Design Manager (Data Center)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Data Center)

Company: Aurecon

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design teams in the execution of complex data center projects, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, security, architectural, and ICT engineering disciplines.

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial concept and detailed design through to construction, testing, and final client review, with a strong emphasis on design integrity and compliance.

• Act as the primary client liaison, fostering robust relationships and effectively communicating project status, changes, and opportunities for business development.

• Drive the adoption and utilization of digital engineering tools, including BIM, Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Navisworks, and BIM360, to enhance design collaboration, clash detection, and overall project efficiency.

• Oversee project components, including budget management, schedule adherence, quality assurance, and risk management, ensuring client expectations and project specifications are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager within Aurecon's Buildings business, focusing specifically on Data Center projects. The emphasis on leading multi-disciplinary teams, client management, and digital tool proficiency suggests a critical role in project delivery and client satisfaction within the specialized data center construction and engineering sector. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a blend of on-site project involvement and office-based coordination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of project delivery from the conceptual design phase, through detailed design documentation (drawings, specifications, reports, calculations, BIM models), to construction oversight and final project review.

• Serve as the key point of contact for client teams, managing day-to-day project communications, addressing queries, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Lead and coordinate large, multi-disciplinary engineering and design teams, including mechanical and electrical, civil, structural, security, architectural, and ICT specialists, to ensure cohesive and integrated project outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with local and regional design disciplines to maintain the integrity and coherence of the overall project design, fostering a unified approach to technical challenges.

• Chair internal and external design review meetings, facilitating constructive discussions, problem-solving, and decision-making among project stakeholders.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and quality assurance processes, proactively identifying and communicating any changes or modifications to stakeholders to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.

• Contribute to workload management and resource forecasting for the design team, and actively participate in the preparation of proposal documentation for new business opportunities.

• Review and ensure compliance with all relevant engineering codes, standards, and practices, as well as project-specific documentation such as surveys and access requirements.

• Build and nurture strong, lasting relationships with clients, identifying and developing potential new business opportunities through exceptional project delivery and client engagement.

• Apply advanced project management principles to plan and deliver complex infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to client expectations, timelines, and specifications.

• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, effectively managing competing priorities and fostering collaborative project environments.

• Support multiple concurrent projects across their entire lifecycle, encompassing planning, design verification, tendering, contract administration, financial management, project scheduling, and risk management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant emphasis on end-to-end project leadership, client relationship management, and the coordination of diverse technical teams. The inclusion of "proposal documentation" and "potential business opportunities" indicates a requirement for business development acumen alongside technical project management. The explicit mention of "supporting multiple concurrent projects" suggests a demanding workload requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Buildings Mechanical or Electrical Design, installation, and testing and commissioning.

• Proven experience in leading the delivery of multi-disciplinary projects within modern commercial and industrial buildings.

Required Skills:

• Strong project management capabilities with a proven ability to lead large, technical project delivery teams.

• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of relevant engineering codes, standards, and practices.

• Highly organized with the ability to accept increased responsibility and produce accurate, detailed work.

• Advanced problem-solving skills through thorough investigation and analysis.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in Data Centre design and project delivery.

• High level of computer literacy with advanced skills.

• Familiarity and hands-on experience with digital tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Navisworks, and BIM360.

• Experience in driving and implementing BIM processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a need for a seasoned engineering professional with a strong foundation in mechanical or electrical design, coupled with substantial project leadership experience. The preference for Data Centre experience and proficiency with BIM and specific Autodesk tools signals a specialization requirement for this role. The emphasis on "intermediate to advanced knowledge" of codes and standards suggests a need for deep technical expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex building projects, with a preference for Data Center projects, demonstrating end-to-end design delivery responsibility.

• For each project, detail your specific role, leadership contributions, and the scope of your technical and managerial oversight.

• Include examples of project documentation, such as design reports, key drawings, specifications, and BIM models, to illustrate your technical proficiency and attention to detail.

• Demonstrate successful management of project budgets and schedules, ideally with quantitative evidence of cost savings or schedule improvements achieved.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of structured design processes, including workflow diagrams for multi-disciplinary coordination and BIM implementation.

• Include documentation related to quality assurance and compliance checks performed during the design and construction phases.

• Showcase your approach to risk management and mitigation within project lifecycles, including examples of risk registers or assessment reports.

• Provide evidence of your ability to manage and integrate design changes, including change order processes and communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a robust portfolio that validates their experience in leading complex multi-disciplinary engineering projects, particularly within the data center domain. The emphasis should be on demonstrating practical application of project management principles, digital tool utilization, and successful delivery outcomes. Detailed process documentation will be crucial to showcase a methodical and organized approach to design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employee and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Retirement savings plan or provident fund contributions.

• Performance-based bonuses and potential for project-specific incentives.

• Opportunities for international assignments and global mobility within Aurecon's network.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be offered depending on project demands and team needs, with potential for occasional weekend work during critical project phases, often compensated or managed through project-specific scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a combination of Aurecon's global positioning as a leading engineering firm and general market rates for senior engineering management roles in Bangkok, Thailand. Benefits are standard for large international engineering consultancies, with a particular focus on professional growth and international opportunities fitting Aurecon's global presence. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for adaptability in working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Advisory Services, with a strong focus on infrastructure, buildings, and technology solutions. Aurecon operates globally, with significant presence in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.

Company Size: Over 7,800 employees globally, indicating a large, established international organization with diverse capabilities and resources.

Founded: Over 85 years ago, highlighting a long history of expertise, stability, and adaptation in the engineering and consulting sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will join the Buildings business unit, part of a larger Buildings team comprised of highly skilled specialists.

• This team likely includes various engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, etc.), architectural designers, BIM specialists, and project coordinators.

• The role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team, suggesting a matrixed reporting structure where the Design Manager has direct oversight of project team members, while they may also report to a senior project director or divisional head.

Methodology:

• Aurecon emphasizes a "design-led thinking" approach, integrating digital engineering, user experience, and sustainability into their solutions.

• Data-driven decision-making is core, supported by advanced analytics and BIM technologies for design optimization and performance prediction.

• They foster innovation and adaptability, encouraging team members to "re-imagine engineering" and explore novel solutions to complex challenges.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, utilizing project management methodologies to ensure efficient and timely project delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely embedded through the use of digital tools and streamlined processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's culture appears to be forward-thinking, innovation-driven, and globally oriented, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and sustainable solutions. The company's long history suggests a stable yet evolving environment. The team structure implies a collaborative, technically focused group where leadership is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the technical delivery and project management track. It requires significant leadership experience, deep technical expertise in a specialized engineering field (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with Data Center preference), and a proven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects. The scope includes not just technical delivery but also client relationship management and business development support.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director, Operations Manager, or a senior leader within the Buildings business unit. They will, in turn, lead and manage a team of engineers, designers, and drafters across multiple disciplines. Collaboration will extend to project managers, commercial teams, and potentially regional leadership for strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to Aurecon's success in the data center sector. They directly influence project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative solutions. Effective management of design processes, budgets, and schedules directly contributes to Aurecon's revenue and operational efficiency. Their ability to identify new business opportunities also plays a key role in company growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in Data Center design, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert (SME) within Aurecon's global network.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director, with increased responsibility for larger, more complex, and strategically significant projects.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Aurecon offices, leveraging global experience and expanding professional networks.

• Business Development: Transition into roles with a stronger focus on client acquisition, proposal management, and strategic account management.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior engineers and contributing to Aurecon's internal training and development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced engineer looking to leverage their technical background into a leadership and project management capacity, with clear pathways for continued career growth within a global engineering consultancy. The emphasis on impact and growth highlights opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a blend of remote and on-site work. This typically means working from a professional Aurecon office location for collaborative tasks, meetings, and team coordination, while also having the flexibility to work remotely for focused individual tasks or when project requirements allow.

Office Location(s): Primary office location is Bangkok, Thailand, with potential for site visits to project locations as needed. Aurecon's global presence means opportunities might arise for work in other regions, though the primary focus of this role is Bangkok.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely be designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, project team areas, and open-plan workstations to facilitate interaction among engineers, designers, and project managers.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to high-performance workstations, licensed software for BIM (Revit), project management, communication, and collaboration tools (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud, Microsoft Teams).

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face and virtual interactions with the core design team, project management office, and other internal stakeholders are expected to ensure seamless project execution and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the hybrid nature and the demands of project delivery may require flexibility. This could involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, balanced by the flexibility to manage personal work patterns. The schedule should support efficient data analysis, design reviews, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration essential for complex engineering projects. Access to advanced technology and a focus on collaborative spaces are key features.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: You will meet with a hiring manager and potentially senior engineers or technical leads. This interview will delve into your technical expertise, project management methodologies, and experience with BIM and data center design. Expect detailed questions about your past projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting selected projects from your portfolio. This is where you'll demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex designs and stakeholders. Be prepared to walk through case studies, highlight your specific contributions, and explain your process.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to handle pressure, and how you align with Aurecon's values and culture. Competency-based questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you...") are common.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or director to finalize the decision and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience as a Design Manager, with a strong emphasis on Data Centers if possible. Highlight projects demonstrating multi-disciplinary coordination, complex technical challenges, and successful client outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and quantifiable achievements (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements, design innovations).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Project Overview (client, scope, challenges), Your Role & Responsibilities, Design Process & Solutions, Key Technologies Used (BIM, specific software), Challenges Faced & How You Overcame Them, and Project Outcomes/Results.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals such as drawings, render, BIM model screenshots, and process flowcharts to support your presentation.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in coordinating teams, managing stakeholders, and driving the design process to successful completion.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical technical challenges related to data center design, multi-disciplinary coordination, or project management issues.

• BIM & Digital Tools: Expect questions on your practical application of BIM, Revit, Navisworks, and Autodesk Construction Cloud for design review, clash detection, and collaboration.

• Project Management Scenarios: Practice articulating your approach to budget management, risk assessment, schedule control, and quality assurance in complex project environments.

• Client Management: Prepare examples of how you handle difficult client conversations, manage expectations, and build strong client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical competence, project management leadership, and cultural fit. A well-prepared and impactful portfolio presentation is crucial for success. Candidates should anticipate detailed questioning on their experience with BIM, data center specifics, and stakeholder management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Autodesk Revit (essential for design modeling and documentation), Autodesk Navisworks (for clash detection, 4D/5D simulation, and multi-disciplinary model review).

• Project Management Platforms: Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) / BIM 360 (for document management, project collaboration, field management, and workflow automation), potentially Microsoft Project or similar for scheduling.

• Design & Engineering Software: Depending on the specific discipline focus, this could include various M&E design software, structural analysis tools, and CAD software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards on project progress, budget, schedule, and performance metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for generating reports, presentations, and documentation.

• BIM Data Extraction: Tools capable of extracting data from BIM models for analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not directly a "design" tool, understanding client relationship management principles is key. Aurecon might use a CRM for tracking client interactions and business development opportunities.

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for real-time team communication and collaboration.

• Document Management: SharePoint, ACC/BIM 360, or other cloud-based systems for secure storage and version control of project documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with BIM software, particularly Revit and Navisworks, and project collaboration platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, is non-negotiable. The role requires an understanding of how these tools facilitate multi-disciplinary coordination and project lifecycle management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Re-imagining: A core value encouraging creative problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of traditional engineering approaches, particularly relevant in the rapidly evolving data center sector.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve shared project goals, fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations through high-quality delivery, strong relationships, and proactive communication.

• Excellence & Integrity: Commitment to delivering technically sound, reliable, and sustainable solutions with the highest professional standards.

• Digital Transformation: Embracing digital tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the overall value delivered to clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Multi-disciplinary Integration: Encourages close working relationships between various engineering disciplines, architects, and BIM specialists to ensure a cohesive design.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on open and frequent communication channels, both within project teams and with clients, to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement in processes, design quality, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's culture appears to be progressive, client-centric, and technically driven, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration. The values align well with the demands of managing complex, modern engineering projects like data centers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multi-disciplinary Complexity: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering and design teams, each with their own priorities and technical languages, to achieve a unified and optimal design. Requires strong leadership and communication.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the fast-paced advancements in data center technology, M&E systems, cooling solutions, and digital design tools, and integrating them effectively into project designs.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the often-competing demands and expectations of clients, internal teams, regulatory bodies, and contractors.

• Project Delivery Pressures: Meeting stringent deadlines, budget constraints, and quality standards inherent in data center construction projects, which often have critical uptime requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like critical power systems, advanced cooling technologies, and data center security design.

• Digital Engineering Leadership: Training and certification in advanced BIM workflows, digital twins, and data analytics for infrastructure projects.

• Global Project Exposure: Gaining experience on international projects, understanding diverse regulatory environments and construction practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Aurecon's internal leadership training to hone skills in team management, strategic planning, and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in managing high-stakes, complex engineering projects, but these are balanced by substantial opportunities for professional growth and specialization within a leading global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary design team for a complex data center project. How do you ensure alignment and synergy across different engineering disciplines?" (Prepare to discuss team structure, communication protocols, and conflict resolution).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between a client's request and technical feasibility. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding balanced solutions).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design clash is identified late in the BIM coordination process for a data center. What steps would you take to resolve it efficiently and minimize project impact?" (Demonstrate a systematic approach to issue resolution, utilizing BIM tools and team collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Culture: "How do you see your leadership style fitting with Aurecon's values of innovation, collaboration, and client focus?" (Research Aurecon's values and provide specific examples of how you embody them).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within your design teams?" (Highlight your ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams).

• Operations Impact: "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond just meeting technical specifications? What KPIs do you focus on?" (Discuss metrics related to client satisfaction, budget adherence, schedule performance, and innovation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your project presentations as compelling narratives. Start with the challenge, detail your strategic approach and solutions, and conclude with the impactful results.

• Metrics & ROI: For each project, clearly present key metrics such as budget adherence, schedule performance, energy efficiency improvements, and any quantifiable client benefits. Connect these back to the value you delivered.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, prepare to walk through a simplified BIM model or a key design drawing to illustrate complex technical details or coordination efforts. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong technical leadership, robust project management skills, and a deep understanding of data center design principles and digital tools. Emphasize your ability to lead teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Aurecon careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise, impactful portfolio that highlights your experience in leading multi-disciplinary design teams, with a strong focus on data center projects. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, responsibilities, and quantifiable achievements in project delivery, budget management, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to Data Center Design, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, BIM (Revit, Navisworks, ACC), Project Management, and multi-disciplinary coordination. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review Aurecon's company values and recent projects. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and client management. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Understand Aurecon's approach to design-led thinking, digital engineering, and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives and how you can contribute to their mission of "re-imagining engineering."

⚠️ 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.