, but proficiency in BIM coordination platforms is essential.

• Coordination Platforms:

  • Autodesk Navisworks: Crucial for clash detection, 3D model review, and coordination meetings on site.
  • Autodesk BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Platforms for managing project documents, workflows, RFIs, submittals, and facilitating collaboration in a Common Data Environment (CDE).

• Document Management Systems: Experience with CDEs for managing drawings, submittals, and project documentation flow.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting on design metrics (e.g., RFI logs, change order logs).

• Power BI / Tableau (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with data visualization tools could be beneficial for creating performance dashboards for design-related metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools used for tracking tasks, schedules, and communication on construction sites.

• Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and collaboration, especially between site and office teams.

• ERP Systems (Potentially): Understanding how design documentation interfaces with broader ERP systems for cost and procurement management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Autodesk’s BIM and CDE ecosystem (Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC) is a core technical requirement. The ability to leverage these tools for on-site coordination and information management is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A strong commitment to technical accuracy, quality, and precision in all design and construction activities.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as digital systems and modular construction, to drive efficiency and performance.

• Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive and team-oriented environment where diverse nationalities and perspectives contribute to project success.

• Efficiency: A focus on delivering projects with speed, precision, and optimal resource utilization, driven by standardized processes and continuous improvement.

• Integrity & Safety: Upholding the highest standards of safety in design and on-site operations, alongside ethical business practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages close working relationships between site teams, office-based engineering, subcontractors, and clients to ensure seamless project execution.

• Open Communication: Values clear, direct, and timely communication to resolve issues and share information effectively, particularly between site and office.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Cultivates a culture where challenges are addressed proactively and collaboratively, with a shared responsibility for finding solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks and incorporates feedback, especially site lessons learned, to refine processes and enhance future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: CTS Group's culture appears to be a blend of rigorous engineering discipline and a modern, global approach to team collaboration. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion, coupled with a drive for innovation and efficiency, shapes the operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• On-Site Coordination Complexity: Managing design interfaces and resolving clashes across multiple MEP systems and subcontractors in a live construction environment.

• Design Change Management: Effectively controlling scope creep and design changes while balancing project timelines, budgets, and client requirements.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and ensuring adherence to complex and specific Spanish building regulations and municipal requirements.

• Remote Team Integration: Maintaining effective communication and design continuity between the site team and the distant office-based Design & Engineering department.

• Fast-Paced Project Cycles: Adapting to the demanding schedules inherent in data centre construction and the rotational work pattern.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Centre Knowledge: Deepening understanding of Uptime Institute Tier standards, specific MEP systems (e.g., cooling technologies, power distribution), and modular data centre unit integration.

• Spanish Regulatory Expertise: Becoming an expert in the application of Spanish building codes within the context of mission-critical infrastructure.

• Advanced BIM & CDE Skills: Enhancing proficiency with Autodesk BIM 360/ACC and other digital construction management tools.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills for leading larger project teams or taking on more senior project management responsibilities.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Further developing skills in collaborating with a diverse, international workforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to complex technical coordination and regulatory navigation, but these are balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly expanding sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing design integrity on a complex construction site. How do you ensure the built product aligns with the approved design intent, especially when dealing with site-driven changes?" (Focus on process, documentation, and proactive measures.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you handle a situation where a key subcontractor proposes a design modification that impacts cost and schedule, but claims it's necessary for constructability?" (Prepare to discuss negotiation, impact assessment, and escalation.)

• Problem-Solving: "You discover a significant clash between the power distribution system and the cooling pipework during a site inspection. What are your immediate steps, who do you involve, and how do you ensure a swift resolution without compromising safety or quality?" (Focus on systematic problem-solving, communication, and documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about CTS Group and the data centre industry?" (Research company values, projects, and recent news.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a diverse and international team environment like CTS Group's?" (Reflect on your experience with cross-cultural collaboration.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts on site, beyond just completing the build?" (Think about metrics like RFI closure rates, change order avoidance, quality of as-built documentation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the actions you took, the tools/processes used, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Highlight Site-Specific Issues: Emphasize how you navigated real-world construction site complexities and the direct impact of your decisions.

• Demonstrate Technical Rigor: Be prepared to explain technical details and your understanding of relevant codes and standards, particularly Spanish regulations.

• Showcase Your Process: Walk through your RFI/TQ and change control workflows, explaining the 'why' behind each step.

• Engage Your Audience: Use visuals where appropriate (diagrams, simplified drawings) and be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of construction site dynamics, and specific knowledge of data centre infrastructure and Spanish regulations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Site position:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided link on the CTS Group careers page or email your CV to jobs@dc-forte.com as instructed.

• Tailor your CV: Emphasize your experience in data centre/mission-critical construction, site-based design management, RFI/TQ handling, change control, and specific knowledge of Spanish building regulations (CTE, REBT, RITE, RSCIEI). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate a selection of case studies that highlight your ability to manage design on site, resolve technical challenges, and ensure compliance. Focus on examples demonstrating your process for RFI/TQ management, change control, and site inspections.

• Research CTS Group: Familiarize yourself with CTS Group's projects, company values, and its position in the data centre market. Understand their focus on engineering excellence, innovation, and digital transformation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with scenario-based questions related to site design challenges, stakeholder management, and your understanding of the rotational work model. Be ready to articulate your problem-solving methodology and technical expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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