Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: atNorth
Location: Oslo, Norway
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering & Operations Management
Date Posted: November 18, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in leading the technical and commercial aspects of design and build-out projects for state-of-the-art, sustainable data centers across the Nordics.
• The Design Manager will be instrumental in ensuring standardization, quality, and sustainability are integrated across all development phases, directly impacting operational efficiency and environmental footprint.
• This position requires a strong engineering foundation, coupled with project management acumen, to oversee external consultants and internal stakeholders to deliver cost-optimized and technically sound infrastructure solutions.
• A key focus will be on evaluating site selection opportunities, managing Capex budgets, assessing technical risks, and driving continuous design improvements based on incident investigations and sustainability initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the description strongly indicates a role within infrastructure development and operations, specifically for data centers. The responsibilities and required skills align with operations and engineering management functions rather than traditional product or UX design. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, project execution, and strategic oversight within the data center infrastructure domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and commercial delivery of design and build-out projects for atNorth’s data centers across Norway, Sweden, and other Nordic countries, ensuring adherence to atNorth’s standard design and infrastructure solutions.
• Act as the primary technical and commercial expert throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept through to final handover and operational integration.
• Oversee the detailed design phase, providing critical support during construction to ensure strict alignment with project gating requirements, budget constraints, sustainability targets, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) processes.
• Coordinate effectively with external Architecture & Engineering (A&E) consultants, as well as internal Development, Procurement, and Engineering teams, to deliver efficient, cost-optimized, and technically robust data center solutions.
• Assist in site selection processes by conducting thorough evaluations of brownfield and greenfield opportunities, including master planning and feasibility studies.
• Review and manage Capital Expenditure (Capex) budgets, comprehensively assessing technical risks associated with expansions, retrofits, or entirely new data center builds.
• Support technical incident investigations, analyzing root causes and implementing corrective actions to drive continuous design improvements and enhance system reliability.
• Proactively identify and prioritize sustainability opportunities within design and construction, ensuring the minimization of environmental impact and alignment with atNorth's sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to project delivery within the critical infrastructure sector. The scope includes strategic input on site selection, deep involvement in the design and construction phases, budget management, and a strong focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and risk mitigation, which are core to Revenue Operations and Sales Operations roles focused on infrastructure and resource planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

Experience:

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in infrastructure or construction projects, with a strong preference for experience within the data center industry.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design & Infrastructure: Deep understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles applied to complex infrastructure projects, particularly data centers.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Demonstrated ability to manage technical and commercial aspects of design and build-out projects from inception through completion.
• Data Center Critical Infrastructure: Comprehensive knowledge of data center equipment, power distribution, cooling systems, and associated critical infrastructure.
• Budget Management & Cost Optimization: Proficiency in reviewing Capex budgets, assessing financial viability, and implementing cost-effective design solutions.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze technical challenges, investigate incidents, and develop effective, data-driven solutions.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate with external consultants and internal cross-functional teams.
• Sustainability Focus: A clear understanding of and commitment to integrating sustainable practices and minimizing environmental impact in design and construction.
• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in English is essential for communication and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Language Proficiency: Fluency in Swedish or Norwegian is considered a significant advantage for local stakeholder engagement and site-specific requirements.
• Building Management Systems (BMS): Basic knowledge of BMS and their integration into critical infrastructure operations.
• Civil/Structural Engineering: Familiarity with civil and structural engineering principles relevant to construction projects.
• Risk Assessment: Experience in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating technical risks in construction and infrastructure projects.
• Proactive & Adaptable Mindset: A self-driven, proactive approach with the flexibility to adapt to changing project demands and fast-paced environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on engineering, infrastructure, project management, and cost/risk assessment aligns with the core competencies sought in operations roles that support GTM functions by ensuring the foundational infrastructure and processes are robust, efficient, and scalable. The required technical depth and project management experience suggest a role that interfaces heavily with finance and procurement from an operational efficiency perspective.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase completed infrastructure or construction projects, detailing your role, scope of work, and key technical challenges overcome.
• Design & Engineering Deliverables: Examples of design documentation, schematics, or technical specifications you have developed or managed, highlighting adherence to standards and best practices.
• Cost Management & Budgetary Control: Evidence of managing Capex budgets, demonstrating cost-optimization strategies and successful financial outcomes in past projects.
• Sustainability Integration: Examples of how sustainability principles were incorporated into project designs, with quantifiable environmental benefits where possible.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Case studies illustrating your approach to identifying and mitigating technical risks in infrastructure development projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documented processes for managing the design and build-out phases of infrastructure projects, including gating procedures and stakeholder coordination workflows.
• Standardization Protocols: Evidence of developing or implementing standardized design and engineering protocols to ensure consistency and quality across multiple sites.
• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Examples of how you have tracked and reported on project performance, including metrics related to cost, schedule, quality, sustainability, and HSE compliance.
• Continuous Improvement Mechanisms: Processes for incorporating lessons learned from technical incident investigations and operational feedback into future design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, a portfolio is crucial. It should demonstrate not just technical execution but also strategic thinking around process efficiency, cost control, risk management, and the ability to implement standardized, scalable solutions, mirroring the analytical and process-driven nature of operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-7 years of experience in Oslo, Norway, within the technology/infrastructure sector, the estimated annual salary range is likely between NOK 700,000 and NOK 950,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Oslo, the specialized nature of data center infrastructure, and the leadership responsibilities associated with the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing Programs: Focus on employee wellbeing, including monthly surveys and regular one-to-one meetings to ensure employee satisfaction and support.
• Shared Breakfasts: Weekly office-wide shared breakfasts fostering a strong sense of community and informal collaboration.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement relevant to data center design and engineering.
• Travel Opportunities: Will involve travel across the Nordics, providing exposure to diverse project environments and company sites.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Standard Norwegian pension contributions and benefits.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Standard holiday allowance in line with Norwegian labor laws.
• Company-Provided Equipment: Necessary tools and technology for the role, including travel expenses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be required due to the nature of construction projects and potential travel, including occasional work outside regular business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data for similar roles in Oslo, Norway, considering the tech and infrastructure sectors. Benefits are inferred from the company description emphasizing employee wellbeing and culture. The role's nature implies potential for travel and occasional non-standard hours, which is typical for project management roles in infrastructure development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Data Centers / Cloud Infrastructure. atNorth operates in the rapidly growing Nordic data center market, a sector characterized by high demand for sustainable, high-performance computing solutions and significant investment in digital infrastructure. Company Size: With a growing workforce, atNorth is likely in the mid-to-large size range for a specialized tech company, suggesting a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact without being overly bureaucratic. Founded: Founded in 2009, atNorth has established itself as a key player in the Nordic region, with a history of growth and expansion that speaks to its stability and forward-thinking approach in the data center industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Engineering Focus: The role sits within a team likely comprised of development, engineering, procurement, and project management professionals dedicated to the expansion and operation of data center facilities.
• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Development or Engineering department, such as a Head of Engineering, Director of Development, or similar.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with internal teams such as Procurement, Engineering, Operations, HSE, and potentially Sales and Finance, as well as external A&E consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes using data and technical analysis to inform design decisions, optimize performance, and ensure reliability.
• Standardization & Efficiency: Focus on implementing standardized design templates and efficient project execution methodologies to ensure consistency and scalability across multiple sites.
• Sustainability Integration: A core operational principle, embedding environmental considerations into every stage of the development lifecycle.
• Agile Project Execution: While not explicitly stated, complex infrastructure projects often benefit from agile or hybrid project management approaches to adapt to evolving requirements and challenges.

Company Website: https://careers.atnorth.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a mission-driven organization focused on sustainable technology infrastructure. This implies a culture that values innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, which are increasingly critical considerations in operations and GTM strategy. The team structure suggests a collaborative environment where operational excellence is a shared goal.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level, responsible for significant technical and commercial outcomes within the data center development lifecycle. It requires a blend of deep engineering expertise and strategic project oversight. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP level within Engineering or Development, providing visibility into senior leadership and strategic decision-making processes. This offers exposure to high-level operational planning and resource allocation. Operations Impact: The decisions made by the Design Manager directly influence the cost, efficiency, reliability, and environmental footprint of atNorth's data center facilities. This has a material impact on the company's operational expenditures (OpEx) and capital expenditures (CapEx), as well as its ability to deliver competitive services and meet sustainability goals, all of which are critical for revenue generation and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a senior leadership role, such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or VP of Data Center Development, managing larger teams and broader project portfolios.
• Specialization in Sustainable Infrastructure: Deepen expertise in sustainable data center design, a rapidly growing and critical field, potentially leading to specialized roles or consulting opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related operational roles, such as Data Center Operations Management, Capacity Planning, or Procurement Strategy, leveraging a holistic understanding of the data center lifecycle.
• International Exposure: Continued opportunities to work on projects across the Nordics and potentially beyond, expanding professional networks and understanding of diverse market requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for advancement within a specialized and growing industry. The emphasis on strategic impact, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous learning provides a strong foundation for long-term career development within operations and engineering management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment will be an office-based setting in Oslo, Norway, supporting the strategic and administrative aspects of data center design and development. However, the role also necessitates significant site visits to various Nordic locations. Office Location(s): The primary office will be in Oslo. Fieldwork will involve travel to existing and potential future atNorth data center sites across Norway, Sweden, and potentially other Nordic countries.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Office Space: The Oslo office is likely designed to foster collaboration, with shared spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and company-wide events like the weekly breakfast.
• Access to Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to necessary design software, project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized engineering analysis software.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, project managers, and leadership, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical for a full-time role.
• The nature of managing construction projects and site assessments may require flexibility, including occasional work outside standard business hours or during weekends, especially when travel is involved or critical project milestones are approaching.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role, combining office-based strategic work with on-site project execution and travel, is common for infrastructure development management. This offers a dynamic work experience but requires strong time management and adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and CV to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on engineering experience, project management, and data center knowledge.
• Technical Interview: A detailed discussion with hiring managers and/or senior engineers to assess your technical depth in electrical/mechanical engineering, understanding of critical infrastructure, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges, risk assessment, and sustainability integration.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, showcasing relevant projects. This is where your process documentation and case studies will be critical. Focus on demonstrating your impact and methodology.
• Cultural Fit & Behavioral Interview: An assessment of your communication style, adaptability, proactivity, and alignment with atNorth's values, particularly regarding collaboration, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior executive to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the company's growth trajectory.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in infrastructure development, data centers, technical design leadership, and budget management.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to illustrate the success of your projects – e.g., cost savings achieved, efficiency improvements, reduction in environmental impact, successful project completion timelines.
• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your methodology for design, stakeholder coordination, risk assessment, and sustainability integration. Show, don't just tell, how you approach problem-solving.
• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you effectively collaborated with internal teams and external consultants to achieve project objectives.
• Address Sustainability: Specifically showcase how you embedded sustainable practices and achieved environmental goals within your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical questions about designing or troubleshooting critical systems in a data center environment. Think about power redundancy, cooling efficiency, and emergency response.
• Project Management Scenarios: Practice discussing how you would manage competing priorities, budget constraints, or challenging stakeholder relationships on a complex build-out project.
• Sustainability Integration: Consider how you would prioritize and implement sustainability initiatives in a cost-sensitive environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly vet technical expertise, project execution capability, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and a structured approach to complex projects will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) for design visualization, clash detection, and project documentation.
• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for planning, scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, financial modeling, budget tracking, and reporting.
• Data Visualization Tools: Basic familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboarding solutions for presenting project performance metrics and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM requirement indicated: While not explicitly stated for this role, understanding how design decisions impact operational efficiency and potentially customer-facing infrastructure is beneficial.
• Process Automation Concepts: Understanding of how workflows can be standardized and potentially automated within design and project management processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design tools, project management platforms, and robust data analysis capabilities within spreadsheet software. The emphasis on efficiency suggests an appreciation for process automation concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability First: A deep commitment to environmental responsibility, driving decisions that minimize ecological impact and promote green energy solutions in data center design and operation.
• Excellence in Execution: A dedication to high standards in technical design, project delivery, and operational reliability, ensuring data centers meet performance and uptime requirements.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open and communicative environment where ideas are shared freely, challenges are addressed collectively, and team members feel valued and heard.
• Proactive Innovation: Encouraging a forward-thinking mindset to identify and implement new technologies and methodologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
• Employee Wellbeing: Prioritizing the health, happiness, and professional development of all employees, creating a supportive and engaging work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach that bridges the gap between design, engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives.
• Consultative Approach: Working closely with external A&E consultants and internal stakeholders to leverage expertise, gather input, and ensure all perspectives are considered in the design process.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Relying on data analysis and technical insights to guide discussions, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions that benefit the project and the company.
• Continuous Feedback Loop: Embracing a culture of open feedback to drive ongoing process improvements and enhance team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and collaborative style point to a team that is mission-driven, technically proficient, and focused on collective success. Operations professionals who thrive in environments that value sustainability, efficiency, and open communication will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Sustainability with Cost: Integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies while adhering to strict Capex budgets and commercial viability can be a significant challenge.
• Complex Regulatory Environments: Navigating evolving environmental regulations and building codes across different Nordic countries requires diligent attention and adaptability.
• Rapid Technological Advancement: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving technology in data centers (e.g., AI infrastructure demands, cooling technologies) and translating these into practical, scalable designs.
• Geographical Dispersion: Managing projects and coordinating teams across multiple Nordic locations, requiring effective remote management and travel logistics.
• Technical Risk Management: Proactively identifying and mitigating unforeseen technical issues that can arise during complex infrastructure construction projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Design: Deepen expertise in areas like high-density computing, advanced cooling solutions (liquid cooling), power infrastructure for hyperscale, and renewable energy integration.
• Sustainability Certifications: Pursuing certifications related to green building (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) or sustainable engineering practices.
• Project Management Professionalism: Opportunities to enhance project management skills, potentially leading to PMP or similar certifications.
• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs and mentorship to prepare for advanced management roles within atNorth.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience with a variety of data center types and scales across different Nordic markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in rapidly developing infrastructure sectors. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to specialize in the high-demand field of sustainable data center operations and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach designing a new data hall to maximize power efficiency and minimize environmental impact, considering both current and future capacity needs?
• Describe a time you had to manage competing technical requirements and budget constraints on a large infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?
• How do you ensure standardization and quality control across multiple construction projects managed by different external consultants?
• Walk me through your process for assessing technical risks during the site selection and master planning phase for a new data center.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Based on your research, how do you see your role contributing to atNorth's commitment to sustainability?
• Describe your experience working in collaborative environments. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment with diverse teams and stakeholders?
• How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in data center design and engineering?
• What are your thoughts on the importance of employee wellbeing in a demanding industry like data center development?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each selected project, clearly outline the challenge, your solution (including design choices and processes), the implementation, and the quantifiable results (cost savings, efficiency gains, sustainability improvements, risk mitigation).
• Focus on Your Role: Emphasize your specific contributions and decision-making processes.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the methodologies you used for project management, design, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment.
• Highlight Sustainability: Dedicate specific points to how sustainability was integrated and what impact it had.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, budget management, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical knowledge, robust project management skills, a strategic understanding of operational efficiency, and a genuine commitment to sustainability, all within the context of the data center industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Visit the atNorth careers page at https://careers.atnorth.com and locate the Design Manager role.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in electrical/mechanical engineering, infrastructure/construction projects, data center specifics, project management, budget control, and any experience with sustainable design or Nordic markets. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in technical design, project delivery, cost management, and sustainability. Prepare concise case studies focusing on challenges, solutions, processes, and quantifiable results.
• Research atNorth: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, current projects, and their focus on sustainable Nordic data centers. Understand how your role contributes to their strategic goals.
• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and alignment with the company culture. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.

---