Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager

Company: Designer Group

Location: Athens, Attica, Greece

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design strategy for critical Data Centre projects, from initial tender through to final commissioning, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and operational excellence.

• Provide senior authority and technical expertise across design, preconstruction, and delivery phases, significantly influencing project engineering, build, and commissioning methodologies.

• Drive value engineering and buildability initiatives within the preconstruction and estimation processes, optimizing project feasibility and commercial viability.

• Manage and rigorously challenge external design consultants and supply chain partners to ensure design delivery meets stringent programme, cost, and technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical authority within engineering design operations, focusing on data center projects. The emphasis on "not a coordination role" and "senior authority" indicates a high level of strategic input and decision-making responsibility, going beyond typical project management. The hybrid nature suggests a need for both on-site presence for critical project phases and remote capability for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the overarching design strategy, guiding projects from the tender stage through to successful commissioning, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach.

• Actively support preconstruction and estimation teams by providing critical value engineering insights and buildability assessments to enhance project feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Manage and rigorously evaluate the performance of external design consultants and supply chain partners, ensuring their outputs meet project specifications and standards.

• Guarantee that design delivery is meticulously aligned with project timelines, budgetary constraints, and defined technical requirements, mitigating risks proactively.

• Conduct thorough reviews of technical submissions, drawings, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) models to ensure accuracy, compliance, and constructability.

• Provide essential on-site engineering support throughout the entire project lifecycle, addressing emergent issues and ensuring smooth execution.

• Oversee and direct testing, commissioning, and quality assurance processes to validate system performance and adherence to standards.

• Ensure strict compliance with relevant industry standards, including BS7671, NICEIC, and the company's internal DG engineering standards.

• Collaborate closely with SAP (System Application & Products) for LV/HV (Low Voltage/High Voltage) systems, ensuring safe and effective system integration.

• Mentor and support the development of junior and graduate engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement within the team.

• Contribute actively to the continuous improvement of Designer Group's design and Quality Assurance (QA) processes, implementing best practices and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, technical oversight, and hands-on project involvement. The explicit mention of BS7671, NICEIC, and DG engineering standards indicates a strong focus on electrical compliance and quality within the data center context. Support for junior engineers suggests a leadership component beyond pure technical execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree or HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Building Services Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in engineering, specifically within an M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) contractor environment.

• Demonstrated strong background and practical experience across both design and site delivery phases of projects. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and strategize design processes from inception to completion, ensuring project objectives are met.

• Preconstruction Expertise: Deep understanding of preconstruction phases, including estimating, tendering, and risk assessment.

• Value Engineering: Skill in identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing project designs without compromising quality or functionality.

• Buildability Assessment: Ability to evaluate designs for practical construction feasibility and efficiency.

• Electrical Systems Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems, including design principles, installation practices, and troubleshooting.

• BS7671 Compliance: In-depth understanding and practical application of BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), including the 18th Edition.

• Commissioning Oversight: Experience in managing and executing testing and commissioning procedures for complex systems.

• Quality Assurance (QA): Strong grasp of QA methodologies to ensure project deliverables meet high standards.

• BIM Model Review: Proficiency in reviewing and interpreting BIM models for design coordination and clash detection.

• Technical Submissions Review: Ability to critically assess and approve technical documentation and submissions.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and negotiation skills to manage relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• M&E Contractor Environment: Experience working within the specific operational and project delivery frameworks of an M&E contractor.

• Site Delivery Experience: Practical, hands-on experience managing and executing engineering tasks on construction sites.

• LV/HV Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with Low Voltage and High Voltage electrical systems and their integration.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Understanding of all project phases from initial concept to final handover and operational support.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mission-critical project environments (e.g., data centers, healthcare facilities).

• Familiarity with NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) standards and processes.

• Knowledge of SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in data processing) in relation to engineering systems.

• Experience with infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards practical, hands-on engineering and project delivery within the M&E contracting sector, with a strong emphasis on electrical systems and compliance. The explicit mention of BS7671 and the 18th Edition highlights the critical nature of electrical safety and regulatory adherence. BIM model review and technical submission assessment point to a need for strong analytical and documentation review capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Leadership: Showcase instances where you led design strategy from tender through to commissioning, detailing your approach and impact on project outcomes.

• Value Engineering & Buildability Case Studies: Present specific examples of how you identified and implemented value engineering solutions or improved buildability, quantifying the benefits (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration).

• Consultant & Supply Chain Management: Detail your experience in managing external design consultants and subcontractors, including how you ensured their performance, managed issues, and achieved project goals.

• Compliance & Standards Adherence: Provide evidence of your work in ensuring designs meet rigorous technical standards, such as BS7671, with specific examples of compliance checks and problem-solving.

• System Integration Examples: Illustrate your experience with integrating complex systems, particularly LV/HV systems and their safe implementation, potentially referencing specific project challenges and solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your process for developing and refining engineering design workflows, from initial concept to detailed design documentation.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail your approach to implementing designs on-site and any use of automation or digital tools (like BIM) to streamline the construction and commissioning phases.

• Measurement & Analysis: Showcase how you measure the success of design strategies and processes, including metrics used for quality assurance, performance tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Engineering Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list responsibilities but demonstrate tangible achievements and a structured approach to problem-solving, particularly concerning design strategy, buildability, compliance, and stakeholder management within the M&E and data center context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Engineering Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living European capital like Athens, particularly in specialized sectors like data centers and M&E contracting, the estimated annual salary range would be €55,000 - €75,000. This estimate considers the complexity of the role, the critical nature of data center projects, and the requirement for specialized technical knowledge (e.g., BS7671, LV/HV systems). Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, potentially including international coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions towards a pension or other retirement savings schemes, compliant with Greek national regulations.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for advanced training, certifications (e.g., specialized electrical engineering courses, project management certifications), and attendance at industry conferences.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual performance and company/project success.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, public holidays, and potential for additional leave for significant life events.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: The ability to balance on-site project work with remote work, offering flexibility and improved work-life integration.

• Travel Allowances: Reimbursement or provision for travel expenses related to site visits and project-related business.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of data center development and the hybrid work arrangement, there may be flexibility required to meet project deadlines, especially during critical on-site phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general European engineering management roles and adjusted for Athens' cost of living and the specialized nature of data center M&E. Benefits are standard for professional roles in Western Europe, with a focus on professional development relevant to engineering and project management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The company operates within the Construction and Engineering Services sector, with a specific focus on Data Centre Development and M&E contracting. This industry is characterized by demanding project timelines, rigorous quality and safety standards, and a high degree of technical specialization. Data centers, in particular, require exceptional reliability, energy efficiency, and advanced cooling and power systems, placing a premium on meticulous engineering and design. Company Size:

• While not explicitly stated, the existence of a dedicated careers page and the nature of managing complex projects suggest a medium to large-sized organization. For an operations professional, this typically means access to established processes and resources, while still offering opportunities for significant impact and visibility. It also implies a structured hierarchy and departmental functions. Founded:

• The company was founded in 2015. This relatively recent founding suggests a dynamic, potentially fast-growing company that may still be refining its processes and culture, offering opportunities for individuals to shape its future operations and contribute to its growth trajectory. Team Structure:

• Operations Team: Likely comprises dedicated engineering design professionals, project managers, site engineers, and QA specialists focused on the end-to-end delivery of M&E systems for data centers.

• Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, Head of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role within the operations or project delivery division. They will, in turn, manage a team of design engineers and potentially consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role demands extensive collaboration with project management, estimation, procurement, construction teams, clients, external consultants (architects, structural engineers), and supply chain partners to ensure seamless project execution and alignment of design intent with practical delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, performance metrics, and technical analysis to inform design decisions and process improvements.

• Agile Project Execution: While not explicitly Agile in the software sense, data center projects often require adaptive planning and rapid problem-solving to meet tight deadlines and evolving client needs.

• Standardized Processes: Implementation of established engineering design standards (e.g., BS7671) and company-specific QA processes for consistency and reliability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding date of 2015 indicates a modern, potentially innovative organization. The focus on Data Centres within the M&E sector implies a high-stakes environment where precision, reliability, and technical expertise are paramount. Understanding this context is key for candidates to align their experience and approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering design operations function. It requires not only deep technical expertise but also significant leadership, strategic thinking, and project management capabilities. The scope extends beyond individual design tasks to encompass the entire design lifecycle and its impact on project success, cost, and client satisfaction. Reporting Structure:

• The Engineering Design Manager will typically report to a senior executive such as a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Chief Technical Officer. They will lead a team of engineers, drafters, and potentially external consultants, overseeing their work, providing technical guidance, and ensuring cohesive design output. Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and operational reliability of high-value data center projects. Effective design management minimizes costly rework, ensures compliance, enhances system performance, and contributes directly to the company's reputation and profitability in a competitive market. Strategic input at this level can shape the company's technical direction and innovation in design methodologies. Growth Opportunities:

• Director-Level Positions: Progression to roles such as Director of Engineering, Head of Design, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas like data center electrical systems, power distribution, cooling technologies, or sustainable engineering practices.

• Technical Leadership: Becoming a subject matter expert and recognized authority within the company or industry on data center engineering design and best practices.

• Project Executive Roles: Transitioning into roles with broader project responsibility, potentially managing entire project lifecycles from commercial bid to final handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for experienced engineers looking to move into leadership and strategic roles within the specialized field of data center engineering. The growth path clearly leads towards higher levels of management and technical authority.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the practical needs of managing complex engineering projects that often require on-site supervision and collaboration. Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Athens, Attica, Greece. Specific office details are not provided, but it is likely a professional office setting equipped for design work, meetings, and administrative tasks. Site visits to project locations within Greece or potentially abroad will also be a requirement. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through scheduled on-site meetings, team workshops, and virtual communication tools for remote interactions. Expect regular engagement with project teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM tools), project management platforms, communication tools, and potentially specialized data center design and simulation software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with junior engineers for mentorship, with project managers for coordination, and with senior leadership for strategic alignment. The hybrid nature requires proactive engagement to maintain strong team connections.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical. However, the demands of project deadlines, particularly during critical construction and commissioning phases, may necessitate working beyond standard hours or on weekends. The hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility in managing personal schedules around these project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect, requiring self-discipline and strong communication skills to manage effectively. Candidates should be prepared for both focused individual work remotely and active, collaborative engagement on-site and virtually.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in M&E contracting, design leadership, and data center projects.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience with electrical systems, BS7671, LV/HV systems, BIM, and your approach to managing design consultants. Expect scenario-based questions related to buildability, value engineering, and problem-solving on site.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing your key projects and contributions. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your design strategy, leadership, and impact through case studies.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and senior management to assess your fit within the company culture, collaboration style, and leadership potential.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Data Center Experience: Prioritize projects within the data center sector, detailing your specific role and contributions to power, cooling, and distribution systems.

• Showcase Design Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your responsibilities in leading the design strategy, managing teams, and making critical technical decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible – e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements due to buildability assessments, reduction in design clashes through BIM coordination, compliance adherence rates.

• Structure Case Studies: For key projects, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to present challenges, your approach, and the outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your projects, including specific electrical calculations, compliance challenges, and system integrations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Exercise: You might be given a hypothetical data center design challenge and asked to outline your approach to developing the design strategy, identifying key risks, and proposing value engineering solutions.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to troubleshoot a common design or site issue related to electrical systems, demonstrating your analytical and practical problem-solving skills.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you would communicate complex technical information or resolve disagreements with different stakeholders (e.g., client, contractor, consultant).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical depth, practical site experience, and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates achievements and demonstrates a strategic approach to design management is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Revit (for BIM modeling and design documentation).

• BIM Software: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks (for model coordination, clash detection, and visualization).

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.

• Design Analysis Tools: Potentially specialized software for electrical load calculations, power distribution analysis, thermal modeling, and network simulation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Power BI, Tableau for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and generating reports.

• Reporting Tools: Internal company reporting systems, custom dashboards for tracking design progress, budget adherence, and QA compliance.

CRM & Automation:

• While less direct for this role, understanding how CRM systems feed project requirements and how automation can streamline workflows (e.g., through BIM or project management tools) is beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different software platforms (e.g., BIM, project management, ERP) can be integrated to enhance data flow and process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with BIM software (Revit, Navisworks) is critical given its mention in the responsibilities. Strong analytical skills using tools like Excel or Power BI for data-driven decision-making and reporting are also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality engineering, adherence to standards, and continuous learning in electrical and building services design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across different disciplines and with external partners to achieve shared project goals. The hybrid model necessitates strong communication and mutual support.

• Integrity & Accountability: Taking ownership of design decisions, ensuring compliance, and delivering on project commitments with honesty and professionalism.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies (like BIM) to improve design processes, buildability, and overall project efficiency.

• Safety First: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations and on-site execution, particularly concerning electrical systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with project management, estimation, procurement, and site teams to ensure design intent is understood and feasible.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and regular communication channels with all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams, to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement within the design team and across project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's relatively recent founding suggests a culture that may be adaptable and forward-thinking. Candidates should emphasize their ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid environment and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Rigor with Project Pace: The primary challenge will be ensuring meticulous design quality and compliance within the demanding timelines typical of data center projects.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively navigating the expectations and technical inputs of clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and internal teams, each with potentially competing priorities.

• Technical Complexity of Data Centers: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving data center technologies, power requirements, and cooling solutions, and translating these into practical, compliant designs.

• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining team cohesion, effective communication, and project oversight in a hybrid work environment, ensuring no critical aspects are overlooked due to remote presence.

• Ensuring Buildability: Translating complex designs into constructible solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and safe for site teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Engineering: Opportunities to specialize further in areas like critical power systems, advanced cooling technologies, or sustainable data center design.

• Leadership Development: Training programs focused on management, strategic planning, financial acumen, and leading high-performing engineering teams.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., P.Eng., LEED AP, specific vendor certifications).

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Projects: Working on state-of-the-art data center projects provides invaluable learning experiences and exposure to industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach these challenges, demonstrating resilience, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset. Highlighting a desire for continuous learning aligns well with the dynamic nature of the data center industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading the design strategy of a complex M&E project from tender to commissioning. How do you ensure alignment with commercial objectives?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your structured approach, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and how you integrate technical requirements with business goals. Use project examples.

• "How do you manage and challenge external design consultants to ensure they meet project requirements and standards like BS7671? Provide an example."

  • Preparation: Detail your methods for setting expectations, reviewing submissions, providing feedback, and resolving discrepancies. Highlight your assertiveness and technical judgment.

• "Walk me through a situation where you identified significant value engineering or buildability improvements on a project. What was the impact?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method to illustrate a specific instance, quantifying the benefits achieved (cost savings, schedule acceleration, improved functionality).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Designer Group and our work in the data center sector? How do your skills align with our focus on engineering excellence and compliance?"

  • Preparation: Research the company website, recent projects, and industry news. Connect your experience directly to their stated values and project types.

• "How do you foster collaboration and communication within a hybrid engineering team, especially when managing on-site delivery and remote design oversight?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for clear communication, team building, leveraging technology, and ensuring accountability in a hybrid setting.

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions or priorities regarding a design decision. How did you achieve consensus?"

  • Preparation: Showcase your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills in resolving conflicts and driving towards a project-aligned solution.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects, focusing on data center or critical infrastructure if possible.

• Quantify Results: For each project, clearly state the scope, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, technical improvements).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your strategic contributions, decision-making authority, and management of teams and consultants.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects in detail, especially regarding electrical systems, compliance, and system integration.

• Concise Storytelling: Structure your presentation logically, using visuals (drawings, diagrams, photos) where appropriate, and keeping the narrative focused on your impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise, strong leadership, strategic thinking, and practical project execution skills, particularly within the context of data center M&E projects and a hybrid work environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring all sections of the application form are completed accurately and thoroughly.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in M&E contracting, data center projects, design leadership, and specific technical skills like BS7671, LV/HV systems, and BIM. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a professional portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on design strategy, leadership, technical challenges overcome, and quantifiable results. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., PDF, online link).

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions and prepare a concise overview of your experience and suitability for the role, ready for an initial screening call or interview.

• Research the Company: Thoroughly understand Designer Group's projects, values, and culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, demonstrating your engagement and interest.

⚠️ 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.