Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: CDC Data Centres Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design & Engineering Management Date Posted: 2026-01-21 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the planning, management, and governance of the design process for critical data centre infrastructure.
• Collaborate extensively with architectural, engineering, and specialist design teams to ensure coordinated and high-quality technical documentation.
• Oversee the consenting, planning, and building permit processes, ensuring adherence to statutory requirements and organizational standards.
• Manage third-party vendors and contractors across multiple design projects, fostering strong communication and motivation to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Act as a key liaison between customer teams and design groups to align expectations and deliver customer-centric outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on the management and governance of the design process for physical infrastructure, rather than hands-on creative design. The role is heavily focused on project coordination, stakeholder management, and ensuring design outputs meet technical, regulatory, and client requirements within the data centre context. The "Operations" aspect, while not explicitly in the title, is inherent in managing the lifecycle of design from conception through to construction support and future maintenance considerations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage Architectural and Engineering (A&E) consultants throughout all design phases, ensuring the timely production of accurate and comprehensive technical drawings and documentation.
• Motivate and guide internal and external design teams, including architects, structural engineers, services engineers, and specialist designers, to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality, clear, and compliant documentation.
• Coordinate and oversee the consenting, planning, and building permit processes, ensuring all applications meet statutory requirements and organizational standards, and liaising with relevant authorities to resolve issues and expedite approvals.
• Oversee the performance and coordination of third-party vendors and specialist contractors involved in multiple design projects simultaneously.
• Collaborate effectively with Customer teams to understand and align project requirements, manage expectations, and ensure designs translate into optimal outcomes that meet client needs.
• Conduct thorough design reviews with internal and external stakeholders, identifying potential risks, ensuring optimal outcomes, and championing innovation, safety, and compliance throughout the design lifecycle.
• Provide clear, concise documentation and expert advice to stakeholders to mitigate errors, maintain compliance with building codes and standards, and champion the adoption of innovative and safe design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of project management, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement within the capital expenditure and infrastructure development lifecycle. The role requires a strong understanding of the design-to-construction pipeline, regulatory compliance, and the ability to manage diverse teams and external vendors to achieve specific project goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Relevant professional certifications in project management or design management are a plus.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in a design management, project engineering, or a closely related role, preferably within the data centre, construction, or critical infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design processes, coordinating consultants, and overseeing the production of technical documentation.

Required Skills:

• Strong design, engineering, and analytical skills with a keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to innovation.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate diverse teams (internal and external consultants, vendors) to achieve project objectives and deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of the building permit, consenting, and planning application processes in Australia.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Persistent and determined problem-solver, with a strong focus on delivering customer-centric outcomes and ensuring client satisfaction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data centre design principles, standards, and operational requirements.
• Familiarity with Australian building codes, regulations, and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools for tracking design progress and documentation.
• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation related to design and construction projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for a technically competent individual with strong project management and interpersonal skills. While formal qualifications in specific design fields are not strictly essential, a solid understanding of engineering principles and the construction lifecycle, coupled with practical experience in managing design processes and stakeholders, is critical. The emphasis on "Australian Citizenship" and "NV1 Security Clearance" is a significant qualification requirement for this role due to the nature of CDC's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant design projects managed, detailing the scope, key challenges, design solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Include examples of architectural, structural, and services engineering coordination.
• Documentation Samples: Provide examples of technical drawings, specifications, or design reports you have managed or reviewed, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standards.
• Process Optimization Examples: Illustrate instances where you improved design processes, resolved complex design conflicts, or enhanced coordination between different engineering disciplines or vendors, highlighting efficiency gains or risk reduction.
• Stakeholder Management Evidence: Include examples of how you managed client expectations, facilitated design review meetings, or resolved disagreements among project stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of establishing and maintaining robust design process documentation, including:
  • Workflow design and optimization for design phases.
  • Implementation and documentation of design review and approval cycles.
  • Methods for tracking design progress, changes, and compliance.
  • Standards for creating and managing technical specifications and drawing registers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list past projects but provide tangible evidence of the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, coordinate diverse teams, and deliver compliant, high-quality technical outputs. The emphasis should be on demonstrating problem-solving skills, stakeholder management, and an understanding of the design lifecycle within an infrastructure context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 2-5 years of experience in Sydney, Australia, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between AUD $100,000 - $140,000 per annum, depending on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• CDC Academy: Access to specialized training courses for professional development and career enhancement.
• CDC Day: An additional paid day off dedicated to personal health and wellbeing.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave entitlements, exceeding legislative requirements.
• Volunteer Leave: Two days of paid leave annually for volunteering with a chosen cause or charity.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support services for employees and their families.
• CDC Social Events: Opportunities to connect with colleagues and their families through various company-organized events.
• Above Award Conditions: Implied by the detailed benefits, suggesting a strong employment package.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 38-40 hours per week. The role is described as "Office" based with travel to data centre sites, indicating a hybrid arrangement with core office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in Sydney, factoring in the experience level and the specialized nature of data centre infrastructure. The benefits package is comprehensive and emphasizes employee wellbeing and professional growth, aligning with typical offerings for mid-level management positions in Australian corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centre Operations & Infrastructure. CDC Data Centres operates within the critical digital infrastructure sector, providing secure, sovereign, and world-class data centre facilities. This industry demands high levels of reliability, security, and technical expertise. Company Size: CDC Data Centres is a growing Australian company with multiple facilities across ACT, NSW, VIC, and New Zealand. While a precise employee count isn't provided, the description suggests a significant and expanding organization. Founded: Established in 2007, CDC has a history of over a decade in providing advanced data centre solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will join a growing team, likely within a larger Engineering or Projects department.
• The role involves managing both internal design teams and external A&E consultants, indicating a matrixed reporting structure or significant external collaboration.
• The Design Manager will report to a senior figure within the engineering, projects, or operations leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implicit in managing technical designs and ensuring compliance, with a focus on measurable outcomes and risk mitigation.
• Customer-Centric Approach: A core value, emphasizing the alignment of design solutions with client needs and expectations.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Encouraged through cross-functional teamwork and the integration of new technologies and safety practices.
• Security and Compliance Focus: Essential given the nature of data centre operations and the requirement for NV1 security clearance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CDC Data Centres positions itself as a leader in sovereign data centre operations, emphasizing security, reliability, and innovation. The company culture appears to value diversity, professional development, and employee wellbeing. The "growing team" aspect suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level management position (2-5 years of experience). It sits in a crucial junction, bridging the gap between conceptual design and the practicalities of construction and operation. The "newly created position" indicates a strategic expansion of the team, likely driven by growth and the need for dedicated design governance.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Engineering, Director of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role within CDC's infrastructure or operations division. They will manage external consultants and potentially internal design coordinators.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that CDC's data centre facilities are designed for optimal performance, reliability, security, and maintainability. Their work directly impacts the company's ability to meet client SLAs, manage operational costs, ensure compliance, and maintain its reputation for world-class infrastructure. Effective design management minimizes risks during construction and reduces long-term operational expenditure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data centre design, specific engineering disciplines, or advanced project management methodologies within critical infrastructure.
• Leadership Advancement: Progress to senior design management roles, overseeing larger or more complex projects, or potentially moving into broader project director roles.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to transition into roles focusing on construction management, operations management, or asset management within CDC's expanding portfolio.
• Professional Development: Leverage the CDC Academy for specialized training, certifications, and continuous learning in relevant fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The creation of this role suggests CDC's commitment to structured growth and operational excellence in its infrastructure development. The career path for a Design Manager in this sector is typically one of increasing responsibility, complexity, and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Office" based with responsibilities at "Eastern Creek/Marsden Park (Data Centre)." This suggests a hybrid work model where the primary office is likely in Sydney CBD, with regular site visits to data centre locations for project oversight and coordination.

Office Location(s):

• Primary office: Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia.
• Project sites: Eastern Creek and Marsden Park, New South Wales, Australia (these are common locations for data centres in the Sydney region).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with architects, engineers, project managers, and customer teams, necessitating a workspace that facilitates team interaction and discussion.
• Access to Technology: As a data centre company, CDC likely provides access to modern technology and systems necessary for design management, communication, and project tracking.
• Site Visits: Regular travel to data centre construction and operational sites will be a key part of the role, requiring adaptability and the ability to work effectively in different environments.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, with potential for some flexibility. However, given the project-driven nature and the need for site coordination, a commitment to meeting deadlines is expected. The hybrid arrangement offers a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement and site visit requirements indicate a practical, hands-on approach to design management, blending office-based strategic planning with on-site execution and oversight. This is typical for roles managing physical infrastructure development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and cover letter review, focusing on relevant experience in design management, engineering, and the building permit process.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager, assessing technical skills, experience, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Expect behavioural questions and scenario-based questions related to design challenges.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to review the candidate's portfolio. This will involve discussing specific projects, design strategies, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to articulate your role and contributions clearly.
• Stakeholder Interview(s): Potentially with other key stakeholders from engineering, construction, or client-facing teams to assess collaboration skills and alignment with broader project goals.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or HR to discuss career aspirations, compensation, and final offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Portfolio Logically: Organize projects by type (e.g., data centre, commercial building), by complexity, or chronologically. For each project, clearly outline:
  • Project Name & Location
  • Your Role & Responsibilities
  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Key Design Challenges & Solutions
  • Technologies/Systems Involved
  • Outcomes Achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, compliance, client satisfaction)
• Highlight Data Centre Specifics: If you have data centre experience, emphasize it. Showcase your understanding of critical infrastructure design, power, cooling, and security requirements.
• Demonstrate Process Management: Show examples of how you managed design workflows, coordinated consultants, handled design changes, and ensured compliance with regulations and standards.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design review time by 15%", "ensured 100% compliance with building codes", "managed a design budget of $X million").
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, challenges you overcame, and lessons learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions like: "How would you handle a situation where a key consultant misses a critical deadline?", "Describe a time you had to resolve a major design conflict between structural and mechanical engineers."
• Technical Questions: Be prepared to discuss general engineering principles, building codes, and the typical design phases for large infrastructure projects.
• Process Improvement: Think about how you would approach improving CDC's current design governance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and the ability to articulate technical and managerial capabilities. Candidates should prepare thoroughly by selecting strong project examples and practicing their presentation skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or Jira for tracking project timelines, tasks, and dependencies.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for storing, organizing, and versioning technical documents and drawings (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore).
• CAD/BIM Software Familiarity: While not a hands-on designer, an understanding of how architects and engineers use tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or Navisworks is beneficial for reviewing designs and coordinating models.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to dashboards that track design progress, budget adherence, and risk status.
• Data Analysis Tools: Basic familiarity with Excel or other tools for analyzing project data related to design timelines, costs, and compliance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly customer-facing, understanding how customer requirements are captured and managed in a CRM system can be beneficial for aligning design with client needs.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how workflow automation can streamline design review and approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager is a mix of project management, document control, and collaborative tools. Emphasis is placed on managing information flow and coordinating activities across various disciplines and external parties.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, ethical conduct, and data security, critical in the sovereign data centre space.
• Reliability & Excellence: Commitment to delivering robust, high-quality designs that ensure the operational reliability and performance of CDC's facilities.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional teamwork is encouraged to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking new and better ways to design, build, and operate data centres, embracing new technologies and best practices.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring that design solutions effectively meet and exceed customer expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, IT infrastructure teams, construction managers, and client representatives.
• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and transparent communication to manage expectations, resolve issues, and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.
• Feedback and Learning Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback loops within design teams and from stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: CDC Data Centres emphasizes values that are paramount in the critical infrastructure sector: trust, performance, and collaboration. The culture likely supports individuals who are detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to delivering exceptional results in a high-stakes environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinating Multiple Disciplines: Ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and IT designs within a complex data centre environment.
• Navigating Regulatory Compliance: Staying abreast of and ensuring adherence to evolving building codes, planning regulations, and security standards in Australia.
• Managing Design Variations and Risks: Effectively identifying, assessing, and mitigating design risks and managing changes to the design scope throughout the project lifecycle.
• Fast-Paced Growth Environment: Adapting to the rapid expansion of CDC's operations and the need to deliver projects efficiently and to a high standard.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Data Centre Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of data centre design principles, power distribution, cooling systems, fire suppression, and security technologies.
• Advanced Project Management: Developing skills in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including advanced scheduling, budgeting, and risk management techniques.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger design teams, mentor junior staff, and contribute to strategic project planning.
• Industry Engagement: Attending industry conferences, webinars, and training to stay current with emerging trends in data centre design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior design management role in infrastructure development. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill enhancement within a growing and critical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Governance & Process: "How would you establish and enforce design standards and processes for a new data centre project?" "Describe your approach to managing design reviews and ensuring all stakeholder feedback is incorporated."
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage competing priorities between client expectations, budget constraints, and engineering feasibility?" "Tell me about a time you had to deliver difficult feedback to a consultant or team member."
• Problem Solving & Risk Mitigation: "Describe a complex design challenge you encountered and how you resolved it." "What steps would you take to proactively identify and mitigate design risks in a data centre project?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding CDC: "What do you know about CDC Data Centres and why are you interested in this role?" "How do your personal values align with CDC's emphasis on security, reliability, and customer focus?"
• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team that includes both internal staff and external consultants?"
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond just meeting deadlines and budget?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio example, tell a compelling story that highlights your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the positive outcomes. Focus on demonstrable results.
• Visual Aids: Prepare clear, professional visuals (e.g., simplified diagrams, key drawings, process flowcharts) to support your explanations. Avoid overwhelming detail.
• Quantify Results: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to showcase the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk reduction).
• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you managed the design process, coordinated teams, and ensured quality and compliance.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured approach to design management, strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a clear understanding of the data centre industry's unique demands. The portfolio review is a critical component, so thorough preparation is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in design management, engineering coordination, building permit processes, and stakeholder management, especially if you have data centre or critical infrastructure experience.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results, focusing on keywords such as "Design Management," "Project Coordination," "Consultant Management," "Building Permits," and "Stakeholder Engagement."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions. Prepare your portfolio for presentation, focusing on key case studies that demonstrate your capabilities.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research CDC Data Centres, their projects, their mission, and their values. Understand their position in the Australian market and the importance of sovereign data centres.

⚠️ 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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