Design Manager - Hyperscale

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Hyperscale Company: NEXTDC Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations Management / Engineering Design Date Posted: 2025-11-27 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning and technical design execution for hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring alignment with NEXTDC's innovative and scalable infrastructure requirements.
• Drive project delivery across all phases, from initial due diligence through to final handover, by providing critical technical analysis and expert advice.
• Coordinate and manage multi-discipline teams of architects, engineers, and specialty consultants to deliver high-performance, resilient data centre solutions.
• Champion safety in design, buildability, and prefabrication methodologies to accelerate delivery and achieve optimal technical and commercial outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design leadership with operational project delivery, focusing on the unique demands of hyperscale data centres. The emphasis on "speed of delivery and innovation" suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where efficient process design and execution are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Management: Oversee the entire design lifecycle for hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring adherence to NEXTDC's design standards, briefs, and process protocols.
• Culture and Leadership: Lead and motivate multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment that encourages innovation and high performance.
• Safety Leadership: Implement and champion "safety in design" principles, ensuring all designs meet stringent safety regulations and best practices for construction and operation.
• Project Planning: Develop comprehensive project plans for design phases, including timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones, with a focus on prefabrication and standardized components for efficiency.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks, including technical challenges, changing customer needs, and unforeseen site conditions.
• Cost & Commercial Management: Contribute to the commercial viability of designs by optimizing for total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROIC), leveraging economies of scale and standardizing long-lead equipment.
• Quality Control: Establish and enforce rigorous quality control measures throughout the design process to ensure compliance with technical specifications, building codes, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Technical Analysis & Advice: Provide in-depth technical analysis and expert advice to support project delivery, ensuring designs are scalable, secure, sustainable, and reliable.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering and Design Centre of Excellence SMEs and sector leads to integrate lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical expertise, project management, and leadership, common in senior operations and engineering roles within infrastructure development. The emphasis on "economies of scale and speed through standardised long lead, free issue equipment" points to a strategic approach to supply chain and project execution efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, or another relevant industry qualification.

Experience:

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in Data Centre or mission-critical design management.
• Proven experience working for Consulting Engineers, Principal Contractors, or client-side Design Management roles.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage complex data centre designs and lead the design process from conception to completion.
• Leadership & Team Motivation: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and delegate responsibilities to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Technical Acumen: In-depth understanding of technical principles, construction methods, materials, best practices, building codes, regulations, and safety standards specific to data centres.
• Problem Solving: Capability to anticipate potential design issues, implement proactive measures, and effectively resolve problems as they arise.
• Project Planning & Execution: Proficiency in managing multiple design projects and sub-projects concurrently, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in using design management and collaboration tools to facilitate effective communication and workflow.
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of commercial outcomes, including total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROIC), in design decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with hyperscale data centre specific design considerations and challenges.
• Knowledge of prefabrication techniques and their application in accelerating construction timelines.
• Familiarity with environmental efficiency and sustainability best practices in data centre design.
• Experience in operations handover and commissioning support from a design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree combined with 5+ years of specific data centre experience suggests a role for professionals who have moved beyond junior engineering roles into management. The emphasis on both technical leadership and commercial acumen is critical for operations-focused design management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Design Innovation: Showcase projects where innovative design solutions were implemented to meet specific hyperscale requirements, demonstrating adaptability and forward-thinking.
• Process Optimization Examples: Provide documented examples of how design processes were improved for efficiency, speed, safety, or cost-effectiveness, possibly highlighting the use of prefabrication or standardization.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Illustrate instances where potential design issues were identified and proactively managed, showcasing problem-solving capabilities and foresight.
• Team Coordination & Collaboration: Present evidence of successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, detailing communication strategies and conflict resolution approaches in a design context.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing workflows for the design phase of large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing iterative improvements and stakeholder alignment.
• Implementation & Automation: Detail how design processes have been implemented or enhanced through the use of collaboration tools, project management software, or other relevant technologies to improve efficiency and data integrity.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how the effectiveness of design processes and outcomes was measured, including metrics related to time, cost, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize not just the final designs, but the process by which those designs were achieved, especially concerning efficiency, collaboration, and risk management in complex projects like hyperscale data centres.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Sydney, Australia, managing complex technical projects, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $140,000 - $180,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of hyperscale data centre design, the leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Gifted Share Options: Opportunity to share in the company's success and long-term growth.
• NEXTDC Days: Additional paid days off, likely for personal use or professional development.
• Volunteer Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives, aligning with corporate social responsibility.
• Professional Development: Investment in employee growth through training, certifications, and learning opportunities.
• Holistic Wellbeing & Mental Health Programs: Comprehensive support for employee physical and mental health, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
• Hybrid Work Practices: Flexibility balancing in-office collaboration with remote work, promoting a modern and adaptable work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and demanding operational needs, particularly during critical design and project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Sydney, considering the specialized nature of data centre design and management. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term engagement, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Data Centres / Infrastructure Company Size: ASX 100-listed Technology Company (implies a significant, established organization with robust processes, likely 500-2000+ employees globally, though specific numbers for Australia are not provided). Founded: NEXTDC was founded approximately 15 years ago, indicating a relatively young, dynamic company that has achieved substantial growth to become an ASX 100 entity.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Engineering Focus: The role sits within a team focused on the technical design and delivery of world-class data centres, likely comprising various engineering disciplines, project managers, and design specialists.
• Centre of Excellence Collaboration: Works closely with the "Engineering and Design Centre of Excellence SMEs and sector leads," suggesting a structured approach to knowledge sharing and standardization across projects.
• Cross-functional Integration: Operates within a collaborative framework involving internal SMEs, external consultants, and potentially client-side representatives, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centricity: A core mission for NEXTDC, implying that design decisions and project execution are driven by understanding and meeting the specific requirements of local and international hyperscale customers.
• Innovation & Efficiency: Emphasizes "cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure," "speed of delivery," and "economies of scale," indicating a drive towards optimized processes and advanced technological solutions.
• Sustainability: A stated focus on "sustainability" in infrastructure design, aligning with modern industry standards and corporate responsibility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NEXTDC's rapid growth to an ASX 100 company suggests a culture that values innovation, efficiency, and customer focus. The emphasis on a "Centre of Excellence" implies a commitment to best practices, standardization, and continuous improvement, which is highly relevant for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, typically falling into the "Manager" or "Senior Manager" bracket within an engineering or operations department. It requires a blend of technical depth, project leadership, and people management skills, representing a significant step in a career focused on infrastructure development and operations.

Reporting Structure: The role's description implies reporting to a senior leader within the Engineering or Project Delivery division, potentially a Head of Engineering, Director of Design, or similar. Collaboration with "SMEs and sector leads" indicates a matrixed reporting or strong functional collaboration structure.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in shaping the foundational elements of NEXTDC's data centres. Their work directly impacts:

• Scalability and Future-Proofing: Ensuring designs can accommodate future growth and technological advancements (e.g., AI).
• Operational Efficiency: Influencing the long-term operational costs and performance through design choices related to power, cooling, and infrastructure.
• Time-to-Market: Accelerating project delivery through effective design management and prefabrication.
• Commercial Viability: Contributing to the overall profitability and ROIC of hyperscale projects through cost-effective and optimized designs.
• Customer Satisfaction: Meeting the stringent technical and performance requirements of hyperscale clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles, such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or Program Director for major hyperscale developments.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of hyperscale data centre design, such as power systems, cooling technologies, or modular construction.
• Strategic Contribution: Transition into roles with greater strategic input on NEXTDC's overall infrastructure roadmap and technology adoption.
• International Exposure: With NEXTDC's international development plans, opportunities may arise to contribute to global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant career progression within the high-demand data centre and infrastructure sector. The emphasis on hyperscale and AI-readiness positions candidates for growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company culture supports "hybrid work practices," indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. NEXTDC is a technology company, so the office environment is likely modern, collaborative, and equipped with advanced technology.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. NEXTDC operates data centres across 7 major cities in Australia, so there might be opportunities or needs to visit other sites, though the core role is based in Sydney.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space is designed to facilitate teamwork, innovation, and cross-functional interaction, essential for coordinating complex design projects.
• Technology-Enabled: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is expected.
• Data Centre Proximity: While not directly in a data centre, the role is central to their development, offering a unique perspective on the physical infrastructure that powers the digital economy.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected (approx. 40 hours/week). However, given the nature of project delivery and hyperscale client demands, there will be an expectation of flexibility to meet critical deadlines and respond to urgent project needs, typical in operations and project management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model reflects modern workplace trends, offering balance. The emphasis on collaboration within a tech-focused environment is key for operations roles that require continuous communication and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience, leadership style, and technical understanding of data centre design and management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past projects.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Likely a scenario-based question or a small project to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to manage complex requirements (e.g., "How would you approach designing a new cooling system for a hyperscale data hall to achieve X% efficiency gain?").
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and SMEs from the Engineering and Design Centre of Excellence to assess collaborative capabilities and technical synergy.
• Senior Leadership Interview: A final discussion with a senior executive to gauge strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within NEXTDC's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Hyperscale Focus: Prioritize projects that specifically involved hyperscale data centres or other mission-critical, large-scale infrastructure.
• Process & Outcome: Clearly articulate the design process you followed, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, reduced delivery time, safety improvements).
• Visuals: Include diagrams, schematics, or visual representations where appropriate to illustrate design concepts and complexities.
• Collaboration Evidence: Highlight instances where you successfully led or collaborated with diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate how your design decisions contributed to commercial objectives like TCO optimization or ROIC enhancement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Centre Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge on data centre design principles, including power distribution, cooling systems, network infrastructure, physical security, and sustainability measures.
• Hyperscale Specifics: Understand the unique demands of hyperscale clients: massive scale, high power density, stringent uptime requirements, and rapid deployment needs.
• Design Management Tools: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with relevant design and project management software.
• Safety & Compliance: Prepare to discuss your approach to safety in design and your familiarity with relevant building codes and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely structured to assess technical depth, leadership capabilities, and alignment with NEXTDC's operational excellence and customer-centric approach. A strong portfolio showcasing process and quantifiable results will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for architectural and engineering design.
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Monday.com for planning, tracking, and managing design projects.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized design collaboration platforms for seamless communication and document sharing.
• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Tools that facilitate the creation of detailed models and visualizations for design review and stakeholder presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from design simulations, cost analyses, and performance metrics. While not a primary analyst role, understanding data is key.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting reports on project status, budget, risk, and design progress.

CRM & Automation:

• While less direct, understanding how design integrates with client requirements (CRM) and how automation can streamline design processes (e.g., prefabrication workflows, design rule checks) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are typical for design management roles in infrastructure and construction. Proficiency in BIM/CAD and robust project management/collaboration software is essential for managing complex, multidisciplinary design efforts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A fundamental value, meaning all design and operational decisions are made with the customer's needs and success as the primary driver.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, adopting cutting-edge technologies (like those for AI and environmental efficiency), and constantly refining processes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.
• Safety & Responsibility: A deep commitment to safety in all aspects of design and construction, alongside environmental responsibility and sustainability.
• Excellence & Accountability: Striving for world-class standards in design and delivery, with individuals taking ownership of their contributions and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Expect a highly collaborative approach, with regular interaction between design, engineering, project delivery, and potentially sales/customer teams.
• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open feedback, constructive debate, and transparent sharing of information to ensure optimal design outcomes.
• Process-Oriented: A methodical approach to design and project management, utilizing established processes and documentation to ensure consistency and quality.
• Proactive Engagement: A style that involves anticipating needs, identifying potential issues early, and engaging stakeholders proactively to find solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: NEXTDC's stated values of customer-centricity, innovation, and collaboration align perfectly with the expectations for a Design Manager in a high-growth, technology-driven company. This role requires someone who can both lead technically and foster a strong team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Hyperscale Complexity: Managing the sheer scale and technical complexity of hyperscale data centre designs, which are constantly evolving with new technologies like AI.
• Balancing Innovation & Standardization: The need to innovate and adopt new technologies while maintaining standardization for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
• Rapid Deployment Demands: Meeting aggressive timelines for project delivery, requiring highly efficient design processes and effective coordination.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and communication across numerous architectural, engineering, and specialist disciplines.
• Sustainability Goals: Integrating increasingly stringent environmental and sustainability targets into design solutions without compromising performance or cost.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications in data centre design, project management, or specific engineering disciplines.
• Exposure to Emerging Technologies: Working at the forefront of data centre infrastructure for AI and cloud, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within NEXTDC's extensive engineering and operations teams.
• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, strategic thinking, and team management skills for senior roles.
• Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in key industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant but directly correlate with substantial growth opportunities. Professionals who can navigate these complexities will be well-positioned for long-term career advancement in the critical data centre sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team for a hyperscale project. How do you ensure alignment and manage conflicting priorities?"
  • Preparation: Focus on your leadership philosophy, communication strategies, delegation techniques, and conflict resolution methods. Use examples of teams you've managed.
• "How do you balance the need for innovation with the requirements for standardization and cost control in data centre design?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your process for evaluating new technologies, implementing pilot programs, and integrating lessons learned into standardized designs. Highlight your understanding of TCO and ROIC.
• "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced in a mission-critical project. What was your process for problem-solving, and what was the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method answer. Quantify results wherever possible, focusing on safety, efficiency, or commercial impact.
• "How do you ensure 'safety in design' is a primary consideration throughout the entire design lifecycle?"
  • Preparation: Detail your understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment methodologies, and how you integrate safety reviews into design milestones.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about NEXTDC's mission to build the heart of Australia & Asia's high-tech future, and how do you see your role contributing to that?"
  • Preparation: Research NEXTDC's latest projects, financial reports, and strategic initiatives (e.g., AI, cloud). Connect your skills and aspirations to their goals.
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or collaborative team environment. How do you foster productivity and maintain strong working relationships?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your experience with collaboration tools and techniques for remote team management and engagement.
• "How do you define success for a Design Manager role in the context of hyperscale data centre development?"
  • Preparation: Link success to project delivery metrics (on time, on budget, to spec), client satisfaction, team performance, and contribution to NEXTDC's strategic objectives.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative: the challenge, your approach (process, tools, collaboration), the solution, and the quantifiable results.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you achieved the outcomes, not just the final design. Showcase your project management, risk mitigation, and team leadership skills.
• Quantifiable Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the value of your work – e.g., % reduction in design time, % cost savings, improvement in energy efficiency, adherence to budget.
• Tailor to Hyperscale: Select examples most relevant to the scale, complexity, and performance requirements of hyperscale environments.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, allowing time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the commercial and operational realities of hyperscale data centre development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Hyperscale position:

• Submit your application through the NEXTDC careers portal via the provided SmartRecruiters link.
• Operations Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in data centre design management, particularly those involving large-scale or mission-critical infrastructure. Emphasize the design process, team coordination, risk management, and quantifiable outcomes.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Hyperscale," "Data Centre," "Project Planning," "Risk Management," "Cost Management," "Safety Leadership," and "Multidisciplinary Teams." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions and prepare concise answers for strategy-focused questions related to data centre design and project leadership. Be ready to discuss your approach to hybrid work and team collaboration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research NEXTDC's mission, values, recent projects, and market position. Understand their commitment to sustainability, AI, and customer-centricity to better align your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.