Design Manager Ingeniería Civil - Data Centers

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Ingeniería Civil - Data Centers

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: A jornada completa (Full-time)

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-01-30

Experience Level: 15+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires leading and motivating multidisciplinary design teams to ensure the successful execution of civil engineering projects, particularly within the rapidly growing data center sector.

• Key responsibilities include comprehensive supervision of all design phases, from initial feasibility studies through conceptual and basic design, culminating in the construction project.

• A critical aspect of the role involves rigorous technical quality assurance, ensuring design, budget, and specifications meet AECOM's high standards and client expectations.

• Effective management of project scope, schedule, and risk mitigation are paramount, alongside building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within AECOM's specialized Data Centers team, focusing on civil engineering design oversight. The emphasis on "Design Manager" and "Líder de proyectos" indicates a blend of technical design leadership and project management responsibilities, with a strong client-facing component. The mention of "Transporte en Domestic" suggests this team operates within a larger transportation division, but has a dedicated focus on data center infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to achieve project objectives.

• Oversee and manage all stages of the civil engineering design process, from initial feasibility assessments and conceptual design to detailed basic design and final construction project documentation.

• Ensure the highest standards of technical quality, accuracy, and consistency across all design deliverables, specifications, and budget allocations.

• Proactively manage project scope, work programs, and timelines, identifying potential risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

• Cultivate and maintain robust, trust-based relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.

• Drive the adoption of best practices in civil engineering design and promote innovative solutions within the data center infrastructure domain.

• Coordinate effectively with other AECOM internal teams and external collaborators to ensure integrated and high-quality project delivery.

• Ensure all project deliverables are completed on time and meet the stringent quality standards required by clients and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership in civil engineering design and comprehensive project oversight. The emphasis on "motivar equipos multidisciplinares," "asegurar la calidad técnica," and "gestionar eficazmente el alcance y el programa" points to a role that requires strong leadership and project management acumen, in addition to deep civil engineering expertise. The specific mention of data centers indicates a specialized focus within infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in the management and supervision of design for diverse civil infrastructure projects.

• Specific experience with data center projects is considered a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in managing and motivating multidisciplinary design teams.

• Proven ability to oversee and manage all phases of the civil engineering design process, from feasibility to construction.

• Strong technical understanding of civil engineering principles and their application in complex infrastructure projects.

• Excellent skills in technical quality assurance, ensuring accuracy and consistency in design deliverables, budgets, and specifications.

• Proficient in risk management, scope control, and schedule management for large-scale projects.

• Exceptional client relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Fluent in both Spanish and English (oral and written), essential for international and diverse team collaboration.

• Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and deadline management.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in the design and construction of data centers.

• Familiarity with international project delivery standards and methodologies.

• Knowledge of advanced design software and project management tools relevant to civil engineering and data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 15 years of experience positions this as a senior-level role, likely overseeing multiple complex projects or a significant program of work. The dual language fluency is critical for AECOM's global operations and client base, especially in Spain. The explicit mention of "data center projects" as a plus indicates a strategic hiring need for specialized expertise in this high-growth sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex civil engineering design projects, ideally including data center infrastructure.

• Provide examples of detailed project plans, scope definitions, and schedule management strategies implemented across various project phases.

• Demonstrate experience in quality assurance processes for design deliverables, including technical reviews, specification development, and budget adherence.

• Highlight examples of risk identification, mitigation plans, and successful management of unforeseen challenges in past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of establishing and documenting design workflows, from feasibility studies to construction project handoff.

• Examples of process optimization initiatives implemented to improve efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness in design and project management.

• Documentation of risk assessment and management protocols used in project execution.

• Records of quality control procedures for design reviews and deliverable sign-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only list projects but also detail the candidate's specific role, the methodologies used, and the quantifiable outcomes. Given the focus on data centers, examples of managing specialized infrastructure projects would be highly beneficial. The emphasis on process documentation aligns with AECOM's likely commitment to standardized, high-quality project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to programs and resources for career advancement.

• Continuous Training: Opportunities for ongoing learning and skill enhancement.

• Flexible Hours: Real flexibility to balance personal and professional life.

• Collaborative Culture: A supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable workplace.

• Competitive Compensation Package: A comprehensive remuneration structure.

• Social Benefits: Various social benefits tailored to employee needs.

• Internal Growth Opportunities: Pathways for advancement within AECOM.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a focus on flexibility and a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in Madrid. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The listed benefits are directly extracted from the provided text and are highly attractive for senior professionals seeking work-life balance and career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental sectors.

Company Size: Large (AECOM has nearly 50,000 employees globally). This scale offers significant opportunities for global collaboration, diverse project exposure, and career progression.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back to 1910, indicating a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in the engineering and consulting industry.

Team Structure:

• The Data Centers team is part of AECOM's Transportation business group in Spain, indicating a specialized unit within a larger division.

• This team is described as "evolving at a very high rate," signifying a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes providing a "better world" through its infrastructure projects, suggesting a mission-driven approach focused on positive community impact.

• The company values "technical and digital expertise," "equity, diversity, and inclusion," and a commitment to "environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities."

• Projects are managed with a focus on delivering integrated and quality results, ensuring timely completion and adherence to standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's size and global reach provide a stable yet dynamic environment. The specific mention of the Data Centers team within the Transportation group suggests a strategic focus on this high-growth sector, leveraging existing infrastructure expertise. The company's stated values of impact, inclusion, and ESG are important cultural indicators for potential employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role is designated for an experienced professional with over 15 years of relevant experience, responsible for leading complex design processes and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or vice president within the Data Centers or Transportation division in Spain, with direct oversight of project managers and design engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on AECOM's ability to secure and successfully deliver high-profile data center projects, contributing significantly to revenue generation and client satisfaction within a key growth sector. The quality of design directly influences project success, cost-efficiency, and long-term client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level management roles, overseeing larger programs or broader business units.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data center infrastructure design and project delivery, becoming a subject matter expert.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to work on global projects or relocate to other AECOM offices.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and project managers, developing future talent.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the strategic direction of AECOM's data center offerings in Spain and internationally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at AECOM, especially in a specialized and growing field like data centers, offers significant opportunities for advancement. The role is positioned to be a key contributor to the company's strategic growth in a high-demand market, offering both technical and managerial development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work. The primary office location is in Madrid.

Office Location(s): C/Alfonso XII, Madrid, Spain. This central location likely offers good accessibility and proximity to business hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative office spaces designed to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing among design and project management professionals.

• Access to AECOM's advanced digital tools and technology infrastructure to support design, analysis, and project management.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with diverse teams, including civil engineers, architects, project managers, and client representatives.

• A dynamic environment that balances focused individual work with team-based problem-solving and innovation sessions.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, supporting a better work-life balance, alongside the hybrid model. This allows for adaptation to project demands while maintaining personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on a hybrid model and flexible hours suggests a modern work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and productivity. The office location in Madrid places the role within a major European business center, facilitating interactions with clients and industry partners.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to evaluate technical expertise, leadership style, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. This stage will likely focus on your approach to design management and team leadership.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: A potential technical challenge or case study related to civil engineering design for data centers. This might involve problem-solving, design strategy, or risk assessment scenarios.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and functional fit. This is where your ability to communicate complex technical information and build relationships will be tested.

• Final Interview/Offer: Final discussion with senior leadership, potentially followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio into distinct sections, perhaps by project type (e.g., Data Centers, Infrastructure) or by key competencies (e.g., Design Leadership, Risk Management, Client Engagement).

• Content: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project scope, key challenges, your specific contributions, the design methodologies employed, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Data Center Focus: Prioritize projects directly related to data center infrastructure if available. If not, highlight transferable skills from similar large-scale, complex infrastructure projects.

• Visuals: Include relevant diagrams, schematics, or renderings where appropriate to illustrate your design work and project scope.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly explain the design processes you managed, including quality assurance, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication strategies.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review common civil engineering challenges in data center design (e.g., site selection, foundation design, utility connections, environmental considerations).

• Prepare to discuss your approach to managing scope creep, budget overruns, and tight deadlines.

• Think about how you would motivate a diverse design team facing complex technical hurdles.

• Practice articulating your technical solutions and project strategies clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, typical for a senior leadership role. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates experience in managing complex civil engineering design, with a preference for data centers, is essential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their leadership style, technical decision-making, and ability to manage risk.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, Navisworks for design and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms for detailed scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with specialized civil engineering analysis software (e.g., for structural analysis, geotechnical analysis, hydrological modeling).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AECOM's internal systems for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience using data from project management and design tools to generate progress reports, performance metrics, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design projects interface with client relationship management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes within project management or design phases could be advantageous for efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the JD doesn't explicitly list software, a Design Manager in Civil Engineering, especially for complex projects like data centers, would be expected to be proficient with advanced CAD/BIM tools, robust project management software, and potentially specialized engineering analysis packages. AECOM, as a large firm, will have its own suite of internal tools and platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Delivering high-quality, technically sound designs that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design challenges, leveraging technology and best practices.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all project dealings.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term partnerships.

• Impact: Driving projects that contribute positively to communities and the environment, aligning with AECOM's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and external consultants to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels with all project stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement within the team and on projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across projects and teams to enhance overall organizational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of delivering a "better world," "equity, diversity, and inclusion," and "ESG priorities" would heavily influence the team's operational values. The collaborative style is critical for a role managing multidisciplinary teams on complex infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse requirements and expectations of clients, internal departments, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders on large-scale data center projects.

• Technical Complexity of Data Centers: Navigating the unique civil engineering challenges associated with data center infrastructure, including precise site planning, foundation integrity, and integration with specialized mechanical and electrical systems.

• Pace of Technological Advancement: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in data center technology and design methodologies to ensure AECOM's offerings remain cutting-edge.

• Global Project Coordination: Effectively managing design processes and teams across different geographies, time zones, and cultural contexts, especially given the international experience requirement.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining highly skilled civil engineering talent in a competitive market, particularly for specialized data center expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Training: Access to industry-specific courses, certifications, and workshops focused on data center design and construction best practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM likely offers robust programs to enhance management, strategic planning, and leadership skills for senior professionals.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Gaining experience on diverse international projects, broadening exposure to different design standards, regulations, and construction methods.

• Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities to learn from and connect with senior leaders and subject matter experts within AECOM's global network.

• Digital Transformation Initiatives: Involvement in AECOM's adoption of new digital tools and technologies for design, analysis, and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing large, complex, and rapidly evolving infrastructure projects in a global firm. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging AECOM's resources to develop expertise and leadership within a high-demand sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a complex civil engineering project, specifically for a data center. How do you ensure alignment and quality?"

• "Walk me through a challenging project you managed where scope, budget, or schedule were at risk. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure technical accuracy and compliance with specifications throughout all phases of a civil engineering design project, from feasibility to construction?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage a difficult client relationship or stakeholder conflict. How did you navigate it, and what was the resolution?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM, and specifically about our Data Centers team in Spain?"

• "How do you align with AECOM's values of delivering a better world, diversity, and ESG priorities?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your career and highlight key achievements relevant to this role (e.g., total value of projects managed, years of experience in data centers).

• Project Deep Dives: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects (prioritizing data centers). For each, detail:

  • Project scope, client, location, and your specific role.
  • Key design challenges and how you addressed them.
  • Your leadership approach and team management strategies.
  • The design processes you implemented (e.g., quality assurance, risk mitigation).
  • Quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, technical innovations).

• Process & Tools: Be prepared to discuss the design and project management processes you utilize and the software/tools you are proficient with.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your portfolio content and be ready to elaborate on any aspect.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical depth in civil engineering and data centers, strong project management skills, and alignment with AECOM's corporate values. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to visually and verbally showcase relevant experience and problem-solving capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience in civil engineering project management and design supervision, specifically emphasizing any data center project experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Civil Engineering," "Data Centers," "Project Management," "Risk Management," and "Client Relationship Management." Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Managed design projects valued at X million Euros," "Reduced design cycle time by Y%").

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a professional portfolio that showcases your most relevant civil engineering design projects, with a strong emphasis on data centers. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, methodologies, challenges, and successful outcomes. Be ready to present specific case studies during the interview process.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by thinking about specific examples from your career that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, technical expertise, and ability to manage complex projects and teams. Practice articulating your responses clearly and concisely, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's company profile, its work in the data center sector, and its commitment to ESG and diversity. Understand their mission and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.