Design Manager (1921)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (1921)

Company: CoreSite

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Facilities Design & Management

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the design process for capital expenditure projects, with a strong emphasis on interior retrofits and improvements within actively operating data center facilities nationwide.

• Coordinates design timelines, deliverables, scope changes, and budgets, ensuring alignment with CoreSite's Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) and operational realities.

• Stays current with emerging trends and new technologies applicable to upgrade and retrofit scenarios, driving innovation for continuous improvement.

• Provides periodic design and engineering due diligence support for the acquisitions team, assessing potential facility acquisitions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on managing design for interior retrofits and improvements within existing, operational data centers, differentiating it from ground-up development or large-scale interior buildouts. The hybrid work model, requiring two days in the office, indicates a need for strong on-site collaboration and oversight within a complex, live-infrastructure environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and permitting process for interior retrofit and improvement projects across CoreSite's national data center portfolio.

• Develop and track budgets and schedules for design and permitting activities, reporting variances and managing against actuals.

• Facilitate design meetings, ensuring accurate documentation of action items and stakeholder approvals.

• Ensure owner-furnished equipment specifications are integrated into design deliverables and that all scopes are clearly delineated across disciplines.

• Manage external design consultants (architects, engineers, specialty consultants) to ensure compliance with OPR, operational constraints, and project timelines.

• Coordinate multi-phase design reviews and ensure comprehensive permit and bid set packages are prepared to minimize review cycles and construction change orders.

• Manage the building permit process nationwide, from submission through final issuance, interpreting and applying jurisdictional building codes and plan review procedures.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks to project schedules stemming from plan review comments or delays.

• Provide periodic design and engineering due diligence support for potential facility acquisitions, including building assessments and test fits.

• Collaborate closely with Construction, Engineering, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to ensure design inputs are properly incorporated and design intent is maintained through construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The deep involvement in permitting across multiple jurisdictions and the emphasis on minimizing disruption in operating facilities suggest a need for strong regulatory knowledge and practical, on-the-ground problem-solving skills. The role's success hinges on effective cross-functional communication and proactive risk management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in design management or construction, with a significant focus on existing building retrofits, renovations, or tenant improvement projects.

• Experience managing projects across multiple geographies or jurisdictions simultaneously is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design consultants and coordinating cross-functional teams in fast-paced, operational environments.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of building design processes, including code compliance, building systems (mechanical, electrical, architectural), and space planning within occupied facilities.

• Demonstrated understanding of the design and construction challenges associated with retrofit, remodel, and tenant improvement work in operational environments.

• Proven ability to navigate diverse jurisdictional requirements and building permitting processes across multiple U.S. markets.

• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects efficiently.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to build team relationships and partnerships across organizational lines.

• Detail-oriented with strong organization and project management skills, capable of managing fast-paced projects with strict adherence to budgets and deadlines.

• Proficient in document control and retention processes.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to various organizational levels.

• Ability to review vendor cost estimates and value engineering proposals for validity and alignment with project intent.

• Must understand efficient document control and retention processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data center infrastructure design and construction.

• Familiarity with CoreSite's OPR (Owner's Project Requirements) and experience in refining such documentation based on lessons learned.

• Experience providing design and engineering due diligence for facility acquisitions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for managing projects across multiple geographies simultaneously, combined with a preference for data center experience, points to a need for a candidate who can quickly adapt to different regulatory landscapes and understand the unique operational demands of data centers. The emphasis on problem-solving and stakeholder management suggests a candidate who can effectively navigate complex project environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful management of interior retrofit and improvement projects within existing, operational facilities.

• Case studies highlighting the process of managing design timelines, scope changes, and budgets for complex capital expenditure projects.

• Examples of how you have ensured compliance with building codes, OPR, and operational constraints in design deliverables.

• Evidence of successfully navigating and managing national building permit processes and coordinating with various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to developing and refining Owner's Project Requirements (OPR), with a specific focus on retrofit and in-place project contexts.

• Provide examples of your process for capturing lessons learned from projects and implementing them to refine design and documentation processes.

• Illustrate your methodology for managing design documentation, review cycles, and drawing management.

• Detail your process for facilitating design meetings, tracking action items, and ensuring timely stakeholder input and approvals.

• Outline your system for tracking permitting milestones and proactively mitigating risks to project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present a portfolio that not only showcases completed projects but also details the candidate's specific role in managing the design process, their problem-solving methodologies, and their ability to deliver projects on time and within budget while adhering to strict operational and regulatory requirements. The focus on process refinement and lessons learned is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Telemedicine services for convenient healthcare access.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Company-paid Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance.

• Voluntary supplemental insurance coverage options.

• 401(k) savings plan with a significant 5% company match.

• Discretionary annual bonus and equity incentive plan.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a 15% discount.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 paid company holidays, and additional floating holidays.

• Paid time off for various life events including school events, elder care, volunteering, bereavement, jury duty, voting, parental leave, and disability leave.

• Wellness Reimbursement Program ($500/employee, $300/dependent annually).

• Wellness Incentive Program (up to $450/year).

• Monthly Technology Stipend ($100/month).

• Educational Reimbursement Program (up to $5,250/year).

• Charitable donation matching (up to $5,000/year).

• Financial management resources, including student loan debt management tools.

• Pet Insurance.

• Family planning benefits and services.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for 24/7 support.

• Counseling and Caregiving Programs, including mental health services.

• Generous Referral Bonus ($3,000).

• Access to discounts, cash back offers, and perks.

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project demands. The role is designated as Full-Time, implying approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for additional hours required during critical project phases or for travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for similar roles in the specified region and industry. CoreSite offers a robust benefits package, including significant investment in employee well-being, professional development, and financial health, which are attractive to operations professionals. The hybrid nature of the role requires a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers. CoreSite is a leading provider of high-performance data centers and interconnection solutions, playing a critical role in enabling digital transformation for businesses across the United States.

Company Size: CoreSite is a significant player in the data center market, with a substantial portfolio of facilities. The company emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, and a strong team-oriented culture.

Founded: CoreSite was founded with a vision to provide essential digital infrastructure, growing into a recognized leader through strategic development and a commitment to customer success.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager is part of the Corporate Development team, working alongside two regionally focused Development & Design Managers.

• This role specifically handles interior retrofit and improvement projects across the entire U.S. portfolio, complementing the ground-up development focus of other team members.

• Collaboration is expected with internal stakeholders from Construction, Engineering, Operations, General Management, IT, Network Operations, Product, and Security departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Improvement: CoreSite values leveraging lessons learned from completed projects to refine OPR, processes, and documentation, ensuring continuous improvement in design and execution.

• Innovation for Improvement: The team is encouraged to stay abreast of emerging trends and new technologies applicable to upgrade and retrofit scenarios.

• Collaborative Execution: A strong emphasis is placed on cross-functional collaboration to ensure all stakeholder inputs are incorporated and project goals are met efficiently.

• Operational Excellence: Projects are managed with a keen awareness of the complexities of operating within live data center environments, prioritizing precision and minimizing customer disruption.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's culture emphasizes ownership, teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach. For an operations professional, this means an environment that values proactive problem-solving, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The company's focus on data center infrastructure positions this role within a critical and high-growth technology sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant experience in design management and project execution within a specialized industry. It involves managing complex, multi-jurisdictional projects and influencing design standards.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Vice President of Development & Design, indicating a direct line of communication to senior leadership within the development and design function.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts CoreSite's ability to maintain and upgrade its critical data center infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the ability to adapt to evolving market demands. Successful project delivery contributes to the company's revenue generation and market competitiveness by enabling capacity expansion and modernization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in data center design, retrofit strategies, and national permitting processes, becoming a subject matter expert within CoreSite's portfolio.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members, lead cross-functional design initiatives, and potentially transition into roles with broader strategic oversight within the Development & Design team.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with various departments (Construction, Operations, IT, Product), broadening understanding of the data center business lifecycle and opening doors to related operational leadership roles.

• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the refinement of CoreSite's OPR and design standards, influencing the long-term evolution of the company's infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for specialization within data center design and operations. Growth opportunities are tied to demonstrating leadership in project management, technical expertise, and the ability to drive process improvements within a demanding, infrastructure-focused environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring at least two days per week in the office. This setup aims to balance remote work flexibility with the essential in-person collaboration and oversight needed for complex design and project management tasks.

Office Location(s): While the role is based in Orlando, Florida, the responsibilities extend nationwide, requiring up to 20% travel to various CoreSite facilities. This means the "office" can often be a project site or a regional company location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office days are designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct collaboration with local colleagues and potentially visiting stakeholders.

• Tool Accessibility: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and internal communication platforms will be provided. The role necessitates proficiency with these digital resources.

• Dynamic Interaction: The work involves frequent interaction with diverse teams, including engineers, construction managers, operations personnel, and external consultants, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of managing capital projects, especially within operating facilities, may require flexibility to attend site visits, critical meetings, or address urgent project needs, potentially extending work hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of this role's work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote autonomy and structured in-office collaboration, as well as the travel required to support a national portfolio. This blend is typical for roles managing distributed assets in the operations and facilities management sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess alignment with basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions focusing on design management principles, building codes, permitting processes, and experience with retrofit projects in operational environments. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session will likely be scheduled to walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your specific role, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., budget adherence, timeline management, problem resolution).

• Cross-Functional Interviews: You may meet with key stakeholders from Construction, Engineering, or Operations to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate diverse perspectives into designs.

• Leadership/VP Interview: A final interview with the VP of Development & Design to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and CoreSite's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing interior retrofits, improvements in operational facilities, and national permitting.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the scope, the challenges, the solutions you devised, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, successful code compliance).

• Process Emphasis: Be ready to explain your design management process, including how you handle scope changes, budget tracking, stakeholder communication, and consultant management. Highlight your approach to capturing lessons learned.

• Data Center Nuances: If you have data center experience, emphasize it. If not, clearly explain how your experience with complex, operational environments translates to the unique demands of data centers.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, photos, timelines) where appropriate to illustrate project complexities and solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you approach a design challenge in a live data hall with minimal customer disruption?" or "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements on a retrofit project."

• Code Compliance: Be ready to discuss your understanding of common building codes (IBC, NFPA) and how you ensure compliance in retrofit scenarios.

• Permitting Strategy: Outline your approach to managing permitting across multiple jurisdictions, including how you proactively address potential delays or code interpretation issues.

• Value Engineering: Prepare to discuss how you evaluate and propose value engineering options while maintaining design intent and operational integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess technical expertise, project management capabilities, collaborative skills, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that details process and quantifiable results will be critical for success, especially during the portfolio review stage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with architectural and engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms for reviewing and coordinating design documents.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for tracking timelines, tasks, and resource allocation.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with platforms for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., SharePoint, proprietary systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for budget tracking, financial analysis, and data manipulation.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on project status, budget variances, and risk assessments for stakeholders.

• Data Visualization (Basic): Ability to interpret and present data from project dashboards or reports effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Familiarity with CoreSite's internal project management and reporting systems, which may include CRM-like functionalities for tracking vendor interactions and project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficient use of communication and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team interactions and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a strong foundation in common design, project management, and documentation tools is expected. The role requires the ability to quickly adapt to CoreSite's internal systems and demonstrate proficiency in managing project data and communications effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Committed to Excellence: A dedication to high-quality design and execution, ensuring that retrofits and improvements meet stringent operational and performance standards.

• Build Connections: Fostering strong working relationships with internal teams (Construction, Operations, IT) and external partners (design consultants, vendors) to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Own It: Taking full responsibility for managing design processes, budgets, and timelines, proactively identifying and resolving issues.

• Do the Right Thing: Upholding integrity in all dealings, ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, and CoreSite's ethical standards.

• Have Fun: Contributing to a positive and engaging work environment, even amidst the complexities of operational facility projects.

• Win as a Team: Collaborating effectively, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, ensuring all operational, engineering, and business needs are considered in the design process.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, transparent, and timely communication to manage expectations, resolve conflicts, and keep stakeholders informed.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to design partners and internal teams to refine processes and enhance project outcomes.

• Partnership Mindset: Building strong, collaborative relationships with external consultants and vendors, viewing them as integral partners in project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's values are deeply embedded in their operational approach. For a Design Manager, this translates to a role where accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to quality are paramount, especially when working within the critical infrastructure of data centers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Operating Facilities: Managing design and construction within live data centers presents unique challenges, including minimizing customer disruption, ensuring continuous operations, and navigating existing infrastructure constraints.

• National Regulatory Landscape: Ensuring compliance with diverse building codes, permitting requirements, and local ordinances across numerous U.S. jurisdictions simultaneously.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Integrating input from various internal departments (Operations, IT, Security, Product) and external consultants, often with competing priorities.

• Budget and Schedule Pressures: Delivering projects on time and within budget in a dynamic environment where unforeseen issues can arise, especially in older facilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Data Center Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in the specific design, mechanical, electrical, and architectural requirements of modern data centers, particularly in retrofit scenarios.

• Advanced Permitting & Code Navigation: Developing sophisticated skills in understanding and applying complex building codes and permitting processes across a wide range of U.S. municipalities.

• Cross-Functional Business Acumen: Expanding understanding of broader business operations, including acquisitions, product development, and network infrastructure, through close collaboration.

• Process Optimization Leadership: Contributing to the refinement of CoreSite's design and development methodologies, potentially leading initiatives for process improvement and standardization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges are inherent to the specialized nature of data center retrofits and national operations. Growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who can master these challenges and leverage them for skill development and career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Management Approach: "Describe your methodology for managing the design lifecycle of a capital expenditure project within an operational facility. How do you ensure stakeholder alignment and mitigate risks?"

• Code & Permitting Expertise: "Walk me through your process for ensuring building code compliance and obtaining permits for retrofit projects across multiple U.S. states. What are common pitfalls and how do you avoid them?"

• Problem-Solving in Operations: "Describe a time you faced a significant design or construction challenge in an occupied facility. What was the issue, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Core Values Alignment: "How do CoreSite's values of 'Own It,' 'Do the Right Thing,' and 'Win as a Team' resonate with your professional approach, particularly in the context of managing complex projects?"

• Collaboration Style: "How do you ensure effective collaboration with diverse internal teams like Operations, Construction, and IT, especially when their needs might seem to conflict with design requirements?"

• Innovation & Improvement: "How do you stay current with industry trends and new technologies relevant to data center retrofits, and how would you propose implementing improvements within CoreSite's existing portfolio?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Storytelling: For each project, clearly outline the "Situation," "Task," "Action," and "Result" (STAR method). Focus on your direct contributions and the impact of your decisions.

• Quantifiable Metrics: Present data points that demonstrate success: budget variance (%), schedule adherence (%), number of change orders avoided, successful permitting timelines, or specific operational improvements achieved.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to visually and verbally explain your design management process, from kickoff to design completion and handover to construction, highlighting key decision points and control mechanisms.

• Addressing Challenges: Be transparent about challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to manage complex projects in challenging environments, your understanding of regulatory frameworks, and your collaborative approach. Quantifiable results and a clear demonstration of your process will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CoreSite careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in design management, capital expenditure projects, retrofit/tenant improvement work, and any data center-specific experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "building codes," "permitting," "project management," and "stakeholder management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to manage design within operational facilities, navigate national permitting, and collaborate across teams. Be ready to discuss your process and quantifiable results.

• Research CoreSite: Understand their business, their role in the digital infrastructure market, and their company values. Familiarize yourself with their data center portfolio and commitment to operational excellence.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, including behavioral, situational, and technical queries relevant to design management, construction, and data center operations. Be ready to articulate your approach to challenges and your collaboration style.

⚠️ 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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