Design Manager (H/F)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (H/F) Company: Equans France Location: Guyancourt, Ile-de-France, France Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering & Construction Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-13 Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in the pre-construction phase of large-scale Data Center projects, requiring a strong technical and managerial skillset.
• The Design Manager will oversee the development and coordination of all technical execution studies, ensuring alignment with client budgets and contractual obligations.
• A key aspect involves acting as the primary technical liaison for commercial teams, contributing to the competitive pricing and technical coherence of project bids.
• This position demands a proactive approach to identifying and implementing innovative solutions to optimize project design and enhance cost-competitiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities described heavily lean into project execution oversight, technical coordination, and commercial support for large industrial projects, specifically Data Centers. This indicates a role that bridges design, engineering, and project delivery within an operations context, requiring a deep understanding of construction methodologies and client-facing responsibilities. The role is not purely conceptual design but rather the management of the design process through to execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight of Execution Studies: Lead and coordinate the development of all-encompassing technical execution studies (tous corps d'état) for major Data Center projects, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.
• Constraint Management: Integrate and manage critical project constraints, including operational health and safety protocols, environmental regulations, technical risks, and the established contractual framework and client budget.
• Study Production Organization: Establish and implement efficient organizational structures for the production of studies, including validation workflows, visa management, interface coordination, and overall synthesis.
• Commercial Support & Offer Coherence: Serve as the technical point of contact for the commercial team, ensuring the technical feasibility and competitive pricing of project proposals.
• Cost and Schedule Management: Prepare the budget and planning for the study phase, and perform preliminary construction cost estimations.
• Design Coordination & Optimization: Supervise and coordinate internal and external design office (BET) contributions, proactively suggesting innovative ideas and design variations to optimize project technical and economic aspects.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between the Commercial Manager and the Technical Team, managing interfaces with various internal and external stakeholders including clients, architectural and engineering firms, control offices, and construction partners.
• Project Handover: Oversee the seamless transfer of project documentation and technical knowledge to the construction (TRAVAUX) team post-contract signature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both the "realization" (execution) and "commercial" (bidding) phases. This implies the Design Manager must be adept at both technical project management and contributing to sales enablement through accurate technical proposals and cost estimations, a common trait in senior roles within operations that support business development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Engineering degree or equivalent university-level education in a relevant technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in building construction, specifically within Technical Studies (Études TCE), technical lots, or construction/site management.

Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise (TCE): Deep understanding of multi-technical building studies and execution plans across all trades.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex, large-scale industrial construction projects from a technical development perspective.
• Team Coordination: Skill in directing and coordinating internal teams and external engineering consultants (BET).
• Budget & Financial Management: Experience in assembling technical pricing, performing cost estimations, and managing project budgets within contractual limits.
• Client & Stakeholder Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical aspects to clients, management, and diverse project teams.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Innovative Solution Development: Capacity to propose and implement innovative technical and economic solutions to enhance project competitiveness.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong aptitude for collaborative work and fostering dialogue among project stakeholders.
• Organizational & Synthesis Skills: Excellent ability to organize workflows, manage interfaces, and synthesize complex technical information.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Specific Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique technical requirements and challenges of Data Center construction.
• Design Optimization: Experience in value engineering and proposing design alternatives to improve cost-effectiveness or performance.
• Contractual Acumen: Understanding of construction contracts and their implications on technical execution.
• BIM/Digital Tools: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital tools used in modern construction design and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience in "Bâtiment TCE" (all trades) or "Travaux" (construction/site) strongly suggests this role is not entry-level design management but rather a senior position focused on the operational execution of designs for technically demanding projects like Data Centers. The emphasis on "ingénieux" and "innovantes" solutions points to a need for problem-solving and a forward-thinking approach within established technical frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Technical Study Management: Demonstrations of successfully managed technical execution studies for large-scale industrial or complex building projects.
• Cost Optimization Examples: Evidence of contributions to project cost reduction or value engineering through design or technical recommendations.
• Interface Management Documentation: Examples of how complex technical interfaces between different trades or external partners were successfully managed and coordinated.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Case studies illustrating the identification and successful mitigation of technical risks in past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and present methodologies for organizing the production and validation of technical studies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Processes: Evidence of how collaborative processes were established and maintained with internal teams (sales, construction) and external partners (BET, architects).
• Performance Measurement: Examples of how the efficiency and quality of the design and study processes were monitored and improved.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with significant technical and commercial responsibilities, a portfolio should showcase not just completed designs but the process of managing those designs through to execution. This includes demonstrating how technical challenges were overcome, how budgets were managed, and how teams were coordinated. Quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction) will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 10+ years of experience requirement, the location in Guyancourt (Ile-de-France), and the specialized nature of Data Center projects, a competitive salary is expected. For a Design Manager with this level of seniority in France, the annual gross salary could range from €65,000 to €90,000+, depending on precise experience, negotiation, and the specific project scope managed.

Benefits:

• 13th-month Salary: Standard practice in France, providing an additional month's pay annually.
• Holiday Bonus (Prime Vacances): A bonus equivalent to 30% of paid leave days, common in the BTP (Building and Public Works) sector.
• Profit Sharing (Intéressement & Participation): Company-wide schemes to share business success with employees.
• Employee Savings Plans (PEE & PERCOL): Opportunities for tax-advantaged savings, including employee shareholding in Bouygues.
• Employee Benefits Committee (CSE): Access to various perks like holiday vouchers, school supply assistance, and cultural discounts.
• Health Insurance & Social Protection (Mutuelle & Prévoyance): Comprehensive coverage, potentially through a sector-specific provider like Pro BTP.
• Mobility Support: Personalized assistance for relocation or career mobility.
• Structured Training Programs: Access to formal development and learning opportunities.
• Remote Work: Possibility of hybrid work arrangements, subject to manager approval and role feasibility.
• Transport Reimbursement: 100% reimbursement for public transport costs or a company vehicle, depending on the role's seniority and requirements.
• Rest Days (RTT): 11 additional days off per year, typical for French working hours regulations.

Working Hours:

• The standard French work week is 35 hours, but for managerial and technical roles, it is common to work longer hours. The mention of 11+1 RTT days suggests a standard workweek that likely exceeds 35 hours, potentially around 40 hours per week, with RTT days compensating for overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on French labor market data for senior engineering and project management roles in the construction sector, specifically for the Ile-de-France region, and considers the specialized Data Center industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects typical offerings for large French corporations like Bouygues/Equans.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy, Services, and Construction (Multi-technical Services Leader). Equans operates globally, providing a wide range of technical services across various sectors, including energy, HVAC, and digital infrastructure. The specific BU focuses on the rapidly growing Data Center market. Company Size: Equans is a global entity with 97,000 employees across more than 20 countries, making it a large and established organization. The French Data Center BU specifically comprises over 100 specialized professionals. Founded: Equans was formed in 2021 as a distinct entity from the Bouygues Group's energy and services activities. The Bouygues Group itself was founded in 1952. This provides a blend of established corporate structure and a newer, focused operational brand.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be integrated into the "Direction Pré-construction" (Pre-construction Department) within the "Grands Projets Data Centers France" Business Unit (BU).
• This BU is characterized by a collaborative model, working closely with internal agencies and partners, such as Bouygues Construction for civil engineering and architectural elements.
• The role involves frequent interaction with a diverse group of internal specialists (pricing, planning, BIM, legal) and external entities (clients, architects, engineering firms, control offices).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Project Development: Emphasis on technical and economic analysis to optimize offers and project execution.
• Collaborative Design Process: Encourages input from various specialists to ensure integrated and efficient project development.
• Risk-Aware Operations: A strong focus on managing health, safety, environmental, and technical risks throughout the project lifecycle, especially critical in industrial and Data Center environments.
• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their needs and provide competitive, technically sound solutions.

Company Website: https://www.equans.fr/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a global leader in multi-technical services and its specific focus on Data Centers indicate a dynamic and technically advanced environment. The structure of the "Grands Projets Data Centers France" BU, with its internal partnerships and specialized teams, suggests a high degree of cross-functional collaboration is essential for success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior engineering and project management position within the pre-construction and execution phase of complex projects. It requires significant technical depth and leadership capabilities, bridging the gap between initial sales proposals and the commencement of construction. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the head of the "Direction Pré-construction" within the BU Data Centers France. They will also work closely with Commercial Managers and have direct responsibility for coordinating internal and external technical study teams. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is substantial, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-competitiveness, and risk profile of major Data Center projects. Successful project development and efficient study management are critical for securing contracts and ensuring profitable execution, thereby directly contributing to the BU's revenue and growth objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Data Center design and construction, potentially leading to roles focused on specific technical domains or advanced engineering.
• Project Leadership: Progress into senior project management roles, overseeing larger and more complex projects or multiple concurrent projects.
• Operational Management: Transition into broader operational leadership within the BU, managing larger teams or entire departments (e.g., Head of Pre-construction, Head of Technical Studies).
• Business Development Support: Leverage technical expertise to play a more strategic role in business development and client relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: With 10+ years of experience and the responsibility for coordinating complex studies and teams, this role is positioned for further advancement into senior leadership or specialized technical expert roles within the growing Data Center sector. The emphasis on innovation and problem-solving also suggests opportunities for individuals who can drive process improvements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Guyancourt, France, at an office location that serves as a hub for the BU. While the job description notes "Télétravail sous réserve que le poste le permette et en accord avec le manager," the core nature of managing pre-construction and execution studies for large projects typically requires significant on-site presence for coordination, client meetings, and team collaboration. The role is categorized as "On-site." Office Location(s): The primary location is 1 Avenue Eugène Freyssinet, 78280 Guyancourt, France. This is within the Ile-de-France region, a major business and industrial hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands extensive interaction with various internal teams (sales, pricing, planning, BIM, legal, construction agencies) and external partners (clients, architects, engineering firms, control offices). The workspace is likely designed to facilitate this type of cross-functional collaboration.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and specialized design/engineering software relevant to the construction and Data Center industries will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with peers, managers, and teams involved in project development, study production, and commercial activities. Opportunities for knowledge sharing and problem-solving sessions are inherent to the role.

Work Schedule:

• The role likely adheres to standard French business hours, with the potential for extended hours during critical project phases, compensated by RTT days. Flexibility may be offered for remote work on a case-by-case basis, but the primary expectation is on-site presence for effective coordination and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation, despite a mention of telework possibility, is critical for a Design Manager role that involves coordinating teams and interfacing with multiple stakeholders on complex technical projects. The workspace context emphasizes collaboration and access to necessary tools for effective project development and management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Recruiter Call: A preliminary discussion to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your career trajectory and why this specific role and Equans appeal to you.
• Manager/Operational Lead Interviews: One to two interviews with the direct manager and/or other operational leaders within the BU. These will focus on technical depth, project management experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you've handled complex challenges.
• Final Interview: Potentially with an HR representative or another senior operational director to finalize assessment of fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Output: For this role, demonstrating how you managed technical studies, coordinated teams, and optimized designs is as important as the final outcome.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to show the impact of your work. Examples: "Reduced study lead time by X%", "Achieved Y% cost savings through design optimization," "Successfully managed interfaces for a €Z million project."
• Data Center Relevance: If you have Data Center experience, highlight it. If not, draw parallels from similar technically demanding projects (e.g., complex industrial facilities, high-tech buildings).
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select examples where you encountered significant technical challenges and outline your methodology for finding innovative and effective solutions.
• Client & Team Collaboration Examples: Be ready to discuss how you managed client expectations and fostered collaboration within diverse project teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Case Study: You might be asked to analyze a hypothetical project scenario, identify key technical challenges, and propose a strategy for developing the execution studies. Focus on your methodical approach, risk assessment, and team coordination plan.
• Cost Optimization Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach optimizing a design from both a technical and economic standpoint, considering various constraints.
• Stakeholder Management Scenario: You may be presented with a situation involving conflicting stakeholder requirements and asked to describe how you would mediate and reach a consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate technical expertise, managerial capabilities, and strategic thinking. A strong portfolio that showcases process management, problem-solving, and quantifiable results will be crucial for demonstrating suitability for this demanding role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) for reviewing and understanding technical drawings.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking study progress.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal company platforms for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Tools: Experience with software or methodologies for preliminary construction cost estimation.
• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to reports on study progress, budget adherence, and risk status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Secondary): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows from commercial engagement (potentially managed in a CRM) into technical studies is beneficial.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, versioning, and accessing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, dedicated EDM systems).
• BIM Software (Preferred): Experience with BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination and clash detection is highly advantageous for Data Center projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role in managing technical studies for large construction projects implies a need for proficiency in CAD/BIM, project scheduling, cost estimation, and collaborative platforms. Familiarity with document management and potentially specific Data Center design software would be a significant asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Rigor: A commitment to high-quality technical execution and meticulous attention to detail in studies and designs.
• Innovation & Competitiveness: A drive to find inventive solutions that enhance project competitiveness and client value.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in collective effort, open communication, and mutual support across diverse teams and disciplines.
• Safety & Responsibility: Prioritizing health, safety, and environmental considerations as fundamental aspects of project management.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs with reliable and effective technical and economic proposals.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Fostering a seamless workflow between commercial, pre-construction, and execution teams, ensuring alignment and shared objectives.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, regular updates, and timely feedback loops among all project stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Creating an environment where best practices and lessons learned are shared across teams to continuously improve processes.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective approach to identifying and resolving technical and logistical challenges efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes strong technical competence, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to delivering complex projects efficiently and safely, especially within the specialized Data Center sector. The Bouygues Group's heritage suggests a culture of stability, long-term vision, and a strong emphasis on employee development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Data Center Projects: Navigating the highly specialized and rapidly evolving technical requirements of Data Centers, including power, cooling, and network infrastructure.
• Balancing Technical Rigor with Commercial Demands: Ensuring that innovative and cost-effective solutions are technically sound and meet stringent client specifications and budgets.
• Coordinating Diverse Stakeholders: Managing the expectations and contributions of numerous internal and external parties with potentially competing priorities.
• Rapid Project Development Cycles: Operating effectively within compressed timelines common in the pre-construction and bidding phases of large projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Training: Access to courses and certifications focused on Data Center design, construction, and operational best practices.
• Advanced Project Management Skills: Development in areas like risk management, contractual negotiation, and complex stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership and team management skills through structured training and mentorship within the Bouygues Group.
• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from and contributing to the development of cutting-edge Data Center projects within Equans' international network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the technical complexity and fast-paced nature of the Data Center industry. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in this niche, enhancing project management capabilities, and progressing into leadership roles within a large, reputable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the execution studies for a large-scale Data Center project, considering all technical constraints and stakeholder requirements." Prepare to detail your methodology for organizing workflows, assigning tasks, and ensuring technical integrity.
• Commercial Alignment: "How would you collaborate with a commercial manager to ensure our technical bids are competitive yet technically sound and profitable?" Focus on your ability to translate technical feasibility into commercial advantage and your role in cost optimization.
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant technical challenge during the study phase of a complex project. What was your approach to resolving it, and what was the outcome?" Be ready with a STAR method-based answer that showcases your analytical skills and innovative thinking.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why Equans, and why specifically our Data Center BU?" Research Equans' market position, its commitment to innovation, and the growth of the Data Center sector.
• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among technical and non-technical professionals." Highlight your experience in managing diverse groups and promoting open communication.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your work as a Design Manager, beyond project completion?" Discuss your focus on efficiency, cost savings, risk reduction, and client satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodology, tools, team coordination), the challenges you faced, and the quantifiable results.
• Focus on Data Centers or Analogous Projects: If you have Data Center experience, prioritize those examples. Otherwise, select projects that demonstrate similar levels of technical complexity, stakeholder management, and budget oversight.
• Demonstrate Innovation: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you proposed or implemented innovative solutions that improved project outcomes.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a structured, easy-to-understand manner, focusing on the most relevant achievements for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of technical project management within the construction industry, particularly for complex industrial facilities. Highlighting your ability to balance technical excellence with commercial objectives and your collaborative leadership style will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Equans careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in technical studies management, project coordination, and any involvement in large-scale industrial or Data Center projects. Emphasize your 10+ years of experience in construction (TCE/Travaux).
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists relevant skills such as technical design, project management, budget control, risk management, and stakeholder communication, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare your portfolio for review, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your process management, problem-solving, and innovative solution development.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Equans' global operations, its specific focus on Data Centers, and the Bouygues Group's values and recent news. Understand the company's commitment to safety and innovation.

⚠️ 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.