Design Manager - Data Centers

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Data Centers

Company: Prologis

Location: Dallas, TX, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Data Center Design & Development

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary architectural and engineering (A/E) consultant teams for complex data center development projects, ensuring adherence to Prologis' high standards and client-specific requirements.

• Drive the full lifecycle design process, from initial site selection and due diligence through detailed design development and construction administration, ensuring technical excellence, cost-efficiency, and schedule adherence.

• Coordinate and integrate various design disciplines, including Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), Fire Protection, Telecommunications, and Security, to achieve seamless project execution.

• Serve as the primary design liaison between internal stakeholders (Development, Construction, Capital Markets, Leasing) and external partners (clients, A/E consultants, utility providers, commissioning agents), facilitating clear communication and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in the operational success of Prologis' data center portfolio, bridging technical design with business objectives. The emphasis on managing external consultants and driving the entire design lifecycle signifies a strong need for project management acumen and deep technical understanding within the data center domain. The expectation to interface directly with hyperscale and colocation clients highlights the client-facing nature of this operations-focused role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage external A/E consultants, ensuring accountability for performance, adherence to project objectives, and timely delivery of design deliverables.

• Oversee design budgets, track design-to-budget alignment, and manage consultant invoice approvals to maintain vendor cash flow.

• Support site selection and due diligence efforts by coordinating with consultants on power availability, water supply, zoning, geotechnical investigations, and test fits.

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

• Direct the preparation and refinement of all design documentation phases: Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Issue for Permit (IFP), and Issue for Construction (IFC).

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

• Implement structured design reviews and value engineering exercises to optimize cost, constructability, performance, and long-term operability of data center facilities.

• Monitor project milestones to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality design packages that align with reference designs, client standards, and cost/schedule targets.

• Capture and institutionalize lessons learned from each project to drive continuous improvement in design standards and operational efficiency across the portfolio.

• Collaborate closely with commissioning and QA/QC teams to verify that installed systems meet design intent and performance requirements.

• Assist in technical procurement for long-lead equipment, such as transformers, generators, switchgear, and chillers, coordinating with development and pre-construction teams.

• Serve as the primary design point of contact for internal stakeholders, including Development, Construction, Capital Markets, Leasing, and Executive Leadership.

• Interface directly with hyperscale and colocation clients to align on technical requirements, performance expectations, and project-specific design solutions.

• Present design concepts, progress updates, and technical recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups, effectively incorporating feedback.

• Facilitate coordination with Real Estate and Finance teams to ensure design strategies align with underwriting assumptions and financial projections.

• Collaborate with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to streamline permitting processes and address regulatory requirements.

• Ensure strict compliance with all applicable building codes, industry standards, and jurisdictional requirements throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level operations role focused on the strategic and tactical execution of data center development. The emphasis on consultant management, budget oversight, risk mitigation through value engineering, and stakeholder communication points to a need for strong leadership and operational planning skills. The inclusion of construction administration and long-lead equipment procurement highlights the end-to-end responsibility for the design phase within the broader development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience with a strong specialization in data center design and project delivery.

• Proven track record of successfully managing CSA and MEP systems for large-scale data center developments.

• Demonstrated experience with mission-critical systems, including:

  • Power distribution (Medium Voltage/Low Voltage, UPS, generator systems)
  • Cooling systems (air-cooled, water-cooled, and liquid cooling readiness)
  • Fire protection and life safety systems

• Familiarity with high-density computing environments and evolving hyperscale client requirements.

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

• Proven ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise communication for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Skills:

• Data Center Design & Engineering: Deep understanding of CSA and MEP systems specific to data center operations, including power redundancy, cooling efficiencies, and fire suppression strategies.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead concurrent projects, manage external consultants, track budgets, and ensure schedule adherence from concept to completion.

• BIM & Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, and Bluebeam for design development, collaboration, and documentation.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical concepts and project updates to diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of building codes, industry standards (e.g., TIA, ASHRAE), and jurisdictional requirements relevant to data center construction and operation.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional licensure (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) is highly preferred, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and expertise.

• Experience with project management software for tracking milestones, resource allocation, and overall project progress.

• Understanding of utility coordination processes and challenges specific to large power users like data centers.

• Familiarity with construction administration processes and best practices for issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in data center infrastructure and strong project management capabilities. The preference for professional licensure indicates a desire for candidates with established credentials and a commitment to engineering or architectural best practices. The inclusion of specific system knowledge (MV/LV power, cooling, fire protection) and software proficiency (Revit/BIM, AutoCAD) are critical keywords for operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of past data center design and development projects, showcasing your role, responsibilities, and contributions.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Examples of design deliverables, such as schematic designs, design development drawings, or construction issue packages, demonstrating clarity and adherence to standards.

• Consultant Management Examples: Evidence of successful management of external A/E consultants, including examples of RFP processes, scope definition, and performance reviews.

• Budgetary Control Demonstrations: Case studies or data illustrating your ability to manage design budgets, track costs, and achieve design-to-budget alignment.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Documentation of how you've addressed complex design challenges, resolved field issues during construction administration, or implemented value engineering solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of how you've developed or refined design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across projects.

• System Integration Methodologies: Illustrate your approach to integrating diverse technical systems (power, cooling, IT infrastructure) to meet project requirements and performance goals.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Provide examples of how you track design progress, measure performance against objectives, and institutionalize lessons learned for continuous improvement.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Documentation of your proactive approach to identifying and mitigating design and construction risks through structured reviews and clear communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience beyond a resume. The emphasis on case studies, technical documentation, and process examples allows candidates to showcase their ability to manage complex technical projects and drive operational efficiency in the data center design lifecycle. This section is designed to guide applicants on what Prologis will likely look for in their application materials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $115,200 – $169,400 USD per year.

• Note: This range is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in major US metropolitan areas like Dallas. The final salary will be determined by the candidate's specific location, education, experience, skills, knowledge, and internal equity, as well as market data.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% up to 12% of eligible compensation.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Starting accrual of 22 days per year, plus paid holidays and volunteer time.

• Wellness Programs: A range of wellness benefits designed to support employee health and well-being.

• Financial & Work/Lifestyle Benefits: Various other benefits tailored to support employees' financial security and work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client demands, including potential for some evening or weekend work during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is directly from the job description. The benefits listed are also extracted from the provided text, with specific details about the 401(k) match and PTO accrual highlighted for added value. The working hours are inferred from the standard "Full-time" employment type, with a note on potential flexibility common in project-driven roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate (Industrial Logistics and Data Centers)

Company Size: Prologis operates a massive global portfolio, employing thousands of individuals. This scale means opportunities for structured processes, significant impact, and exposure to large-scale operations and international markets. For operations professionals, this implies a need for adaptability within a large corporate framework and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

Founded: While the exact founding date of Prologis is not explicitly stated, its long-standing presence and leadership in the logistics and industrial real estate sector suggest a stable and established corporate environment with a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role operates within the broader Development function, with a direct reporting line likely to a Director or VP of Data Center Development or Design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams such as Development Managers, Construction Managers, Capital Markets, Leasing, and Legal departments. External collaboration is also key, involving A/E consultants, clients, general contractors, and commissioning agents.

• Project-Centric Teams: Teams are often formed around specific projects, bringing together specialists from various disciplines to achieve project goals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Prologis leverages data for site selection, market analysis, and performance tracking, expecting operations professionals to contribute to and utilize this data.

• Standardized Processes: With its scale, Prologis likely employs standardized workflows for design, development, and construction to ensure consistency and efficiency across its global portfolio.

• Continuous Improvement: The company emphasizes capturing lessons learned and institutionalizing best practices, reflecting a commitment to ongoing operational refinement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers company culture and team structure based on Prologis' description as a global leader with a significant portfolio. The emphasis on "People First," "Individuals take the initiative here," and "Employees advance their careers here" suggests a culture that values proactivity, growth, and employee well-being, all critical for sustained operational excellence. The scale of Prologis implies robust systems and processes that operations professionals can leverage.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and development lifecycle. It requires significant technical expertise in data center design and a proven ability to manage complex projects and external teams. The scope extends beyond pure design to include budget management, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory navigation, indicating a role with substantial responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Data Center Development or Engineering department, such as a Director of Design or VP of Development. They will, in turn, manage external A/E consultants and interface with various internal departments and external clients.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in the profitability and success of data center projects by ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-efficient, and meet client demands. Their work directly impacts project timelines, capital expenditures, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction, all of which are key performance indicators for Prologis' business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific data center technologies (e.g., advanced cooling, power infrastructure, AI-driven data center design) or project types (hyperscale vs. colocation).

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to senior management roles, leading larger teams, managing more complex portfolios, or overseeing entire regions of development.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into broader development management roles, strategic planning, or client relationship management within the data center sector.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the development of industry standards and best practices through involvement in professional organizations and knowledge sharing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis provides context on the career trajectory and impact of the Design Manager role. It highlights how this position contributes directly to Prologis' business objectives and outlines potential paths for professional growth within the company and the broader data center industry, a key consideration for operations professionals seeking long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to work from a Prologis office location, likely in Dallas, Texas, or potentially other listed locations like Chicago, Milpitas, or San Francisco, depending on project assignments and hiring needs. The specific office environment will be professional and corporate, fostering collaboration among development and operations teams.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Dallas, TX. Additional potential locations include Chicago, IL; Milpitas, CA; and San Francisco, CA. Candidates should be prepared to work from one of these Prologis offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will support frequent interaction with internal development, construction, and leasing teams, as well as external consultants and clients.

• Technology-Rich: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and design tools (AutoCAD, Revit/BIM) will be essential for daily tasks.

• Project Focus: The environment will be geared towards project execution, with opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While standard office hours apply, the nature of project management and client demands may necessitate some flexibility, potentially including occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines or address urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clarifies the on-site nature of the role and outlines the likely work environment. It emphasizes the collaborative aspect necessary for managing complex projects and the technological resources available, providing a realistic picture for potential candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about data center design principles, MEP/CSA systems, project management methodologies, and experience with specific software. This may involve a technical assessment or case study.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing their role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes for past data center projects.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews will assess alignment with Prologis' "People First" culture, focusing on initiative, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. This may involve situational questions.

• Final Round: Discussions with senior leadership to confirm fit, discuss compensation, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, performance improvements).

• Showcase Technical Depth: Highlight your contributions to critical systems like power distribution, cooling, and fire protection, using relevant technical terminology accurately.

• Demonstrate Project Management Skills: Explain how you managed consultants, budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects and your impact.

• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that best align with the requirements of the Design Manager - Data Centers role, emphasizing hyperscale and colocation experience if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common data center design challenges, such as optimizing power density, managing heat loads in high-density environments, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

• Consultant Management Scenarios: Practice articulating your strategy for managing underperforming consultants, negotiating scope changes, or resolving disputes.

• Stakeholder Communication Exercises: Prepare to explain how you would communicate complex technical information or project risks to non-technical stakeholders, such as leasing or finance teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured guide to the likely interview process and offers actionable advice for portfolio preparation and challenge management. It's designed to help operations candidates anticipate what to expect and how to best present their qualifications for this specific role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software:

  • AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and design.
  • Revit/BIM: Essential for 3D modeling, collaboration, clash detection, and creating integrated design packages. Proficiency is critical for managing complex data center designs.

• Collaboration & Documentation:

  • Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, document management, and takeoff, crucial for design reviews and construction administration.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word, Excel, PowerPoint for general documentation, reporting, and presentations.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, Prologis likely uses enterprise-level project management tools for tracking schedules, budgets, resources, and tasks. Candidates familiar with platforms like Procore, Oracle Primavera, or similar systems will have an advantage.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing project data, budget reports, and performance metrics. Experience with Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis is expected.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on design progress, budget status, and risk assessments for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable: While CRM is not a primary tool for this design role, understanding how design decisions impact downstream operational systems and client interactions is beneficial. Automation knowledge might be relevant in optimizing design workflows or coordinating with facilities management systems.

• Specialized Data Center Software: Familiarity with any specialized software used for power modeling, cooling simulations, or energy analysis could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technical proficiencies. The emphasis on Revit/BIM and Bluebeam is particularly important for a design management role in the modern construction and operations landscape. Highlighting these tools ensures candidates understand the technology environment they will be operating in.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: Prologis emphasizes valuing its employees, fostering a supportive environment, and prioritizing well-being, which translates to a culture where operations professionals are expected to contribute to a positive and productive workplace.

• Decisive, Courageous, and Adaptable: These core values suggest a dynamic environment where operations professionals are encouraged to make informed decisions, take calculated risks, and adapt to changing project needs and market conditions.

• Initiative & Accountability: The company culture promotes individuals taking initiative and owning their responsibilities, meaning operations roles are expected to be proactive in identifying issues and driving solutions.

• Data-Driven Approach: Prologis relies on data for strategic decision-making, so operations professionals are expected to embrace data analysis, performance measurement, and evidence-based improvements.

• Efficiency & Optimization: As a leader in logistics and infrastructure, a strong focus on operational efficiency and continuous process optimization is inherent in the company's DNA.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration with diverse internal teams (Development, Construction, Leasing) and external partners, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of constructive feedback and open discussion is likely encouraged to refine design processes and project execution strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Expect opportunities to share insights from projects and learn from colleagues across different disciplines to foster a collective understanding of best practices in data center development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates Prologis' stated company values and culture into actionable expectations for operations professionals. It aims to provide insight into the behavioral competencies and collaborative dynamics that are likely valued within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Effectively balancing the demands of 2-3 complex data center developments simultaneously, each with unique client requirements and timelines.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the technical objectives of design with the commercial interests of clients, leasing teams, and financial stakeholders.

• Ensuring Design Consistency at Scale: Maintaining adherence to Prologis' platform standards and evolving client requirements across a large and diverse project portfolio.

• Adapting to Evolving Data Center Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in power, cooling, and IT infrastructure to ensure designs are future-proof and efficient.

• Resolving Design/Construction Issues: Proactively identifying and resolving technical challenges that arise during the design and construction phases to prevent schedule delays and cost overruns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Technologies: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like liquid cooling, advanced power architectures, renewable energy integration, and AI-driven facility management.

• Project Leadership Skills: Development in managing larger project teams, complex budgets, and higher-stakes negotiations.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications and attending industry conferences (e.g., Uptime Institute, Data Center World).

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced leaders within Prologis for guidance on career progression and professional development.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain understanding of related operations functions like construction management, capital markets, or leasing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the role and the data center industry, offering a realistic outlook for candidates. It also highlights specific learning and development avenues that align with the growth potential outlined previously, providing a comprehensive view of career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex data center design project from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus: Project lifecycle management, problem-solving)

• "How do you approach managing external A/E consultants to ensure they meet performance, budget, and schedule expectations?" (Focus: Consultant management, accountability)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody Prologis' values of being decisive, courageous, and adaptable in your professional work?" (Focus: Cultural alignment, behavioral traits)

• "Describe a situation where you had to take initiative to solve a problem or improve a process without explicit direction. What was the outcome?" (Focus: Proactiveness, ownership)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly define the project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the key design challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, schedule adherence).

• Highlight Technical Expertise: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of data center systems (power, cooling, fire protection, IT infrastructure) and demonstrate your understanding of their interdependencies.

• Showcase Management Skills: Emphasize your ability to manage consultants, budgets, and cross-functional teams, providing examples of how you drove consensus and resolved conflicts.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data to illustrate the success of your projects and your contribution to Prologis' business objectives (e.g., "Reduced design costs by X%", "Ensured project completion within Y% of budget").

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, risk mitigation strategies, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tailored interview preparation advice, including specific example questions and strategies for presenting a portfolio. It focuses on the key competencies and operational aspects relevant to the Design Manager role, helping candidates prepare effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Prologis careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in data center design, project management, and managing CSA/MEP systems. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics and results.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant data center design projects. Prepare concise summaries for each, focusing on your role, the challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes, ready for presentation.

• Research Prologis: Familiarize yourself with Prologis' global operations, their approach to data center development, and their company culture. Understand their position as a leader in the logistics and industrial real estate sector.

• Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Questions: Practice articulating your experience with data center technologies, design processes, consultant management, and how you embody Prologis' core values.

⚠️ 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.