Design Manager Data Centres

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Data Centres

Company: Goodman

Location: Milan, Italy

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Data Centre Design & Engineering | Real Estate Development Operations

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design process for cutting-edge data centre development projects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable design solutions from inception through construction.

• Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams and external consultants, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve project objectives.

• Oversee contractor design efforts during the construction phase, ensuring adherence to project specifications, regulatory requirements, and Goodman's standards.

• Drive value engineering initiatives and complex stakeholder management to balance end-user requirements with project constraints and financial targets.

• Champion energy efficiency and sustainability in design, aligning with ESG strategies and certifications to enhance the long-term value of data centre assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Goodman's strategic expansion into the data centre market. The Design Manager will be instrumental in shaping the technical direction and execution of these complex projects, requiring a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and strong stakeholder engagement skills within the Italian regulatory landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage internal and external design teams, including architects, structural engineers, MEP specialists, and IT infrastructure consultants, to deliver comprehensive design solutions.

• Oversee the selection, appointment, and performance management of engineering firms and subject matter experts, ensuring scope, quality, and timelines are met.

• Lead cost/time-benefit analyses and present optimized design solutions that align with project goals for time, cost, sustainability, reliability, scalability, and safety.

• Ensure the seamless integration and coordination of all critical systems, including power, cooling, IT, security, and firefighting, alongside Civil, Structural, and Architectural (CSA) aspects.

• Drive the development of accurate construction documents and specifications from inception to the RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design) completion, aiming for full stakeholder satisfaction.

• Promote and implement energy-efficient and sustainable design solutions, actively supporting the integration of ESG strategies and certifications such as BREEAM or LEED.

• Conduct progressive design reviews and manage change requests throughout all project stages, providing clear visibility on cost and time impacts to internal stakeholders and end-users.

• Support Project Managers, Schedulers, and Cost Managers in developing and managing project-specific design work plans, schedules, and budgets.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related activities within the project team, providing timely updates and technical guidance.

• Represent Goodman in crucial design and project meetings with external consultants and stakeholders.

• Prepare preliminary drawings and site layout solutions during due diligence to assess buildability and align with internal design templates and user requirements.

• Support the project team in presenting design solutions effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders, including end-users and internal departments.

• Assist the programme team, as needed, in defining and reviewing Owner's Project Requirements (OPRs), technical standards, specifications, and design guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility through detailed design and contractor oversight. The emphasis on RIBA stages and specific system integration (power, cooling, IT) indicates a need for sophisticated technical knowledge and project execution experience within the data centre domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's Degree in Engineering (Building, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or IT).

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in data centre design, with a strong focus on Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA) and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems development. Proven experience leading complex multi-disciplinary design teams and managing new construction, tenant improvements, and capital improvement projects. Expertise in consultant negotiation and contract management is essential.

Required Skills:

• Data Centre Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of CSA and MEP systems specific to hyperscale or colocation data centres.

• Multidisciplinary Design Management: Proven ability to coordinate and integrate diverse engineering disciplines.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Understanding of design stages, particularly the RIBA framework (RIBA Stages 1-5).

• Consultant & Contractor Management: Experience in selecting, appointing, and managing external design consultants and supervising contractor design efforts.

• Contract Negotiation & Management: Strong skills in preparing and executing Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements, and managing contractual obligations.

• Value Engineering: Demonstrated capability in identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or functionality.

• Sustainability & ESG Integration: Knowledge of energy-efficient design principles and experience with ESG strategies and certifications (e.g., BREEAM, LEED).

• Regulatory Compliance (Italy): Advanced command of Italian urban planning, building permits, firefighting, and environmental authorization procedures.

• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting design and construction drawings, project schedules, budgets, and cost estimates.

• Software Proficiency: Expertise in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), MS Project, and drafting/BIM software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.

• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership qualities with excellent coordination, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving: An analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail, coupled with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, especially under pressure.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP or PgMP certification.

• Experience guiding new design concepts through detailed design, peer review, construction, and operational phases.

• Familiarity with advanced data centre technologies and emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Italian regulatory knowledge and specific software proficiencies like Revit and Navisworks indicates a need for candidates with direct, practical experience within the European and specifically Italian construction and engineering landscape. The mention of RIBA stages suggests a preference for candidates familiar with this structured project delivery framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Comprehensive examples showcasing leadership in the design management of complex data centre projects, detailing the scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• System Integration Examples: Demonstrations of successful coordination and integration of critical CSA and MEP systems within data centre environments.

• Value Engineering Proposals: Evidence of implemented value engineering initiatives, quantifying cost savings and efficiency improvements achieved.

• Sustainability Design Contributions: Documentation illustrating contributions to energy-efficient and sustainable design solutions, including any certifications pursued.

• Contractual Framework Examples: Samples or descriptions of consultant agreements and contract management processes executed.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Showcase examples of how you have optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce timelines, and enhance design quality.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Provide case studies detailing how you proactively identified and managed design-related risks, outlining mitigation strategies and their effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Examples of structured communication plans and reporting mechanisms used to keep diverse stakeholders informed and aligned on design progress and changes.

• QA/QC Process Implementation: Evidence of implementing rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes for design submissions and contractor deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design management principles in high-stakes data centre projects. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for managing design teams, ensuring system integration, and navigating complex regulatory and contractual landscapes, with tangible results and quantifiable achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in specialized fields like data centres within Milan, Italy, the estimated annual salary range is €65,000 - €90,000. This estimate considers the high demand for specialized engineering talent in data centre development, the specific technical requirements, and the cost of living in Milan.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Contribution to pension schemes or retirement savings plans.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to project delivery.

• Access to company-provided tools and technologies, including advanced design software.

• Employee assistance programs offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Opportunities to work on significant, large-scale international projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the role may require flexibility to attend critical meetings or address urgent design issues, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in Milan, Italy, and the specialized nature of data centre design management. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a professional role in a multinational corporation, with an emphasis on professional growth relevant to the data centre industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development, Logistics, and Data Centres. Goodman is a leading global developer and owner of industrial real estate, now strategically expanding into the high-growth data centre sector. This dual focus provides a unique market position and diverse project opportunities.

Company Size: Approximately 1,000 employees globally, with a significant presence across 7 countries in Continental Europe. This size offers the stability of a large organization with the agility and collaborative spirit of a more focused team within specific regions or sectors.

Founded: Goodman was founded with a vision to create modern industrial real estate. The company's history is rooted in innovation and a commitment to developing sustainable, high-quality properties that meet evolving market demands.

Team Structure:

• The Data Centre project team is likely to be a specialized unit within Goodman's European operations, working closely with Project Leads and Project Managers.

• The Design Manager will report to a senior Project Lead or Development Director, overseeing a team of internal and external engineering consultants and experts.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations and project decisions are informed by thorough data analysis, feasibility studies, and market intelligence.

• Collaborative Governance: Goodman emphasizes collective leadership and collaborative governance, encouraging input and shared responsibility across teams.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of project delivery methodologies, design standards, and operational workflows is a key focus.

• Stakeholder Alignment: A strong emphasis on building consensus and ensuring alignment among diverse internal and external stakeholders through clear communication and transparent processes.

Company Website: https://ce.goodman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Goodman's culture emphasizes collective leadership, individual accountability, and sustainability. For a Design Manager, this translates to an environment where technical expertise is valued, collaborative problem-solving is encouraged, and there's a clear drive to innovate, particularly in sustainable development practices for their expanding data centre portfolio.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project development function. It requires significant technical expertise and project leadership experience, positioning the candidate as a key contributor to Goodman's strategic expansion into the data centre market.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Project Lead or Development Director within the Data Centre division. They will lead and manage external design consultants and work collaboratively with other project team members, including Project Managers, Cost Managers, and Schedulers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is paramount in ensuring that data centre projects are technically sound, cost-efficient, delivered on time, and meet the highest standards of sustainability and operational performance. Their decisions directly impact project feasibility, buildability, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the return on investment for Goodman.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data centre design, focusing on advanced cooling technologies, power infrastructure, or specific sustainability certifications.

• Leadership Expansion: Progress to managing larger, more complex data centre portfolios or take on broader project management responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to other areas of Goodman's operations, such as logistics real estate development, investment management, or international project execution.

• Strategic Input: Contribute to the development of Goodman's global data centre strategy, design standards, and best practices.

• Industry Recognition: Build a reputation for excellence in data centre design and development, potentially leading to speaking engagements or industry leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a growing and strategically important sector for Goodman. The opportunity to build and shape a new division's technical foundation provides significant scope for impact and professional growth, moving from design management to broader project leadership or strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Milan, Italy, implying a professional office environment typical of a corporate real estate developer. This setting will foster collaboration, provide access to necessary resources, and facilitate interaction with the wider project and corporate teams.

Office Location(s): Milan, Italy. This location offers a central hub for operations within Italy and provides access to a skilled talent pool and established business infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature meeting rooms and open areas designed for team collaboration, brainstorming, and stakeholder presentations.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance workstations, necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks), and secure network connectivity.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with project teams, internal departments, and external consultants will be integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday. While core office hours are expected, the nature of project management in construction and development often requires flexibility to attend critical site visits, client meetings, or address urgent design issues that may arise outside of typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Milan office environment is expected to be professional and conducive to collaborative project work. While primarily office-based, the role will necessitate site visits to project locations, requiring adaptability and a willingness to engage with construction environments as needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview (Round 1): Focus on your data centre design experience, technical knowledge of CSA and MEP systems, understanding of Italian regulations, and familiarity with design management processes and software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, MS Project).

• Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio, detailing your role, design challenges, solutions, and outcomes, with a focus on your design management contributions and impact.

• Stakeholder & Team Interview (Round 2): This stage will assess your leadership, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. You'll likely discuss how you handle complex project environments and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role and Goodman's long-term vision for its data centre division.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant data centre design projects that clearly demonstrate your leadership in design management, system integration, and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, highlight quantifiable achievements, such as cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements, or specific performance metrics of the designed systems.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design management process, from initial concept and consultant selection to final design approval and contractor oversight. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of CSA and MEP systems, sustainable design elements, and compliance with Italian building codes.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you effectively managed diverse stakeholders and cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical questions about design challenges in data centres (e.g., power redundancy, cooling efficiency, space constraints) and how you would approach resolving them.

• Regulatory Questions: Prepare to discuss specific aspects of Italian building regulations, permits, and approvals relevant to large-scale construction projects like data centres.

• Project Management Integration: Understand how design management interfaces with project scheduling, cost control, and risk management. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both technical proficiency and leadership capabilities. A strong, well-curated portfolio that highlights quantifiable achievements and a clear articulation of your design management process will be crucial for success. Be prepared to discuss your experience within the Italian regulatory framework.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks is essential for reviewing, coordinating, and managing design documents and models.

• Project Management Software: Experience with MS Project for planning, scheduling, and tracking design activities and timelines.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms for document sharing, communication, and team collaboration (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint).

• Design Review Tools: Experience with tools that facilitate efficient review and markup of design documents and 3D models.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, cost tracking, reporting, and creating complex spreadsheets for project management.

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

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM management role, understanding how design specifications translate into procurement and construction contractual requirements is key. Experience with procurement management systems may be beneficial.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different design and project management tools integrate to ensure seamless data flow and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks indicates that the role requires hands-on experience with these industry-standard tools for design visualization, coordination, and clash detection in complex construction projects. Proficiency in MS Project and advanced Excel skills are also critical for project planning and financial tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value driving all development projects, emphasizing energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and long-term value creation.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in collective leadership and teamwork, encouraging open communication and shared decision-making to achieve common goals.

• Accountability: Individual ownership and responsibility for tasks and outcomes, fostering a culture of trust and reliability.

• Innovation: A commitment to challenging the status quo and finding creative solutions to complex problems, particularly in a rapidly evolving industry like data centres.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the Design Manager works closely with project managers, cost controllers, legal teams, and procurement specialists.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that values open, honest, and timely communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned on design progress, changes, and potential issues.

• Constructive Feedback: An open door for providing and receiving feedback on design solutions and project processes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Solution-Oriented: A focus on working together to find practical and effective solutions to challenges, rather than assigning blame.

📝 Enhancement Note: Goodman's culture emphasizes proactive collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. As a Design Manager, you will be expected to actively contribute to this environment by sharing expertise, supporting team members, and driving forward initiatives that align with these core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping abreast of the fast-paced advancements in data centre technology (e.g., AI-driven cooling, advanced power solutions) and integrating them into designs.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of end-users, regulatory bodies, internal departments, and construction teams.

• Navigating Italian Regulations: Ensuring full compliance with a complex and potentially evolving set of Italian and EU building codes, permits, and environmental regulations.

• Project Budget and Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality designs within strict budget constraints and aggressive project timelines common in the data centre industry.

• Sustainability Integration: Effectively translating ESG goals into practical, cost-effective design solutions that meet both performance and environmental targets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Centre Training: Access to industry-specific courses and certifications focused on data centre design, operations, and emerging technologies.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, or specific engineering accreditations.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend leading data centre and real estate development conferences to stay current with trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Goodman or to mentor junior members of the design and project teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning opportunities across different facets of real estate development, from logistics to finance and asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a high-demand industry. Candidates who embrace continuous learning and adapt to technological and regulatory shifts will find ample room for advancement within Goodman's expanding data centre division.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data centre design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and system integration approach.)

• "How do you ensure design compliance with Italian building regulations and environmental standards for a large-scale project like a data centre?" (Highlight your knowledge of local procedures and compliance strategies.)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting and managing engineering consultants and supervising a contractor's design efforts." (Detail your contract management, scope definition, and QA/QC processes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Goodman and our expansion into the data centre market?" (Research Goodman's company values, sustainability initiatives, and market strategy.)

• "How do you align with Goodman's emphasis on collective leadership and individual accountability?" (Provide examples of your collaborative style and ownership of responsibilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, charts) to illustrate your points and make your presentation engaging.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements wherever possible – cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains, compliance achievements.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical aspects of your projects, demonstrating your expertise in CSA and MEP systems.

• Conciseness: Aim for clarity and conciseness, respecting the interviewer's time while conveying essential information effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate not only strong technical acumen but also effective leadership, problem-solving skills, and a cultural fit with Goodman's values. Prepare to articulate your experience with concrete examples and to showcase your understanding of the data centre industry and the Italian market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Centre Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Goodman's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in data centre design management, MEP/CSA systems, Italian regulatory compliance, and project leadership. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and clearly showcases your most relevant data centre projects.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "Data Centre Design," "MEP Systems," "CSA Coordination," "Project Management," "Contract Management," "Value Engineering," "Revit," and "Italian Regulations" to pass ATS screening.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions. Prepare detailed case studies from your portfolio for presentation and be ready to discuss your approach to technical challenges and stakeholder management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Goodman's company values, their expansion into data centres, their sustainability initiatives, and their presence in Continental Europe. Understand their strategic objectives to better align your responses during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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