Data Center Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Design Manager

Company: Overwatch Mission Critical

Location: Meridian, Mississippi, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Program Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-06

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the entire Data Center Design Program lifecycle, from initial due diligence through operational handover, ensuring strategic alignment and execution efficiency.

• Provide critical design management support and coordination across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining rigorous timelines, quality standards, and cost controls.

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, facilitating continuous improvement of design processes and onboarding external partners.

• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track design program performance, driving data-informed decision-making and operational transparency.

• Leverage technical familiarity with tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet, alongside strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills, to ensure seamless project delivery in the mission-critical infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description outlines a role with significant program oversight and hands-on design coordination responsibilities within the mission-critical infrastructure sector, specifically data centers. This role blends program management with detailed design execution support, requiring a candidate who can manage both strategic program evolution and tactical project-level coordination. The "Design Program Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like "Shepherd the Design Program" and "Coordinate design timelines," indicates a role focused on the operationalization and efficient delivery of design processes for data center construction projects. The implied experience level is mid-to-senior, given the scope of responsibilities and the need for managing complex systems and stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Program Oversight: Shepherd the end-to-end Design Program, from early-stage Due Diligence through to final Operations Handover, ensuring all project phases meet established standards and objectives.

• Stakeholder Management & Training: Serve as the single point of contact for internal stakeholders, providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure program adoption and compliance.

• Project-Level Compliance Tracking: Diligently track and report on Design Program compliance at an individual project level, identifying deviations and recommending corrective actions.

• Continuous Improvement Leadership: Proactively lead initiatives for the continuous improvement of the Design Program, incorporating feedback and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• External Partner Onboarding: Develop and execute structured onboarding processes for external Architectural, Engineering, and Vendor (AVE) Partners to ensure seamless integration into Overwatch's design framework.

• Document Control & Change Management: Manage all aspects of document control and change management related to the Design Program, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and version control.

• Design Timeline Coordination: Coordinate complex design timelines, including critical reviews and page-turns, across a portfolio of multiple projects simultaneously.

• Task & Resource Coordination: Support project team members by coordinating tasks and allocating resources effectively to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

• Progress Monitoring & Barrier Removal: Tenaciously monitor project progress against established timelines, quality benchmarks, and cost targets, proactively identifying and removing barriers to completion.

• Cross-Functional Meeting Facilitation: Chair cross-functional meetings, including internal stakeholder reviews and external partner syncs, ensuring productive discussions and clear action item assignment.

• Process & Tool Development: Create and implement streamlined processes, user-friendly tools, and transparent dashboards to enhance operational efficiency and visibility across the design function.

• KPI Development & Performance Tracking: Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to objectively track design program and project performance, identifying opportunities for strategic improvements and cost savings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: strategic program management and tactical project execution. The emphasis on "shepherding," "continuous improvement," and "KPI development" points to a role that shapes and refines operational processes. The need to coordinate "design timelines across multiple projects" and "support project team members" indicates a strong project management and coordination component. The creation of "simple processes, tools, dashboards" underscores a commitment to operational efficiency and data-driven management, aligning with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of process optimization and performance measurement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, program management, or project management within the construction industry, with a strong focus on mission-critical facilities.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, large-scale building systems, such as data centers, hospitals, or airports.

Required Skills:

• Design Program Management: Expertise in managing comprehensive design programs, including lifecycle oversight from due diligence to handover.

• Project Coordination & Scheduling: Ability to coordinate complex design timelines, manage reviews, and ensure timely milestone achievement across multiple projects.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to manage, influence, and communicate effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including AVE partners and project teams.

• Process Improvement & Development: Demonstrated ability to create, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, tools, and dashboards for enhanced efficiency and transparency.

• Data Analysis & KPI Development: Proficiency in developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making.

• Document Control & Change Management: Strong understanding and practical application of document control procedures and change management protocols within project lifecycles.

• Meeting Facilitation: Skill in chairing cross-functional meetings, ensuring productive dialogue, clear action item assignment, and effective outcomes.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and construction challenges, removing roadblocks to ensure project progress.

• Technical Familiarity: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Bluebeam and SmartSheet, as well as standard office productivity software.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Design Principles: In-depth knowledge of data center design considerations, including power, cooling, network infrastructure, and security.

• Owner's Representative Experience: Experience acting as an owner's representative for design and construction activities.

• Risk Management: Familiarity with identifying and mitigating risks associated with design and construction projects.

• Lean Construction Principles: Understanding and application of Lean construction methodologies to optimize workflow and reduce waste.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic program oversight and tactical project execution skills, particularly within the mission-critical construction domain. The requirement for technical familiarity with tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet, alongside process development and KPI tracking, aligns strongly with the operational focus of roles in Revenue Operations and Sales Operations, where efficiency, data, and process optimization are paramount. The implied experience level suggests a need for candidates who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic insight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Program Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed design programs, detailing the lifecycle stages, key challenges, and outcomes achieved.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Present documented instances of process creation, refinement, or optimization, highlighting the implemented tools, workflows, and resulting efficiency gains.

• KPI Development & Impact: Include examples of developed KPIs, demonstrating their application in tracking performance, identifying trends, and influencing strategic decisions within design or construction projects.

• Cross-Functional Project Coordination: Provide evidence of managing complex design coordination efforts across multiple disciplines and projects, illustrating skills in timeline management, resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment.

• Tool Implementation Examples: Demonstrate practical application and implementation of tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet within project workflows, showcasing how they facilitated collaboration, documentation, or progress tracking.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail the methodology used to design, document, and optimize workflows for design review, change management, and partner onboarding processes.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how new processes or tools were implemented and, where applicable, automated to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate how the performance of implemented processes was measured, analyzed, and reported on, using data and KPIs to demonstrate impact and identify areas for further enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on program management and process optimization in construction, a portfolio is crucial. It should demonstrate not just project completion but the systematic approach taken. The emphasis on process documentation, KPI development, and tool implementation directly mirrors the requirements in operations roles where demonstrating measurable impact through process improvement is key. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of how they've structured and improved processes, using data to support their claims.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) retirement plan with potential company match to support long-term financial goals.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal days, and sick leave to promote a healthy work-life balance.

• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance to offer financial security for employees and their families.

• Relocation Assistance: Available to support candidates who need to relocate to the Meridian, MS area for the position.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement within the mission-critical construction sector.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. However, given the nature of project deadlines and the hybrid work environment, flexibility may be required to meet project demands, including occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles and adjusted for the specific location (Meridian, MS), considering the cost of living and typical compensation for specialized roles in the construction and mission-critical infrastructure sectors. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions and are crucial for attracting and retaining talent in specialized fields. The mention of flexibility in working hours is common for project-based roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mission-Critical Infrastructure Construction Services (Data Centers, etc.)

Company Size: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), typically indicating a company size that allows for close-knit teams and direct impact while serving significant clients. The "talent acquisition" and "general contractor services" suggest a growing, dynamic organization.

Founded: Overwatch Mission Critical is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). While the exact founding year isn't provided, its SDVOSB status implies a commitment to veteran employment and a mission-driven ethos.

Team Structure:

• Program-Centric: The role sits within a program management function, likely collaborating closely with project managers, design teams (internal and external), construction leads, and operations personnel.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect significant interaction with various departments, including engineering, procurement, site operations, and executive leadership, requiring strong communication and integration skills.

• Owner's Representative Focus: The team likely operates with an owner's representative mindset, prioritizing client needs, project success, and strategic asset management.

Methodology:

• Precision and Reliability: Overwatch emphasizes constructing and managing state-of-the-art data centers with "precision and reliability," indicating a culture that values meticulous planning and execution.

• Purpose-Driven: The slogan "it's more than a job—it's purpose" suggests a culture that values meaningful work and dedication, likely rooted in its veteran-owned status and the critical nature of its projects.

• Continuous Improvement: The explicit responsibility to "Lead Continuous Improvement of the Design Program" points to a culture that embraces feedback, data analysis, and iterative refinement of processes.

Company Website: weareoverwatch.com (derived from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly influenced by its identity as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), suggesting a foundation of discipline, teamwork, and mission focus. The specialization in mission-critical infrastructure, particularly data centers, implies a high-stakes environment where precision, reliability, and continuous improvement are paramount. The role's placement within a program management structure highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and a client-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, focusing on program management within the design and construction lifecycle of data centers. It requires a blend of strategic program oversight and detailed operational coordination. The scope involves managing a program and supporting multiple projects, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Program Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the project management or operations division, such as a Director of Program Management, VP of Operations, or similar executive. They will, in turn, lead and coordinate efforts with project teams, consultants, and external partners.

Operations Impact: The Design Program Manager directly impacts the success of Overwatch's mission-critical projects by ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality design execution. This role is crucial for controlling project timelines, managing costs, mitigating risks, and ultimately delivering state-of-the-art data centers that meet client specifications and operational requirements. Their work directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for reliability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Program Management: Progression to managing larger, more complex programs or a portfolio of programs across multiple critical infrastructure sectors.

• Director-Level Roles: Advancement into leadership positions such as Director of Design Management, Director of Project Management, or VP of Operations, overseeing broader operational functions.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like data center design optimization, sustainable construction practices, or advanced project management methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead cross-departmental initiatives or transition into roles focused on strategic planning or business development within the mission-critical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Program Manager in this industry is typically one of increasing scope and strategic responsibility. The role provides a strong foundation in project lifecycle management and operational efficiency, which are transferable skills for senior leadership roles. The focus on continuous improvement and KPI development indicates opportunities for candidates to demonstrate strategic impact and leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as operating in a "combination of office, remote, and active construction site environments." This suggests a hybrid work model where remote work is possible, but regular presence in an office setting and frequent site visits are expected.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Meridian, Mississippi. However, the requirement to "travel to and between job sites" indicates that the work environment extends beyond a single office to various construction sites, potentially across different regions depending on project assignments.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic & Collaborative: The environment requires seamless integration into a cohesive group, implying a collaborative spirit. Interaction with contractors, engineers, and site personnel is frequent.

• Technology-Enabled: Familiarity with tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet is expected, indicating that technology plays a key role in daily operations, communication, and project management.

• Field Integration: The role demands comfort and capability in active construction zones, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This necessitates a blend of professional office skills and adaptability to demanding field conditions.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demands of project deadlines and construction site activities may necessitate flexibility, including occasional extended hours or weekend work. This requires individuals who can manage their time effectively across different work settings and prioritize tasks accordingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and site-intensive nature of this role requires adaptability. Candidates comfortable with dynamic environments, balancing office-based planning with on-site execution and safety protocols, will be best suited. The expectation of flexibility in the work schedule is common for project management roles in construction and mission-critical sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess alignment with core requirements, focusing on experience in design management, program oversight, and mission-critical construction.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion, likely focusing on past project experience, program management approach, stakeholder management skills, and technical proficiency with relevant tools. Prepare to discuss specific examples of design program oversight and process improvements.

• Team/Panel Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues and cross-functional team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and problem-solving capabilities. Case studies or scenario-based questions related to design coordination and obstacle removal may be presented.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your experience in managing design programs from inception to completion. Use a consistent format for each project or case study.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative, highlight specific, measurable achievements. Demonstrate how your actions led to improved timelines, cost savings, enhanced quality, or streamlined processes. Use metrics and KPIs whenever possible.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your ability to design, implement, and improve operational processes. Detail your approach to documentation, change management, and continuous improvement, showing how you've made operations more efficient and transparent.

• Tool Proficiency: Include examples of how you've effectively utilized tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet to manage projects, facilitate collaboration, and track progress. Briefly explain the impact of these tools.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Showcase your ability to manage diverse stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've facilitated communication, resolved conflicts, and built strong working relationships.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario requiring you to coordinate design reviews and resolve conflicting requirements across multiple projects and stakeholders. Focus on your process for identifying issues, communicating with relevant parties, and driving towards a resolution.

• Process Improvement Initiative: You might be asked to outline how you would approach improving a specific aspect of the design program, such as onboarding new partners or managing design changes. Focus on a structured approach involving analysis, solution design, implementation, and measurement.

• KPI Development: Prepare to discuss how you would develop KPIs for tracking design program success, considering aspects like schedule adherence, budget variance, quality of deliverables, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this will heavily scrutinize practical experience and problem-solving skills. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies for program management, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results and a systematic approach to operations is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Bluebeam: Essential for document review, markup, and collaboration on project drawings and specifications. Proficiency in its advanced features for takeoff, quantification, and PDF manipulation is expected.

• SmartSheet: A cloud-based work management platform used for project planning, tracking, automation, and reporting. Candidates should demonstrate experience in creating and managing project schedules, task lists, and dashboards within SmartSheet.

• Standard Office Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or equivalent Google Workspace applications for documentation, communication, and presentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Dashboarding Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or SmartSheet's built-in capabilities): Experience in creating and interpreting dashboards to visualize project progress, KPIs, and operational performance.

• Reporting Software: Ability to generate clear, concise reports on design program status, compliance, risks, and performance metrics for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): While not explicitly named, familiarity with broader PMIS or similar systems used for comprehensive project documentation and lifecycle management is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools (potentially within SmartSheet or other platforms): Understanding of how to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools that facilitate collaboration, documentation, and project tracking in a complex construction environment. Bluebeam and SmartSheet are core to managing design documents and project schedules, respectively. Proficiency in these tools, along with general office productivity and reporting software, is critical for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: A core value reflected in the company's mission to build state-of-the-art data centers with high standards of accuracy and dependability.

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to meaningful work, likely stemming from its veteran-owned status and the critical nature of infrastructure projects. This translates to dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

• Continuous Improvement: An embedded value that drives the team to constantly seek better ways of working, optimizing processes, and enhancing outcomes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Essential in construction and project management, ensuring transparency, ethical conduct, and ownership of responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires seamless integration into a cohesive group, emphasizing a collaborative spirit and mutual support among team members.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of working closely with diverse teams (engineering, construction, operations, external partners), requiring strong communication and partnership-building skills.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values open communication and constructive feedback, essential for continuous improvement and effective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of disciplined, mission-oriented values derived from its veteran ownership and the pragmatic, results-driven ethos of the construction industry. Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on teamwork and leveraging diverse expertise to achieve project success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Project Lifecycles: Simultaneously overseeing the design phase for several complex data center projects, each with unique timelines, requirements, and stakeholders.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and demands of diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, clients, consultants, and general contractors, while ensuring program integrity.

• Navigating Design-Construction Interface: Ensuring seamless alignment and communication between the design and construction phases, proactively resolving issues that arise during the construction process.

• Driving Process Adoption: Implementing and embedding new processes or improvements across various teams and external partners, overcoming resistance to change and ensuring consistent application.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Regularly navigating the complexities and potential hazards of active construction sites while maintaining focus on design program objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management: Opportunities to deepen expertise in large-scale program management methodologies and best practices specific to mission-critical infrastructure.

• Data Center Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of data center design intricacies, operational requirements, and emerging technologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into senior leadership roles, honing skills in strategic planning, team management, and executive communication.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized areas within construction or data center operations.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within Overwatch who can provide guidance and insights into career progression within the company and the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to complexity, coordination, and stakeholder management, common in large-scale construction programs. These challenges also serve as significant growth opportunities for individuals seeking to expand their expertise in specialized project management and operational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Program Management Philosophy: Be ready to discuss your approach to managing a design program from inception to completion. Focus on your strategic framework, risk mitigation tactics, and how you ensure alignment with business objectives.

• Process Optimization: Prepare to articulate specific examples of how you have identified inefficiencies in design or project management processes and what steps you took to implement improvements, including the tools and metrics used.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Discuss a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or requirements from multiple stakeholders. Outline your strategy for achieving consensus and driving project forward.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission-Critical Focus: Research Overwatch Mission Critical's work in data centers and mission-critical infrastructure. Understand the importance of reliability and precision in this sector and how your values align with the company's "purpose-driven" ethos.

• Veteran-Owned Business Context: Consider how your experience and approach might complement or benefit from working within a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business environment.

• Collaboration Style: Be prepared to describe how you foster collaboration, manage cross-functional teams, and integrate external partners effectively.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Program Lifecycle: For your portfolio, structure presentations to clearly illustrate the entire design program lifecycle you've managed, from initial due diligence to final handover.

• Quantify Impact with KPIs: When presenting case studies, focus on quantifiable results. Detail the KPIs you tracked and how they demonstrated the success of your program management and process improvements (e.g., % reduction in design revisions, % improvement in schedule adherence).

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly explain how you leveraged tools like Bluebeam and SmartSheet to achieve specific project outcomes or improve operational efficiency within your presented examples.

• Focus on Problem/Solution/Result: For each key project or initiative, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific actions (process, strategy, tools), and the measurable result achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured, data-driven approach to program and process management, coupled with strong interpersonal skills. Candidates must be able to translate their experience into tangible results and align their approach with Overwatch's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.gem.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience in design management, program oversight, and construction project coordination, emphasizing your work with mission-critical facilities and large-scale building systems. Integrate keywords such as "Data Center Design," "Program Management," "Stakeholder Management," "Bluebeam," and "SmartSheet."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your ability to manage design programs, implement process improvements, and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Focus on quantifiable achievements and clear examples of your work with relevant tools.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to common challenges in design management and project coordination, such as managing conflicting stakeholder requirements or resolving design issues during construction. Be ready to discuss your process for developing and tracking KPIs.

• Research Overwatch Mission Critical: Understand the company's mission, values, and specialization in mission-critical infrastructure. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their focus on precision, reliability, and purpose-driven work.

⚠️ 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.