Design Manager for Data Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager for Data Center

Company: AECOM

Location: Bucharest, Romania

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the technical delivery of hyperscale data center projects, ensuring comprehensive design lifecycle management from master planning to construction documentation.

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring adherence to quality standards, client specifications, and local regulations for complex infrastructure projects.

• Drive technical excellence through rigorous peer reviews, quality checks, and the development of robust Basis of Design documentation.

• Proactively manage design scope changes, errors, and inconsistencies, implementing effective problem-solving strategies to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

• Foster strong stakeholder engagement through effective communication, meeting facilitation, and alignment on design objectives with clients and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities (EC) division, which operates as a global workshare hub. The Design Manager will therefore be expected to collaborate with both local Romanian teams and global AECOM project teams, emphasizing a strong ability to manage distributed teams and diverse stakeholder needs in the context of complex data center design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Oversight & Quality Assurance: Manage the end-to-end design process for data center core and shell projects across all disciplines (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection), ensuring strict adherence to AECOM's quality standards and client-specific design requirements.

• Technical Review & Peer Assessment: Administer, oversee, and conduct thorough peer reviews and quality checks on all design outputs, aligning with AECOM's established best practices and technical benchmarks to guarantee the highest level of design integrity and performance.

• Basis of Design (BOD) Development & Localization: Lead the creation and continuous maintenance of the project's Basis of Design, ensuring it accurately reflects client specifications and is effectively localized to comply with Romanian design codes, regulations, and construction standards.

• Scope Management & Risk Mitigation: Establish and rigorously implement processes for the detection, tracking, and resolution of design scope changes, errors, and inconsistencies throughout the entire design lifecycle, proactively identifying potential challenges and developing innovative solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication & Alignment: Actively host and participate in meetings with clients, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders, ensuring transparent and effective communication channels are maintained to achieve alignment on design objectives and project milestones.

• Contractual & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all design activities and deliverables strictly comply with contractual obligations stipulated in client agreements and AECOM's corporate standards and policies.

• Resource Coordination & Planning: Collaborate with department leadership to identify, assess, and coordinate necessary design resources, ensuring adequate staffing and expertise are allocated to support the efficient execution of project design phases.

• Proactive Progress Reporting: Provide regular, clear, and concise updates to all relevant stakeholders regarding design progress, potential risks, and any outstanding issues, facilitating timely decision-making and issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities heavily emphasize process management and quality control within a complex, multidisciplinary engineering and design environment. The role requires not just technical design knowledge but also a strong aptitude for project management, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation within the specific context of hyperscale data center development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree from an accredited university is mandatory.

Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience within the Built Environment sector, with a significant focus on technical design delivery and project management.

Required Skills:

• Data Center Design Expertise: In-depth understanding of hyperscale data center design principles, including core and shell architecture, and critical infrastructure systems (M&E, structural, security, fire protection).

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Proven ability to effectively lead, mentor, and manage diverse teams of architects, engineers, and technical specialists across various disciplines.

• Technical Design Oversight: Strong capability in overseeing and reviewing architectural and engineering design deliverables, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications.

• Basis of Design (BOD) Management: Proficiency in developing, documenting, and maintaining comprehensive Basis of Design documents that clearly articulate project requirements and technical parameters.

• Scope & Change Management: Expertise in establishing and executing processes for managing design scope changes, identifying potential errors, and resolving design inconsistencies efficiently.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Client Relations: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of effectively engaging with clients, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong aptitude for identifying complex design challenges, analyzing root causes, and developing innovative, practical solutions.

• Contract Compliance & Risk Assessment: Thorough understanding of contractual obligations and the ability to ensure design outputs align with legal and AECOM's corporate standards.

• Resource Planning & Coordination: Ability to collaborate with leadership to identify and coordinate necessary design resources, ensuring optimal team allocation and project support.

• Familiarity with Local Standards: Knowledge of Romanian design and construction standards, building codes, and local regulations is crucial for ensuring compliance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced digital design tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms.

• Familiarity with AECOM's internal project management and design review methodologies.

• Experience working within a global enterprise or a distributed workshare environment.

• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or a relevant engineering discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in data center design and strong leadership/management capabilities. The "10+ years" experience level suggests a senior role requiring significant autonomy and strategic input. The preference for local standards knowledge highlights the importance of practical application within the Romanian context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Leadership Case Studies: Provide detailed case studies showcasing your leadership in managing the design of complex data center projects, highlighting your specific role, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

• Technical Review Examples: Include anonymized examples or descriptions of your process for conducting technical reviews and quality checks, demonstrating your methodology for ensuring design integrity and compliance.

• Basis of Design (BOD) Documentation Samples: Present examples of BOD documents you have developed or managed, illustrating your approach to defining project requirements and technical specifications.

• Scope Change Management Demonstrations: Showcase instances where you successfully managed significant design scope changes, detailing the process implemented to control costs, timelines, and quality.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Outline specific scenarios where you effectively managed complex stakeholder relationships or navigated challenging client communications related to design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing workflows for multidisciplinary design processes, focusing on efficiency, collaboration, and quality control.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Showcase your understanding and application of methods for implementing design processes, including any experience with automation tools or techniques to streamline design delivery.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Detail your approach to measuring the performance of design processes, including key performance indicators (KPIs) used and how data is leveraged for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize leadership and process management rather than individual design contributions. The focus should be on demonstrating how the candidate has successfully guided teams, managed complex technical processes, and ensured high-quality outcomes in challenging project environments, particularly within the data center sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee and family well-being.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, along with Disability benefits to provide financial security.

• Paid Time Off & Leave: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences to promote work-life balance.

• Voluntary Benefits & Perks: Access to a range of voluntary benefits and employee perks to enhance overall compensation and lifestyle.

• Well-being & Support: Resources including a Well-being Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental and physical health support.

• Travel & Recognition: Business Travel Insurance for work-related travel and Service Recognition Awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

• Retirement & Investment: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to support long-term financial planning and wealth building.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are anticipated to be approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. However, the role operates under a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility. The specific daily schedule can be discussed and agreed upon, accommodating the needs of project deadlines and team collaboration within the context of the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major European cities, considering the specialized nature of data center design and AECOM's positioning as a global leader. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided job description, reflecting AECOM's comprehensive package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering. AECOM operates globally across sectors including water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings, playing a critical role in developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions worldwide.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This scale offers significant opportunities for career advancement, exposure to large-scale projects, and access to diverse resources and expertise.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910 (as URS Corporation, later acquired by AECOM Technology Corporation). Its long history signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure development landscape.

Team Structure:

• Enterprise Capabilities (EC) Division: This role is part of AECOM's EC division, a strategic unit designed for global workshare. It comprises over 3,000 technical professionals across nine countries, acting as a crucial partner to regional and global business lines.

• Reporting Lines: The Design Manager will likely report to a regional or divisional leadership figure within EC, such as a Director of Design or Engineering Manager, and will collaborate closely with project directors and client representatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with a wide array of internal teams, including project managers, other design discipline leads, construction teams, procurement, and client-facing account managers, both locally in Romania and internationally.

Methodology:

• Global Workshare Model: AECOM's EC division operates on a model of leveraging global talent and expertise to support projects regardless of geographical location, emphasizing efficient resource allocation and knowledge transfer.

• Digital Adoption & Innovation: The company is committed to digital transformation, integrating advanced technologies and digital tools to enhance project delivery, client services, and operational efficiency.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to project management and design, using analytics to inform strategies, monitor progress, and ensure optimal outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities division is key. This unit functions as a centralized hub for technical expertise and project execution, meaning the Design Manager will be integral to AECOM's global delivery strategy, working with distributed teams and managing projects that span different regions and time zones.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and engineering management spectrum. As a Design Manager for Hyperscale Data Centers, the individual is expected to possess substantial technical acumen, robust project leadership experience, and a proven track record in managing complex, high-stakes projects. This level implies significant autonomy, responsibility for critical project outcomes, and the ability to influence design strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities (EC) division, such as a Director of Design or a VP of Engineering. They will also work closely with Project Directors and Program Managers, acting as the lead technical authority for the design aspects of data center projects. The role necessitates managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, which may include direct reports or matrixed team members.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the successful and cost-effective delivery of hyperscale data centers. Their oversight directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, technical quality, and compliance with client specifications and regulatory standards. Effective design management minimizes construction risks, ensures operational efficiency, and contributes to AECOM's reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable infrastructure solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Program Director, or Head of Design within the Enterprise Capabilities division, managing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in hyperscale data center design, potentially leading specialized technical groups or contributing to AECOM's global technical standards.

• Global Project Exposure: Continued involvement in high-profile, international data center projects, offering diverse challenges and opportunities to work with global teams and clients.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's award-winning training and development programs, focusing on technical expertise, leadership skills, and project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title, coupled with the 10+ years of experience and focus on hyperscale data centers, signifies a strategic leadership role. The growth path likely involves increasing scope of responsibility, managing larger teams, and potentially moving into broader program management or client-facing executive roles within AECOM's infrastructure services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities office in Bucharest, Romania, operating under a Hybrid Work Location Model. This means a combination of in-office work and remote work is expected. AECOM's philosophy requires hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bucharest, Romania, specifically at 11-15 Tipografilor S. This location serves as a hub for local Romanian teams and global collaborators within the Enterprise Capabilities division.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Bucharest office is designed to foster collaboration among a diverse team of technical professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary problem-solving essential for complex design projects.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to AECOM's standard technology infrastructure, including necessary software, hardware, and network capabilities to support design work and remote collaboration.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home while ensuring regular in-person interaction with colleagues in the office for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and mentorship opportunities.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing in-office days for collaboration with remote days for focused design work. Specific schedules are subject to team and project needs, with an expectation of availability during core business hours for effective communication and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a mandatory 3-day office presence is a key aspect. This indicates a role that values in-person collaboration and team cohesion while offering the flexibility of remote work for individual tasks. The Bucharest office serves as a critical node for AECOM's global delivery network.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your technical expertise, leadership experience, and understanding of data center design and project management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve interviews with senior technical leads, peers from the design team, or project directors. You might be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or solve a hypothetical design challenge.

• Behavioral Assessment: Questions designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills, communication style, collaboration approach, and cultural fit within AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" philosophy.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the Enterprise Capabilities division to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing data center design, complex technical projects, and multidisciplinary teams. Hyperscale data center experience is paramount.

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, clearly articulate: the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process you managed, key decisions made, technical solutions implemented, team collaboration, and the final outcome (including any quantifiable results).

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: Emphasize the processes you implemented for design oversight, quality control, scope management, and stakeholder engagement. Detail how you identified and resolved design challenges.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., cost savings achieved through design optimizations, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs during construction, or adherence to critical energy efficiency targets.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail during an interview, highlighting your contributions and leadership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Analysis: Anticipate scenario-based questions where you'll be asked to outline your approach to a specific design challenge (e.g., managing a late design change, resolving a conflict between disciplines, ensuring compliance with new regulations).

• Process Improvement Discussion: Be prepared to discuss how you would improve design workflows or implement new quality control measures within AECOM's framework.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would manage difficult client conversations or align diverse stakeholder expectations on critical design decisions.

• Technical Knowledge Refresh: Briefly review key aspects of data center design (e.g., critical systems, cooling, power distribution, security considerations) and current industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that AECOM is looking for candidates who can not only discuss their experience but also demonstrate their practical approach to design management and problem-solving in a tangible way. Highlighting process and outcomes is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for planning, scheduling, and tracking design deliverables.

• BIM & Design Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and associated design software (e.g., AutoCAD) used by multidisciplinary teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration, especially critical for distributed teams.

• Document Management Systems: Knowledge of enterprise-level document control systems for managing design documentation, revisions, and approvals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for tracking design progress against KPIs, identifying bottlenecks, and reporting on project status.

• Data Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools that can help analyze project data for trends, risks, and performance metrics, potentially including Excel advanced functions or specialized analytics platforms.

• Dashboarding Tools: Experience with or understanding of dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for visualizing project progress and key performance indicators for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal AECOM Systems: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with large enterprise systems for client relationship management (CRM) or internal workflow automation would be beneficial.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding of how different design and project management software might integrate to streamline workflows and data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's nature implies a heavy reliance on project management, BIM, and collaboration software. Candidates should highlight their proficiency with tools commonly used in large-scale engineering and construction projects, particularly those facilitating distributed team collaboration and rigorous design review.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Freedom to Grow": AECOM champions a culture where employees are encouraged to develop their skills, take on new challenges, and advance their careers. This translates to a supportive environment for learning and professional development within the design and engineering field.

• Collaboration & Respect: The company emphasizes teamwork, mutual respect, and open communication. This is crucial for managing multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive work environment, especially within a hybrid setup.

• Data-Driven Approach: AECOM values informed decision-making. For this role, it means basing design choices and process improvements on solid data, analysis, and performance metrics, rather than solely on intuition.

• Efficiency & Innovation: There's a drive towards operational efficiency and embracing innovative solutions. This role will be expected to contribute to streamlining design processes and adopting new technologies or methodologies to improve project delivery.

• Commitment to Sustainability: As a global infrastructure leader, AECOM places a significant emphasis on delivering sustainable and resilient solutions, which should be a consideration in design management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with various engineering disciplines, project management, and client teams, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to communication.

• Process Review & Feedback: AECOM likely fosters a culture where processes are regularly reviewed and feedback is encouraged to drive continuous improvement. This applies to design workflows, quality assurance, and team dynamics.

• Knowledge Sharing: Within the Enterprise Capabilities division, active knowledge sharing across geographical boundaries is vital. This involves participating in forums, sharing best practices, and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Freedom to Grow" philosophy is a central theme. Candidates should align their aspirations and work style with this value, demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and career development. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decisions will be critical for success in a global, multidisciplinary environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams spread across different geographical locations and time zones, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

• Complex Technical Requirements: Navigating the intricate technical specifications and evolving demands of hyperscale data center design, which requires staying abreast of rapid technological advancements.

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Regulations: Ensuring design compliance with both AECOM's global standards and specific Romanian building codes, environmental regulations, and local construction practices.

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Identifying and addressing potential design flaws, scope creep, or stakeholder conflicts early in the project lifecycle to prevent costly delays or rework during construction.

• Adapting to Hybrid Work Environment: Maximizing productivity and team cohesion within a hybrid work model, balancing individual focus time with essential in-office collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of data center design, such as critical power systems, advanced cooling technologies, or TIER ratings.

• Global Project Management Skills: Developing enhanced skills in managing international projects, understanding cross-cultural communication nuances, and navigating global supply chains.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Access to AECOM's leadership development programs and opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, further refining leadership capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential to attend industry-leading conferences and pursue certifications relevant to data center design, engineering management, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of managing large-scale, international technical projects. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both technical specialization and broader leadership competencies, aligning with AECOM's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design of a hyperscale data center project from inception to completion. What are the key phases and critical control points?" Focus on your process for master planning, detailed design, scope management, and quality assurance.

• "How do you ensure technical excellence and quality across multiple design disciplines (architecture, MEP, structural, etc.) when managing a distributed team?" Prepare to discuss your quality control mechanisms, review processes, and methods for fostering collaboration across teams.

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a significant design conflict between two engineering disciplines. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to mediate technical disagreements.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM emphasizes a 'Freedom to Grow' philosophy. How does this align with your career aspirations and work style?" Be ready to discuss your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• "How would you foster collaboration and a sense of team cohesion within a hybrid work environment for your design team?" Prepare to share strategies for effective communication, team-building, and integrating remote and in-office team members.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that best represent your leadership in data center design management, complex technical projects, and stakeholder engagement.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the solutions implemented, the processes you managed (design oversight, scope control, quality checks), the team dynamics, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Design: Explain how you managed the design process, how you ensured quality, and how you resolved issues, rather than just describing the final design.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your decision-making, technical challenges, and leadership approach for each presented project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should emphasize demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and leadership in complex technical environments. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies and provide concrete examples that align with AECOM's values and the specific demands of managing data center design projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided job link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in data center design management, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and successful project delivery. Use keywords from the job description such as "hyperscale data centers," "design oversight," "Basis of Design," and "stakeholder engagement."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects demonstrating your capabilities in managing complex design processes, mitigating risks, and achieving successful project outcomes. Focus on your process, leadership, and quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's global presence, its work in the Enterprise Capabilities division, and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Familiarize yourself with their "Freedom to Grow" philosophy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those focused on leadership, problem-solving, and managing complex technical projects. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss hypothetical scenarios.

⚠️ 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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