Design Manager (Data Center)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Data Center)

Company: Cumming Group

Location: Texas, United States (Client Site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Data Center Operations)

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Estimated)

Remote Status: Remote OK (Client Site in Texas)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary architectural and engineering (A/E) teams through the entire lifecycle of complex data center projects, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to project objectives.

• Manage external A/E consultants, fostering accountability and ensuring performance aligns with project goals, budget, and schedule requirements.

• Drive design consistency, innovation, and risk mitigation across multiple concurrent data center developments, including hyperscale, colocation, and retrofit projects.

• Oversee the development and refinement of all design documentation phases (SD, DD, IFP, IFC) and support construction administration activities to preserve design intent.

• Act as the primary design liaison between internal stakeholders (Development, Construction, Capital Markets) and external clients, facilitating clear communication and alignment on technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager (Data Center)," the core responsibilities and required skills place this role firmly within the intersection of project management and specialized design oversight for mission-critical infrastructure. The emphasis on managing external consultants, budgets, schedules, and interfacing with various stakeholders points to a significant project management component, distinct from a purely architectural or engineering design role. The estimated experience level of 5-10 years and the focus on managing multiple concurrent projects suggest a mid to senior-level position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage external A/E consultants for performance, accountability, and adherence to project objectives across multiple concurrent data center developments.

• Oversee and manage design budgets, track design-to-budget alignment, and review/approve consultant invoices to manage design vendor cash flow.

• Support cost benchmarking and early-stage budget validation in partnership with pre-construction teams.

• Lead the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for design consultants, defining scopes, negotiating fees, and coordinating contract execution.

• Drive the preparation and refinement of Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Issue for Permit (IFP), and Issue for Construction (IFC) documentation for various data center project types.

• Oversee construction administration (CA) activities, resolving field issues and preserving design intent with the Architect/Engineer of Record (AOR/EOR).

• Direct design change management processes to maintain alignment with reference designs, client standards, and cost/schedule targets.

• Define project scopes, budgets, and schedules in partnership with Development and Pre-Construction teams.

• Conduct structured design reviews and value engineering exercises to optimize cost, constructability, performance, and long-term operability.

• Monitor project milestones to ensure timely delivery of high-quality design deliverables and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with commissioning and QA/QC teams to ensure systems meet design intent and performance requirements.

• Assist in technical procurement efforts for long-lead equipment such as transformers, generators, switchgear, and chillers.

• Serve as the primary design liaison with internal stakeholders, including Development, Construction, Capital Markets, Leasing, and Leadership.

• Interface directly with hyperscale and colocation clients to align on technical requirements and performance expectations.

• Present design concepts and progress updates to stakeholders, incorporating feedback into project execution.

• Facilitate coordination with Real Estate and Finance teams to align design strategy with underwriting assumptions.

• Collaborate with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding requests and comments to streamline the permitting and review process.

• Manage consultants supporting permitting and entitlements during the design phase.

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements for all projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder communication, and vendor management, which are critical in operations roles. The mention of "platform standards," "client requirements," and "institutionalizing lessons learned" points to a need for a structured approach to design and project execution, typical of robust operations frameworks. The responsibility to "interface directly with hyperscale and colocation clients" indicates a client-facing aspect within the operations of design delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering.

Experience:

• Proven experience managing Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) and Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) systems for large-scale data center projects.

• Experience with MV/LV power systems, telecommunications, and security infrastructure within data center environments.

• Experience with mission-critical systems, including power distribution (MV/LV, UPS, generators), cooling systems (air-cooled, water-cooled, liquid cooling readiness), and fire protection/life safety systems.

• Familiarity with high-density environments and evolving hyperscale data center requirements.

• Experience in managing external A/E consultants, including RFP processes, contract negotiation, and performance oversight.

• Experience in managing design budgets and tracking design-to-budget alignment.

• Experience supporting site selection, due diligence, and entitlement planning for data center developments.

• Experience in construction administration (CA) activities and resolving field issues.

• Experience in conducting design reviews and value engineering exercises.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of data center architectural and engineering disciplines (CSA, MEP, Fire Protection, Telecom, Security).

• Proficiency in design and collaboration tools such as AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, and Bluebeam.

• Ability to translate technical complexity into clear communication for non-technical stakeholders.

• Excellent project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget management for multiple concurrent projects.

• Strong vendor management and consultant accountability skills.

• Ability to facilitate structured design reviews and value engineering sessions.

• Knowledge of mission-critical systems and data center operational requirements.

• Understanding of permitting and entitlement processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional licensure (RA or PE).

• Experience with project management software.

• Direct client-facing experience with hyperscale and colocation data center clients.

• Experience with technical procurement for long-lead equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific design disciplines (CSA, MEP) and mission-critical systems, alongside project management tools and processes, is crucial for operations candidates. The requirement to translate technical complexity for non-technical stakeholders is a key communication skill in operations, bridging the gap between technical teams and business leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of multiple concurrent A/E design packages for large-scale data center projects.

• Showcase examples of budget management and cost optimization through value engineering exercises.

• Provide case studies illustrating effective consultant management, including RFP processes and performance oversight.

• Highlight experience in developing and refining design documentation (SD, DD, IFP, IFC) ensuring consistency and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Present a structured approach to managing design lifecycle stages, from site selection through construction administration.

• Illustrate your methodology for conducting design reviews and value engineering sessions.

• Provide examples of how you have captured and institutionalized lessons learned to improve future project execution.

• Showcase your process for facilitating collaboration between design teams, internal stakeholders, and external clients.

• Detail your approach to ensuring compliance with codes, standards, and jurisdictional requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio isn't just about design output but about the process and management of that output. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their structured approach to managing complex projects, their ability to drive efficiency through value engineering, and their skill in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management. The ability to document and learn from processes is a hallmark of effective operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,700.00 - $161,966.69 per year.

• Rationale: This range is based on the provided salary information and aligns with typical compensation for Design Managers or Senior Project Managers with specialized experience in data centers in the United States, considering the Texas location which has a moderate cost of living compared to major tech hubs. The experience level (estimated 5-10 years) and the responsibilities, including managing multiple concurrent projects and external consultants, justify this mid-to-senior level compensation.

• Methodology: The estimate is derived directly from the provided salary data. For roles where salary is not explicitly stated, research would involve consulting industry salary benchmarks (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, industry-specific surveys) for similar roles in the specified region and considering the company's size and industry (Consulting, Construction, Engineering).

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• 401(k) Matching contributions

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Short-term disability insurance

• Long-term disability insurance

Working Hours:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, indicative of a full-time role.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While standard working hours are listed as 40, roles managing complex, mission-critical projects like data centers often require flexibility and may involve extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, such as design deadlines, permitting reviews, or construction administration challenges. The "Remote OK" status suggests potential flexibility in where work is performed, but not necessarily a reduction in overall commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and appears to be a good faith estimate based on the role's seniority and focus. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time position in the consulting and construction industry, offering standard health, retirement, and time-off benefits which are attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Project Management, Cost Management Consulting. Cumming Group operates within the built environment, specializing in managing large-scale construction and development projects across various sectors, with a significant focus on mission-critical facilities like data centers.

Company Size: Large (Estimated 1,000-5,000+ employees based on LinkedIn insights and global office count). This size suggests a well-established organization with structured processes, career paths, and resources, but also a potentially competitive environment for advancement.

Founded: Founded in 2005. This indicates a company with a solid track record and significant growth over nearly two decades, evolving its methodologies and client base.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or specialized data center division.

• The team structure involves managing external A/E consultants, but also close collaboration with internal Cumming Group teams such as Development, Pre-Construction, and Construction Management.

Methodology:

• Cumming Group emphasizes a data-driven approach to project and cost management, aiming for efficiency and technical excellence.

• They utilize standard tools, techniques, and processes to ensure clarity and consistency across projects, with a focus on continuous improvement through lessons learned.

• The company's growth and top rankings in ENR suggest a strong emphasis on client satisfaction, project delivery, and operational efficiency.

Company Website: cumming-group.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's emphasis on "success is measured by the impact you make" and "opportunities to make your mark are limitless" suggests a performance-driven culture. For operations professionals, this means a focus on measurable results, efficiency improvements, and tangible contributions to project success. The company's growth trajectory implies a dynamic environment where adaptability and proactive problem-solving are valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Design Manager, responsible for leading complex design efforts for high-value data center projects. It requires a blend of technical expertise in data center design and robust project management capabilities, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within Cumming Group's data center or project management division. They will also be responsible for managing and directing external A/E consultants, establishing a leadership role within project teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is critical in ensuring that data center projects are designed to meet technical specifications, cost targets, and schedule requirements. Their oversight directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, and the long-term operational efficiency and reliability of the data centers. Success in this role can lead to managing larger, more complex projects or advancing into director-level positions within the firm.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific data center technologies (e.g., hyperscale design, advanced cooling, edge computing infrastructure) or project types.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or Program Manager roles, overseeing larger portfolios of projects or entire data center programs.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to other areas of Cumming Group's operations, such as construction management, cost consulting, or business development within the data center sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior design managers, engineers, and project managers, developing leadership and training skills.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to contribute to industry best practices, speaking engagements, or publications, enhancing professional reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, career growth is often tied to their ability to manage increasingly complex systems, processes, and teams, and to demonstrate quantifiable improvements. This role offers a clear path for growth by demonstrating leadership in design execution, cost control, and stakeholder management within the high-stakes data center industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily client-site based in Texas, with a "Remote OK" designation meaning the individual can work remotely when not required on-site. This suggests a hybrid approach where significant time will be spent at client facilities for meetings, reviews, and site visits, balanced with remote work for administrative tasks and documentation.

Office Location(s): Client Site in Texas, United States. Specific city not detailed, but likely within a major Texas metropolitan area where data center development is prevalent (e.g., Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin).

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be a mix of office settings (either remote or at client/Cumming Group offices) and active construction/development sites.

• Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, Bluebeam) and project management tools will be essential, whether provided by the company or managed through remote access.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of data center development, which often operates under tight deadlines and involves mission-critical infrastructure, flexibility to work beyond standard hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to meet project milestones, respond to urgent issues, or attend critical meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is a key benefit for operations professionals who value flexibility, but the "Client Site" designation means proactive planning for on-site presence is critical. The dynamic nature of construction sites requires adaptability and a focus on safety and efficiency, even in a remote-capable role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will likely review applications for basic qualifications, experience level, and alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Design Management or Senior Project Director) to assess technical expertise, project management approach, and fit with the team. Be prepared to discuss specific data center projects managed.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of subject matter experts from A/E disciplines or other project managers. Expect detailed questions on data center design principles, problem-solving scenarios, and consultant management.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your management process, decision-making, and impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant data center projects that best showcase your experience in managing design lifecycles, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the project scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered (technical, budgetary, timeline), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, performance improvements).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your management methodologies, decision-making processes, and how you leveraged tools like BIM, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you managed and collaborated with external A/E consultants, internal stakeholders, and clients.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought – cost savings from value engineering, schedule adherence, risk mitigation successes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a consultant who is consistently missing deadlines?" or "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders."

• Practice articulating your approach to value engineering and design reviews, focusing on actionable steps and expected outcomes.

• Prepare to discuss how you ensure regulatory compliance and manage permitting processes.

• Understand Cumming Group's business and their role in the data center market to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the interview process is designed to assess not just technical knowledge but also the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, lead teams (even indirectly through management), and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a structured, results-oriented approach to design management is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: AutoCAD, Revit/BIM (essential for design review and coordination).

• Collaboration/Markup Software: Bluebeam (crucial for document review, markup, and collaboration on drawings and specifications).

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar) for scheduling, tracking, and reporting.

• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or similar for virtual meetings and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project status reports, budget reports, and schedule updates.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing design options, cost proposals, and performance data to inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key given the client-facing aspect.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes that streamline design review and approval cycles would be beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software platforms (CAD, PM, ERP) may integrate for data flow and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, and Bluebeam highlights the technical tools required for effective design management and review. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage project management software for tracking and reporting is also a core operational requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and engineering that meets stringent data center performance standards.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project deliverables, consultant performance, and budget adherence.

• Efficiency: Driving processes that optimize cost, schedule, and resource utilization.

• Collaboration: Fostering a cooperative environment among internal teams, external consultants, and clients.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking and implementing lessons learned to refine methodologies and enhance future project outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with stakeholders and managing projects transparently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Development, Pre-Construction, Construction Management, and Capital Markets teams to ensure a cohesive project strategy.

• Consultant Partnership: Establishing a collaborative yet accountable relationship with A/E consultants, guiding their work while ensuring adherence to project requirements.

• Client Focus: Regularly engaging with clients to understand their needs, present design progress, and incorporate feedback effectively.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication, providing timely updates, and addressing potential issues before they escalate.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's stated values and the nature of the role suggest a culture that values results, strong relationships, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Operations professionals thrive in environments where processes are valued, and continuous improvement is encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Balancing the demands of 2-3 complex data center projects simultaneously requires exceptional organizational and time management skills.

• Consultant Performance Management: Ensuring external consultants consistently meet quality, cost, and schedule expectations can be challenging due to varying levels of expertise and internal priorities.

• Evolving Data Center Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in data center design and operational requirements (e.g., liquid cooling, AI infrastructure demands) to ensure designs are future-proof.

• Balancing Cost, Schedule, and Quality: Navigating the inherent trade-offs between these critical project constraints to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Client Requirements: Aligning diverse and sometimes evolving client demands with technical feasibility and budget constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to learn about cutting-edge data center technologies and methodologies through project exposure and industry training.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in leading larger teams, managing more complex projects, and taking on program-level responsibilities.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized data center certifications.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into construction, cost management, and client relations within the data center development lifecycle.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives to develop leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations roles often involve navigating complexity and driving efficiency amidst challenges. Identifying these challenges and framing them as opportunities for skill development and growth is key for candidates to demonstrate their strategic thinking and resilience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing A/E consultants on a large-scale data center project, from RFP to construction administration." (Focus on accountability, performance metrics, and issue resolution.)

• "How do you approach value engineering for data center designs to optimize cost without compromising performance or reliability?" (Highlight your methodology for identifying savings and evaluating trade-offs.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change mid-project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your change management process and ability to mitigate impacts.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cumming Group and our work in the data center sector?" (Research their recent projects, company values, and market position.)

• "How do you align design strategy with financial underwriting assumptions for a development project?" (Show your understanding of the business context beyond pure design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best reflect the scope and complexity of the role – ideally, hyperscale or colocation data centers where you managed the full design lifecycle.

• Structure: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define your role, the challenge, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use slides with key diagrams, timelines, or budget snapshots to support your narrative. Avoid overly technical jargon unless explaining specific design elements.

• Focus on Management: Emphasize your management of consultants, budgets, schedules, and risks. This is a management role, not just a technical design role.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design decisions, cost breakdowns, or problem-solving scenarios within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles should focus on demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving, effective stakeholder management, and a results-oriented mindset. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes and quantify their impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (Data Center) position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://cumminggroup.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CGC/job/Remote---USA/Design-Manager--Data-Center-_JR102510

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in data center design management, consultant oversight, budget control, specific technologies (MEP, CSA, power distribution, cooling), and proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key data center projects that best demonstrate your project management, design oversight, and problem-solving capabilities. Be ready to present these with a focus on process, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Research Cumming Group: Understand their company culture, recent projects, and their position within the construction and project management industry, especially their data center practice.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership, and results. Practice articulating your approach to managing consultants, budgets, and complex design challenges.

⚠️ 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.