Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: CDC Data Centres
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations
Date Posted: January 21, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and govern the end-to-end design process for complex data centre projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and operational requirements.
• Manage and motivate internal and external design teams, including architects, engineers, and specialist designers, to deliver high-quality, coordinated technical documentation on time.
• Oversee the consenting, planning, and building permit application processes, liaising with authorities to ensure statutory compliance and timely approvals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customer teams, vendors, and contractors to define project scope, manage expectations, and ensure successful design integration.
• Champion innovation, safety, and compliance by providing clear documentation, advice, and risk mitigation strategies throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for ensuring the operational readiness and long-term viability of CDC Data Centres' facilities by translating strategic needs into executable designs. The "newly created position" suggests an opportunity to shape processes and have significant impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage Architectural and Engineering (A&E) consultants throughout all design phases, ensuring the timely production of accurate technical drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Drive the design teams to meet stringent deadlines and deliver clear, high-quality documentation that supports construction, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.
• Coordinate and manage the consenting, planning, and building permit processes, ensuring all applications meet statutory requirements and organizational standards.
• Act as the primary liaison with planning authorities and regulatory bodies to resolve issues and facilitate timely project approvals.
• Oversee and coordinate third-party vendors and specialist contractors involved in multiple design projects, ensuring seamless integration of their contributions.
• Collaborate closely with customer-facing teams to understand and translate client requirements into design specifications, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.
• Conduct thorough design reviews with internal stakeholders, architects, engineers, and clients to identify potential risks, optimize outcomes, and ensure project feasibility.
• Develop and maintain clear, comprehensive documentation to mitigate errors, ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations, and champion innovation.
• Champion safety practices and innovative design solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of data centre facilities.
• Support the development of operational and maintenance strategies by ensuring designs are practical and conducive to long-term facility management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project governance, stakeholder management, and technical oversight within the design and construction lifecycle of critical infrastructure. The mention of "sovereign, secure, world-class data centre facilities" indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and adherence to high standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, or a related technical field.
• A formal qualification in Building Design or Project Management is desirable.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in design management, engineering, or a related role within the building, civil, or structural industries.
• Proven experience managing design consultants and multi-disciplinary teams on complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience navigating and managing building permit, consenting, and planning approval processes.

Required Skills:

• Strong design, engineering, and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail and a capacity for innovation.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to motivate diverse teams.
• Persistent and determined problem-solving aptitude, with a strong focus on delivering customer-centric outcomes and operational excellence.
• Thorough understanding of the building permit, consenting, and planning application processes in Australia.
• Proficiency in managing technical documentation, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to review designs and identify potential risks, ensuring compliance and optimal outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the data centre industry or critical infrastructure sector.
• Familiarity with project management software and collaborative design platforms.
• Knowledge of data centre specific design principles, including power, cooling, and network infrastructure.
• Experience with NV1 Security Clearance requirements or the ability to obtain one.
• Exposure to data centre operational requirements and maintenance considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "essential" requirement for Australian Citizenship and ability to obtain an NV1 Security Clearance is a critical qualification for this role, indicating the sensitive nature of CDC's operations and client base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant design projects managed, ideally within critical infrastructure or complex building environments.
• Clearly articulate your role and responsibilities in each project, highlighting your contribution to design governance, consultant management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Include examples of technical drawings, specifications, or design documentation you have overseen or contributed to, demonstrating clarity and adherence to standards.
• Provide evidence of successful navigation through planning and consenting processes, including examples of challenges overcome and approvals secured.
• Quantify achievements where possible, such as cost savings, schedule improvements, or risk reduction achieved through effective design management.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of standard design lifecycle processes, from conceptualization and schematic design through to detailed design and construction documentation.
• Illustrate experience in developing and implementing design review processes to ensure quality, compliance, and stakeholder alignment.
• Provide examples of how you have managed design changes and controlled documentation to maintain project integrity.
• Show familiarity with processes for coordinating design information between different disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, IT, etc.) and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to managing design risk, ensuring compliance with building codes and security standards, and fostering collaboration within design teams. The portfolio should reflect an ability to translate strategic requirements into practical, constructible designs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $120,000 - $160,000 per annum (Estimate)

Benefits:

• CDC Academy: Access to specialized training courses for professional development and career advancement.
• CDC Day: An additional paid day of leave 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 activities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support services for employees and their families.
• CDC Social Events: Opportunities to connect with colleagues and their families through company-organized events.
• Health Insurance: Likely to be part of a comprehensive benefits package (implied by EAP and focus on well-being).
• Superannuation: Standard Australian superannuation contributions will apply.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 37.5-40 hours per week.
• Given the hybrid nature, expect a blend of office-based and remote work, with potential for some site visits to the Brooklyn data centre. Flexibility may be available, subject to operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 2-5 years of experience in major Australian cities like Melbourne, particularly within specialized sectors like data centres where expertise is highly valued. The NV1 clearance requirement can also command a premium. The listed benefits are generous and reflect a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centres / Information Technology Infrastructure / Critical Infrastructure
Company Size: CDC Data Centres is a significant player in the Australian and New Zealand data centre market, indicating a company size likely in the range of 250-1000 employees, with a growing presence.
Founded: Established in 2007, CDC has a solid track record and has grown to become Australia's leading operator of sovereign, secure, world-class data centre facilities.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Engineering or Projects division.
• This division would include other engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical), project managers, and construction specialists.
• The role requires significant collaboration with internal teams (e.g., Operations, Customer Solutions) and external consultants/vendors.
• Reporting structure is likely to be to a Head of Engineering, Director of Projects, or similar senior leadership role.

Methodology:

• CDC emphasizes a commitment to security, reliability, connectivity, and sustainability.
• Design and project execution likely follow structured methodologies, potentially incorporating elements of PRINCE2 or Agile principles for project management, and rigorous design review gates.
• Data-driven decision-making and a meticulous approach are critical due to the nature of data centre operations.
• A strong focus on compliance with Australian standards, regulations, and security clearances is paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: CDC's focus on "sovereign, secure, world-class" data centres implies a culture that values precision, security, and long-term reliability. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion suggests a modern and progressive workplace environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level management role, often referred to as a "Senior Individual Contributor" or "Manager" level, with significant responsibility for project outcomes and team leadership. It sits between junior engineering roles and senior executive positions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a senior leader within the Engineering, Projects, or Technical Services department. They will, in turn, manage and guide external design consultants and potentially internal design coordinators or junior engineers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the operational success and efficiency of CDC's data centres. Well-designed facilities are more reliable, cost-effective to operate, scalable, and secure. Poor design can lead to significant operational issues, increased costs, and reputational damage. This role is critical in ensuring the company's mission of providing secure, reliable infrastructure is met.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data centre design, perhaps focusing on specific areas like power infrastructure, cooling systems, or security design.
• Leadership Progression: Advance to a Senior Design Manager, Lead Engineer, or Head of Design role, overseeing larger programs or multiple complex projects.
• Project Management: Transition into a full Project Director role, managing the entire lifecycle of major data centre developments.
• Operations Transition: Move into an operational role, leveraging design knowledge to optimize facility management and maintenance strategies.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities may exist to move into related areas like Strategic Planning, Technology Integration, or Construction Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "newly created position" offers a unique chance to influence the direction of design management at CDC, potentially leading to rapid career advancement as the role's impact and success are demonstrated.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, meaning it involves both office-based work and remote work. CDC has offices in Melbourne CBD and facilities in Brooklyn, VIC. The Melbourne CBD office likely serves as the primary administrative and collaborative hub.

Office Location(s):

• Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia: Likely for day-to-day team collaboration, meetings, and administrative tasks.
• Brooklyn, Victoria, Australia: Occasional site visits will be required for design reviews, site inspections, and to understand operational realities firsthand.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team coordination suggest a collaborative workspace where open communication and knowledge sharing are encouraged. Expect a mix of individual work time and team-based problem-solving sessions.
• Technology-Rich: As a data centre operator, CDC will leverage advanced technology. Expect access to sophisticated design software, communication platforms, and potentially VR/AR tools for design visualization.
• Data Centre Focus: While the primary office may be in the CBD, the core business is data centres. Understanding the operational environment of a data centre (security, power, cooling, connectivity) is fundamental to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard 37.5-40 hour work week is expected, with the hybrid arrangement offering some flexibility. However, project deadlines and critical approval stages may necessitate working beyond standard hours. A proactive approach to time management and prioritization is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and time management skills. The need for site visits to Brooklyn indicates that candidates should be comfortable working in and around operational data centre environments, which are highly controlled and secure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review your application, focusing on key qualifications, experience, and security clearance eligibility.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely Head of Engineering/Projects) to assess technical skills, experience in design management, understanding of data centre operations, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.
3. Technical/Panel Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with other engineers, project managers, or senior stakeholders. This stage will likely involve technical questions, scenario-based problem-solving, and a review of your portfolio.
4. Security Clearance Assessment: If not already held, the process to obtain an NV1 clearance will commence. This involves background checks.
5. Final Offer: Subject to successful interviews and security clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, focusing on complexity, technical challenges, and successful outcomes in relevant sectors (e.g., critical infrastructure, large-scale buildings).
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible – e.g., "Reduced design review time by 15%", "Managed a design budget of $X million", "Secured planning approval 2 months ahead of schedule".
• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your methodology for managing consultants, coordinating disciplines, conducting reviews, and navigating approvals. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss specific design challenges you faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Focus on Data Centre Relevance: If possible, include projects with elements similar to data centre requirements (e.g., high power density, critical cooling, robust security, complex network infrastructure).
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your approach to risk management, stakeholder communication, team motivation, and ensuring compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical data centre design scenario and asked to outline your approach to managing its development, identifying key risks, and engaging stakeholders.
• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss how you would improve CDC’s existing design management processes based on your experience.
• Technical Deep Dive: Expect questions on specific engineering principles or construction methods relevant to data centres.
• Communication Exercise: A scenario may test your ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders or resolve design conflicts between different teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the NV1 clearance requirement, be prepared for thorough background checks and questions related to integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness. Demonstrating a proactive and responsible approach to security is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or similar for planning, tracking, and resource allocation.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other enterprise communication and collaboration tools.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, versioning, and sharing technical documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize reports generated from project management and design software.
• Data Analysis: Basic analytical skills to review design performance metrics and identify trends or areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts customer solutions and operational delivery is key.
• Familiarity with how design documentation integrates into broader project lifecycle management systems.
• Experience with automation in design processes (e.g., parametric design, BIM automation) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the critical nature of data centres, robust BIM (Building Information Modeling) proficiency is highly advantageous, as it allows for integrated design, clash detection, and better lifecycle management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Security & Reliability: A paramount focus on ensuring the integrity, security, and uninterrupted operation of data centre facilities. This translates to meticulous design practices and a risk-averse mindset.
• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to build and operate world-class facilities, encouraging new ideas and continuous improvement in design, construction, and operations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across departments and with external partners to achieve common goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.
• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the specific needs of clients who rely on CDC for their critical data infrastructure.
• Sovereignty & Compliance: Commitment to operating within Australian regulatory frameworks and meeting stringent security standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Operations teams to ensure designs are practical for ongoing maintenance and performance. Close liaison with Sales/Customer Solutions teams to understand client requirements.
• Consultant Partnership: Building strong working relationships with external architects and engineers is essential, fostering a collaborative rather than purely contractual dynamic.
• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages early and frequent communication to resolve design conflicts, clarify requirements, and manage expectations effectively.
• Feedback Loops: Openness to feedback from all stakeholders, including construction teams and future operators, to refine design processes and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: CDC's emphasis on "sovereign" and "secure" operations suggests a culture that prizes integrity, diligence, and adherence to high standards above all else.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Simultaneously managing project timelines, budget constraints, technical specifications, regulatory compliance, and diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Complexity of Data Centre Design: Navigating the intricate interplay of power, cooling, network, structural, and security systems requires deep technical understanding and coordination.
• Evolving Technology: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in data centre technology, energy efficiency, and security measures to ensure designs are future-proof.
• Managing External Consultants: Ensuring external parties consistently meet CDC’s high standards for quality, documentation, and timely delivery.
• Security Clearance Process: The requirement for NV1 clearance can be a hurdle for some candidates and requires a thorough personal vetting process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CDC Academy: Utilise specialized training to deepen knowledge in areas like data centre design principles, project management methodologies, or specific engineering disciplines.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the critical infrastructure sector, working on cutting-edge data centre projects.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within CDC’s engineering and project management teams.
• Professional Certifications: Pursue certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), design software (e.g., Revit certification), or data centre specific qualifications (e.g., CDCP).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "newly created position" offers a significant opportunity to define and refine design management processes at CDC, presenting a substantial challenge and a chance to make a lasting impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle of a complex infrastructure project. What are the key stages and critical control points?" (Focus on structured methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder engagement).
• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication between diverse design teams (architects, structural engineers, MEP, IT specialists) and external consultants?" (Highlight communication tools, conflict resolution, and clear documentation strategies).
• "Walk me through a challenging design problem you encountered. What was the issue, how did you analyze it, and what was your solution? What was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method-based example showcasing analytical skills and problem-solving).
• "What are the critical design considerations for a secure, sovereign data centre that differentiate it from other building types?" (Emphasize power, cooling redundancy, physical security, network segregation, and compliance).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as CDC's key strengths and market position?" (Show you understand their business – sovereign, secure, world-class, leading operator).
• "How do you align design decisions with operational efficiency and long-term maintenance needs?" (Connect design choices to operational outcomes, reliability, and cost-effectiveness).
• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and safety within a design team?" (Discuss encouraging new ideas, promoting best practices, and a proactive approach to risk mitigation).
• "What does 'sovereign data centre' mean to you, and how does that influence design decisions?" (Demonstrate understanding of national security implications, data residency, and regulatory compliance).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': For each project, clearly state the objective and the client's core needs.
• Your Role & Contribution: Be specific about your responsibilities and the decisions you made. Use "I" statements for your direct contributions and "we" for team efforts.
• Process & Methodology: Explain how you achieved the outcomes. Detail your approach to managing consultants, coordinating disciplines, and handling approvals.
• Quantifiable Results: Present metrics on time, cost, quality, or risk reduction.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant technical drawings (redacted if necessary), diagrams, and charts. Avoid overwhelming detail.
• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (your actions), and end (successful outcome).
• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio, especially concerning technical details, challenges, and decision-making rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: For the NV1 clearance, be prepared to discuss your personal history openly and honestly. Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and adherence to rules and regulations is paramount during this stage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management experience, focusing on complexity, stakeholder coordination, and successful outcomes. Ensure you can articulate your specific contributions and the processes you followed.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in design management, engineering, project coordination, and navigating building permit processes. Use keywords from the job description such as "design governance," "A&E consultants," "consenting process," and "technical drawings." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for the Interview: Research CDC Data Centres thoroughly, focusing on their mission, values, and market position. Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and data centre specifics. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and impactfully.
• Understand Security Requirements: Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and willingness to undergo the NV1 Security Clearance process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary ranges and specific process expectations, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process. The NV1 Security Clearance requirement is a critical factor for eligibility.

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