Design Manager, NA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, NA Company: Vantage Data Centers Location: Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; Santa Clara, California; Ashburn, Virginia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design & Engineering Operations / Project Management Date Posted: October 16, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 years preferred Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days flexible)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage cross-functional engineering and design teams responsible for critical data center infrastructure systems across North America.
• Oversee the end-to-end design lifecycle, ensuring adherence to Vantage's global standards, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in design, procurement, and construction processes to enhance operational delivery and efficiency.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between various internal departments (Sales, Operations, IT, Security) and external stakeholders (Customers, Contractors, EORs).
• Champion product performance, technical excellence, and sustainability within all design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a role deeply embedded within operational execution and GTM enablement. This role acts as a critical bridge between initial sales/solutioning and the physical realization and ongoing operation of data center facilities, making it a strategic position within the broader operational framework. The emphasis on process improvement, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration aligns strongly with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles focused on streamlining the customer journey from opportunity to service delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development, review, maintenance, and enhancement of design packages, technical standards, and project specifications to ensure the consistent delivery of reliable and efficient data center systems.
• Own and drive the early design baseline setting process for new and existing developments within the assigned region.
• Establish and distribute project-specific design standards, meticulously tracking deviations from Vantage and customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with regional development teams and Sales and Solution Engineering to ensure seamless alignment with lease agreements and customer commitments.
• Actively track and manage design-related RFIs, design deviations, and change requests on-site, driving timely responses and resolutions from internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships by leading technical meetings and providing comprehensive support to internal project partners.
• Provide regular, detailed updates on design progress, identified risks, project blockers, scope changes, and evolving priorities to leadership.
• Support procurement processes and regional project leads in the selection of local partners for design development, contract oversight, and Value Engineering (VE) implementation with the General Contractor (GC) and Engineer of Record (EOR).
• Develop and enhance design, procurement, and construction processes to streamline Operations delivery and improve time-to-market for data center capacity.
• Anticipate, report, and proactively mitigate design and engineering quality risks, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Drive benchmarking initiatives to ensure internal regional alignment and uphold the highest design and construction quality standards.
• Conduct regular meetings with design teams to provide constructive feedback, address concerns, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement by conducting formal Lessons Learned sessions and implementing actionable insights across projects and regions.
• Apply deep technical expertise to collaborate effectively with the end customer, ensuring strict compliance with project requirements, relevant codes, and specifications.
• Lead the support and coordination of the Change Management/REACH process on-site, ensuring effective implementation across all engineering functions.
• Provide comprehensive reporting to development delivery leadership, highlighting the performance, impact, and ROI of implemented design changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong operational focus, including process development, risk mitigation, and quality assurance, which are core tenets of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations. The requirement to "streamline Operations delivery" and "improve time-to-market" directly ties this design role to GTM efficiency and revenue enablement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Planning, Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Relevant alternative education, extensive military service, or exceptional practical experience and training will be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in data center design management or equivalent leadership roles within complex infrastructure projects.
• 5+ years of experience in data center design management is strongly preferred, indicating a need for seasoned professionals.

Required Skills:

• Project & Design Management: Proven ability to lead complex projects from inception to completion, managing scope, schedule, and budget.
• Data Center Infrastructure: Strong understanding of critical cooling systems (e.g., CRAC/CRAH, chillers, pumps, piping) and power infrastructure (e.g., UPS, generators, switchgear, PDUs) essential for data center operations.
• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in reviewing, interpreting, and managing complex design packages, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and influence multi-disciplinary teams, including internal SMEs, external consultants, and contractors.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences and build strong relationships with clients and internal partners.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: A proactive, analytical approach to identifying and resolving intricate engineering challenges and process inefficiencies.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Experience in supporting procurement and managing relationships with engineering firms (EOR) and general contractors (GC).
• Process Improvement Mindset: A commitment to identifying opportunities for enhancing design, procurement, and construction processes for improved operational efficiency.
• Adaptability: Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving business needs.
• Integrity & Professionalism: A high level of professional conduct and ethical decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in North American construction markets, understanding local regulations and practices.
• Familiarity with building codes (e.g., IBC, NFPA) and fire ordinances specific to commercial and industrial facilities.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and their integration into data center design.
• Experience with Value Engineering (VE) processes to optimize capital and operational expenditures.
• Familiarity with automation and controls systems (BMS) relevant to data center operations.
• Understanding of IT, Security, and ICT infrastructure requirements within data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "critical cooling and power infrastructure," "building codes," and "fire ordinances" highlights the operational criticality of this role. The preferred skills in "sustainability," "Value Engineering," and "automation/controls" are key drivers for efficiency and cost optimization, directly impacting the operational P&L and aligning with GTM objectives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex data center or large-scale infrastructure projects where you managed the design process. Detail the project scope, key challenges, your role, and the eventual outcome.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Provide examples of processes you have developed, enhanced, or streamlined within design, procurement, or construction phases. Quantify the impact on efficiency, cost, or delivery timelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate instances where you successfully coordinated between Sales, Engineering, Construction, and Operations teams to achieve project goals. Highlight communication strategies and conflict resolution.
• Risk Management Documentation: Present documentation or case studies demonstrating how you identified, assessed, and mitigated design or construction risks.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or refining design standards, specifications, or best practice guides for infrastructure projects.
• Examples of workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating the design lifecycle management, including RFI and change order management.
• Documentation demonstrating experience with Lessons Learned sessions and the implementation of resulting improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design and project management skills in an operational context. The emphasis should be on quantifiable improvements and successful cross-functional execution, directly relevant to how operations teams leverage design outputs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 annually.

• Note: This range is based on Colorado market data and may vary based on the specific location (Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; Ashburn, VA) and the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may fall outside this range.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support services.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.
• A variety of additional voluntary benefits to meet diverse employee needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid work policy allows for 3 days onsite and 2 days flexible (remotely or in-office), offering a degree of autonomy and flexibility in managing work schedules, crucial for balancing site visits with office-based responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role in markets like Denver. The inclusion of a bonus structure (mentioned in the raw data but not detailed) would be a key differentiator for operations-focused roles that often tie compensation to performance metrics. The benefits package is robust and typical for a company of Vantage's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centers / Critical Infrastructure / Technology. Vantage Data Centers is a leading provider of hyperscale data center solutions, powering critical digital infrastructure for global cloud providers and enterprises. This industry demands precision, reliability, and constant innovation. Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 501-1000 employees. This suggests a dynamic environment that balances the agility of a growing company with established processes and a structured approach to operations and design. Founded: Vantage Data Centers was founded in 2000. With over two decades of experience, the company has established a strong reputation and deep expertise in the data center market, fostering a culture of knowledge and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Design Engineering North America team is a specialized unit comprising Design Managers, Program Managers, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Engineering and Architecture.
• This role reports into a leadership position within the Design Engineering department, likely a Director or VP level.
• Close collaboration is expected with Sales, Solutions Engineering, EH&S, New Site Development, Construction, Sustainability, Automation & Controls, Security, IT, and Site Operations teams, indicating a highly cross-functional and matrixed environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "value engineering," "cost metrics," and aligning with "corporate objectives" implies a data-driven approach to design decisions.
• Standardization & Customization: The team adapts a "forefront Vantage Data Center prototype" to "unique requirements of our customers," balancing standardized, efficient designs with bespoke client needs.
• Integrated Project Delivery: Close partnership with the Construction team signifies an integrated approach to design and execution, aiming for seamless transitions and efficient project delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: A strong focus on "process improvement," "lessons learned," and empowering technical staff to align "long-term operational sustainability with value engineering" points to a culture of ongoing refinement.

Company Website: https://vantage-dc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as having "No Ego and No Arrogance," emphasizing mutual support, respect, and finding joy in work. This "hard and efficient work" is rewarded with competitive compensation and benefits, suggesting a performance-oriented yet collaborative environment. This culture is highly relevant for operations roles that require strong teamwork and a focus on collective success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within the Design Engineering function, with significant responsibility for regional project execution and strategic alignment. It bridges technical design expertise with project management and cross-functional leadership, a common pathway for senior operations professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the Design Engineering department. They will lead and manage internal design teams and external vendor/contractor teams, acting as a central point of coordination for numerous stakeholders across Sales, Construction, and Operations.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Vantage's ability to deliver scalable, efficient, and cost-effective data center solutions. By optimizing the design process, ensuring compliance, and facilitating seamless handoffs to construction and operations, the Design Manager directly influences revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Their work ensures that the physical infrastructure is aligned with market demand and customer commitments, which is fundamental to the company's GTM strategy and revenue realization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into senior management roles within Design Engineering, such as Director of Design Engineering, or transition into broader operational leadership roles within site operations or project delivery.
• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, automation and controls, or hyperscale facility engineering, becoming a recognized SME.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related GTM or operational strategy roles, leveraging their deep understanding of the data center lifecycle and customer requirements.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and managers, and participate in advanced training programs, industry conferences, and professional development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of technical management and operational strategy, providing a strong foundation for career growth within the data center industry, particularly for those interested in the intersection of design, construction, and operational efficiency that drives revenue.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, with a policy of 3 days per week in the office and 2 days flexible. This indicates a modern workplace that values both in-person collaboration and employee flexibility, common in technology and infrastructure companies.

Office Location(s): The position is open to candidates located in or willing to relocate to:

• Denver, Colorado
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Santa Clara, California
• Ashburn, Virginia This strategic distribution allows access to key talent pools and proximity to major operational hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: The office environment likely features collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized design studios to facilitate teamwork and design reviews.
• Technology-Enabled: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be standard, supporting efficient workflow and remote collaboration.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with design teams, project managers, and key stakeholders from other departments, fostering a connected and informed work environment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for efficient management of personal schedules alongside project demands and site visit requirements. The hybrid nature is well-suited for roles that require focused individual work (e.g., design review, analysis) balanced with essential in-person collaboration and site engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant benefit for operations professionals, allowing for better work-life integration while maintaining the essential in-person collaboration needed for complex projects and stakeholder engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience in data center design management, project leadership, and relevant technical skills.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, project history, leadership style, and understanding of data center infrastructure. Expect behavioral questions related to managing teams, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving.
3. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, showcasing key design projects, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration examples. This will be a critical stage to assess technical depth and practical application. Expect detailed questions about your contributions, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.
4. Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments such as Construction, Operations, and Sales to assess cultural fit, collaboration capabilities, and alignment with the company's operational goals.
5. Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Design Engineering, VP) to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and final suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, efficiency gains).
• Showcase Process Improvement: Highlight examples where you actively improved design, procurement, or construction processes. Use visuals like flowcharts or before/after comparisons if possible.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Use case studies to illustrate how you effectively managed diverse stakeholder expectations and fostered collaboration across different departments.
• Tailor to Vantage: Research Vantage Data Centers' projects, values, and recent news. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to resonate with their specific needs and operational focus.
• Concise & Clear Presentation: Prepare a presentation that is well-structured, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Focus on key achievements and relevant skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common data center design challenges, such as managing scope creep, resolving conflicting stakeholder requirements, or addressing unexpected site conditions.
• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for a specific aspect of design management, like a change management workflow or a vendor selection process. Focus on clarity, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss solutions to typical data center infrastructure problems related to power, cooling, or site integration.
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples of how you motivate teams, handle underperformance, and foster a positive, high-performing work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and scenario-based challenges is typical for operations and project management roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical knowledge but also their ability to execute, collaborate, and drive process improvements that impact the business's bottom line.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency expected in tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.
• Design & Modeling Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other CAD/BIM software for reviewing and understanding design documentation.
• Collaboration Platforms: Extensive use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication, file sharing, and team coordination.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like SharePoint or cloud-based storage for organizing and accessing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the role's focus on "value engineering," "cost metrics," and "performance analysis" suggests a need to interpret data from various sources. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is essential.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting reports from project management or financial systems to track design progress, budget adherence, and risk status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.): While not a primary tool for this role, understanding how design specifications and project timelines integrate with customer data managed in CRM systems is beneficial for cross-functional alignment.
• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design review, RFI response, or change order processes is valuable, even if not directly implementing automation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are foundational for design management and project execution. For operations roles, understanding how these design and project tools interface with broader GTM systems (like CRM and CPQ) and operational support platforms is a critical differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• No Ego, No Arrogance: A core value emphasizing humility, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members and across departments. This fosters an environment where ideas are shared freely and constructive feedback is welcomed.
• Build Each Other Up: A strong focus on mutual support, recognizing and appreciating individual strengths, and mitigating each other's weaknesses. This cultivates a positive and resilient team dynamic.
• Find Joy in Our Work: An encouragement to seek and create opportunities for fun and engagement within the workplace, balancing hard work with a positive attitude.
• Efficiency & Performance: A commitment to "hard and efficient work" that is directly rewarded. This indicates a results-oriented culture where productivity and effectiveness are highly valued.
• Integrity & Professionalism: A foundational requirement for all employees, ensuring ethical conduct and a high standard of professional behavior in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless interaction with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Construction, IT, Security, and Operations teams. Success depends on effective communication and shared goal alignment.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that supports regular feedback exchange, particularly through "Lessons Learned" sessions, to continuously refine processes and improve project outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on empowering technical staff and building each other up suggests a culture that promotes sharing expertise and best practices across the team and the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "No Ego," "Build Each Other Up," and "Find Joy" are particularly important for operations roles that often require navigating complex interdependencies and maintaining positive relationships across diverse teams to achieve GTM and revenue objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Standardization with Customization: Effectively adapting the core Vantage data center prototype to meet diverse and specific customer requirements while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating the needs and expectations of numerous internal departments (Sales, Ops, IT, Security) and external parties (Customers, GCs, EORs) to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
• Rapid Market Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving technology landscape in data centers and ensuring designs remain current, efficient, and sustainable.
• On-site Coordination: Juggling frequent site visits with office-based responsibilities, managing design deviations, RFIs, and change requests in real-time across multiple projects.
• Driving Process Adoption: Implementing new design, procurement, or construction processes and ensuring they are adopted and effectively utilized by all relevant teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced cooling technologies, power distribution, automation, or sustainable design practices.
• Project & Program Management Certification: Support for obtaining or advancing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or other relevant industry credentials.
• Leadership & Mentorship Programs: Access to internal training and development programs focused on leadership, strategic planning, and team management.
• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and forums to stay abreast of emerging trends and network with peers.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain broader experience by working closely with other departments, potentially leading to career transitions into operations, strategy, or business development roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operational and GTM-related roles that require managing complex interdependencies and driving efficiency in a fast-paced environment. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for career advancement within the operations and engineering spectrum.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Design: "Describe how you would design a streamlined process for managing design change requests on a large-scale data center project, ensuring minimal impact on schedule and budget." (Focus on workflow, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment).
• Stakeholder Management: "How would you ensure alignment between the Sales team's customer commitments, the Design Engineering team's technical standards, and the Construction team's execution capabilities for a new hyperscale facility?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and common goal setting).
• Problem-Solving: "A critical supplier for a key component for a new cooling system has suddenly gone bankrupt. What steps would you take to mitigate this risk and ensure project continuity?" (Focus on risk assessment, contingency planning, and alternative sourcing).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Fit: "Vantage emphasizes 'No Ego.' How does this value influence your approach to collaborating with colleagues, especially when there are differing opinions on design or project execution?" (Focus on humility, active listening, and solution-oriented collaboration).
• Team Dynamics: "Describe a time you had to lead a team with diverse technical backgrounds and conflicting priorities. How did you foster cohesion and drive them towards a common objective?" (Focus on leadership, motivation, and conflict resolution).
• Operational Impact: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond project completion? What metrics are important to you and the operations team?" (Focus on efficiency, reliability, cost savings, and customer satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects, using a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework for each example. Clearly define the problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes.
• Quantify Everything: Wherever possible, present data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design review time by 15%," or "Achieved 5% CAPEX savings through value engineering."
• Highlight Process Improvement: Dedicate a section or specific examples to showcase instances where you improved processes, optimized workflows, or implemented best practices.
• Showcase Collaboration: Use case studies to illustrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including sales, operations, and construction.
• Concise & Visual: Keep presentations concise, visually appealing, and focused on the most relevant achievements. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize the candidate's ability to translate design management into tangible operational and business outcomes, aligning with the GTM and revenue enablement aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in data center design management, cross-functional team leadership, process improvement, and stakeholder communication. Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects with quantifiable results.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with critical infrastructure (power, cooling), project management methodologies, and any experience with North American construction markets. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on situations where you demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and process optimization in complex projects. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Vantage Data Centers' mission, values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability and innovation. Understand how the Design Manager role contributes to their overall business objectives and customer success.

⚠️ 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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