Design Manager, NA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, NA Company: Vantage Data Centers Location: Remote - TX (US-based candidates eligible for hybrid work in Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design & Engineering Operations Date Posted: 2026-02-02 Experience Level: 8-15+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days flexible) for specific US locations, or fully remote within the US.

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in managing the end-to-end design lifecycle for large-scale hyperscale data center campuses, ensuring seamless integration from concept to construction handover.
• It requires a strategic leader to champion design quality, value engineering, and risk mitigation, directly impacting project predictability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• The position acts as the central connective hub, coordinating design-related communication and deliverables across critical departments including Development, Engineering, Construction, and Operations.
• Success in this role depends on the ability to balance innovation with standardization, drive product optimization, and maintain alignment with stringent hyperscaler design standards and operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager, NA" and the description mentions "Senior Design Manager, NA", for clarity and consistency, the title used here is "Senior Design Manager, NA" reflecting the seniority implied by the experience requirements and responsibilities. The role is positioned within Operations due to its critical function in bridging design and operational readiness, ensuring the successful implementation and long-term performance of data center infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design process from concept and schematic design through detailed design development and issuance for construction (IFC) for hyperscale campuses, focusing on portfolios of 50-500+ MW.
• Manage and lead external architect and engineering (AE) firms and consultants, ensuring clear scope definition, performance management, and seamless integration into Vantage's internal workflows and standards.
• Oversee the delivery of design milestones, rigorously reporting progress against defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as cost per MW, design cycle time, and change order volume.
• Coordinate regional design feedback loops to continuously improve the next generation of product offerings and design standards, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation.
• Drive value engineering (VE) initiatives to identify opportunities for cost reduction, schedule acceleration, and complexity simplification without compromising resilience or operational performance.
• Manage and resolve Requests for Information (RFIs), design clarifications, change control processes, drawing revisions, and escalate design-related risks to ensure project continuity.
• Ensure all design decisions and documentation align with hyperscaler design standards, reference architectures, resiliency tiers, redundancy philosophies, and security frameworks.
• Promote and implement modular design principles, repeatability, standardization, and prefabrication strategies to accelerate deployment speed and enhance scalability.
• Oversee the development and reporting of design-related metrics and dashboards, providing data-backed insights for executive updates and project governance.
• Collaborate closely with Construction, Procurement, Telecom, Power, Security, Controls, Commissioning, and Operations teams to ensure a holistic and integrated project delivery approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to detail the full scope of design management within a mission-critical infrastructure context, emphasizing the strategic, leadership, and cross-functional aspects crucial for a role of this seniority and impact. The focus on hyperscale campuses and MW capacity highlights the scale and complexity of the projects managed.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil), Architecture, or Construction Management. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• 8-15+ years of progressive experience in mission-critical infrastructure design, with a strong emphasis on data centers or industrial facilities.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering hyperscale facilities, colocation campuses, or other large-scale critical infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated technical leadership across complex MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, redundancy models, and constructability considerations.
• In-depth understanding of commissioning processes, integrated systems testing (IST), and operational handoff procedures for critical facilities.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in managing the full design lifecycle from concept to construction documents for large-scale, complex projects.
• Project Management: Strong capabilities in planning, executing, and closing projects, including scope definition, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks, including leading risk review sessions and developing mitigation plans.
• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to manage conflicting priorities and effectively communicate with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Value Engineering (VE): Ability to identify and implement cost-saving measures and process improvements without sacrificing quality or performance.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical infrastructure, including UPS systems, generators, switchgear, CRAH/CRAC units, chillers, medium/low voltage distribution, and busways.
• Collaboration & Integration: Skill in coordinating with cross-functional teams (Development, Engineering, Construction, Operations, Procurement) to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Process Development: Ability to define, implement, and improve design processes and workflows for increased efficiency and predictability.

Preferred Skills:

• Hyperscale Campus Delivery: Experience specifically with multi-megawatt (MW) greenfield developments and live-site expansions.
• BIM/Coordination Tools: Familiarity and proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software such as Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam for design coordination and clash detection.
• PM Software: Experience with project management platforms like Procore, MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or ClickUp for project tracking and reporting.
• Data Governance: Understanding of data governance principles and ability to partner with data teams to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Ambiguity Tolerance: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing requirements, and make data-driven decisions with incomplete information.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: A proactive approach to identifying lessons learned and driving process evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been structured to differentiate between required and preferred skills, with a focus on operations-relevant competencies like process development, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. The inclusion of specific software and technical knowledge provides a clearer picture of the technical expectations for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio of successfully delivered large-scale critical infrastructure or data center projects. Each case study should detail the project's scope, your role, key challenges, design solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains).
• Process Optimization Examples: Provide documented examples of how you have improved design processes, workflow efficiencies, or standardization efforts, ideally demonstrating a repeatable methodology.
• Risk Management Frameworks: Illustrate your approach to design risk assessment and mitigation, potentially through sample risk registers or process documentation.
• Stakeholder Management Documentation: Evidence of managing complex stakeholder relationships and communication strategies, such as reporting templates or presentation examples.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and maintaining design process documentation, including Design Basis Documents (DBDs), Site Specific Owner’s Project Requirements (SSOPRs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and design guides.
• Ability to document and present project management frameworks, including kickoff documentation, risk registers, design logs, change tracking mechanisms, and executive reporting cadences.
• Exhibit a structured approach to capturing lessons learned and implementing change management processes to refine future project predictability and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the practical application of design management skills, focusing on the tangible outputs and documentation expected in a portfolio. The emphasis on process optimization and risk management aligns with core operations principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $170,000 per year (based on Colorado market data; may vary by location).

• Bonus Eligibility: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus.
• Compensation Factors: The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and alignment with specific market conditions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Protective Coverage: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.
• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in a 401k program with a company match.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Access to a range of other voluntary benefit options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work policy requires 3 days on-site at one of the designated US office locations (Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA) and allows for 2 flexible days (remote or in-office). Fully remote US-based candidates are also considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the original posting is associated with Colorado market data. It's important to note that compensation may vary across other eligible US locations. The benefits listed are comprehensive and typical for a full-time role in this industry, offering a strong total compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centers / Critical Infrastructure / Technology Company Size: With a significant global presence and ongoing expansion, Vantage Data Centers operates at a scale typical of large, rapidly growing technology infrastructure companies. This size implies robust processes, a structured environment, and opportunities for significant impact. Founded: Vantage Data Centers was founded in 2000, giving it over two decades of experience in the dynamic data center market. This history suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt to evolving technological demands and market trends.

Team Structure:

• The Design Integration Group (DIG) is a key functional team within Vantage, comprising Design Management, Design Engineering, and Regional Product teams.
• Design Managers operate as the central hub, reporting within the DIG structure and collaborating closely with leadership from New Site Development, Product, Engineering, Construction, and Operations.
• This structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and clear lines of communication, essential for managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

Methodology:

• Design Stewardship: The DIG owns the stewardship and execution of data center designs throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring design excellence and consistency.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasis is placed on using data to inform decisions, track performance (KPIs), and drive continuous improvement, evident in performance, cost, and risk management responsibilities.
• Innovation & Standardization: Vantage balances innovative design solutions with product standardization and modularity to ensure scalability, speed to market, and cost-effectiveness.
• Customer-Centricity: Designs are driven by hyperscaler customer expectations for uptime, resiliency, speed, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Vantage's established position in the data center industry and its structured approach to design and project execution. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven methodologies is crucial for operations-minded candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the Design Management function, acting as a critical interface between strategic design and operational execution. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and process discipline, fitting within a senior engineering or management track.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports within the Design Integration Group (DIG), likely to a Director or VP of Design/Engineering. They will work closely with and influence peers and leaders across Development, Engineering, Construction, and Operations, acting as a key project lead.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on the company's ability to deliver hyperscale data center capacity efficiently and reliably. By ensuring design quality, optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and facilitating seamless handover to operations, this position directly influences project timelines, capital expenditure, operational uptime, and customer satisfaction, all critical to Vantage's revenue generation and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Design Management, overseeing larger portfolios or broader functional areas.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced power systems, liquid cooling, or sustainable design within future roles.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into senior roles within Construction Management, Operations, or Product Development, leveraging a deep understanding of the entire data center lifecycle.
• Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities to mentor junior designers and project managers, fostering the next generation of talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a typical operations career progression, highlighting its strategic importance and the potential for future growth within Vantage Data Centers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for 3 days on-site at designated US office locations (Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA) and 2 flexible days. Alternatively, US-based candidates can work remotely. This hybrid approach balances the need for in-person collaboration with flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• On-site options: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; Ashburn, VA.
• Remote: Anywhere within the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic work environment where teamwork and communication are paramount. Expect regular interactions with design teams, engineers, construction managers, and operations personnel.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design and project management software (Revit, Navisworks, Procore, ClickUp, etc.) is expected, facilitating efficient workflow and communication.
• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with operations teams is crucial for ensuring designs meet operational needs, including maintenance, monitoring, and energy efficiency requirements.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid model offers flexibility in structuring the work week, allowing for a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on the practical implications of the hybrid and remote options, emphasizing collaboration and the use of technology within a structured yet flexible operational setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, with a focus on aligning your experience with the job requirements, particularly in data center design and project management.
• Technical Interview: Assessment of your technical expertise in MEP systems, data center design principles, risk management, and familiarity with relevant tools and standards. Expect questions related to your experience with hyperscale projects and value engineering.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your project management methodologies, leadership style, stakeholder management capabilities, and how you handle complex challenges. Preparation of specific examples from your portfolio will be key.
• Cross-Functional/Panel Interview: Interaction with key stakeholders from Engineering, Construction, and Operations to assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand operational requirements. This stage will likely involve discussing how you ensure design readiness for construction and operations.
• Final Interview/Offer: Typically with senior leadership to finalize the decision and discuss the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience with large-scale data centers, hyperscale campuses, and complex MEP systems.
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scale (MW capacity), your specific role, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule acceleration, efficiency improvements, risk reduction metrics).
• Process Focus: Highlight your contributions to process improvements, standardization, value engineering, and risk mitigation. Explain your methodologies for managing design phases, consultants, and cross-functional teams.
• Operational Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how your designs considered operational needs, commissioning readiness, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Concise Presentation: Prepare a clear, concise presentation (e.g., slide deck) that walks through your portfolio, focusing on key achievements and demonstrating your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, scope changes, risk escalations, or stakeholder disagreements. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach and decision-making process.
• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for a specific design challenge, such as standardizing a particular MEP component or improving the RFI resolution process. Focus on clarity, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
• Value Engineering Discussion: Prepare to discuss your approach to identifying and implementing VE opportunities, providing examples of successful VE initiatives you've led.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the specific interview stages and potential challenges relevant to a senior design management role in operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Modeling: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu. Proficiency in these tools is essential for design creation, coordination, and documentation.
• Project Management: Procore, MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, ClickUp. Experience with at least one major PM software is critical for tracking project progress, managing schedules, and facilitating communication. ClickUp is specifically mentioned as being implemented for driving visibility and accountability.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI may be used by teams to visualize design metrics and project performance data.
• Reporting Tools: Internal Vantage systems or standard office suites (Excel, PowerPoint) for creating performance dashboards and executive reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing CRM, understanding how design data integrates into broader company systems (e.g., project controls, financial systems) is beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within project management or design processes is a plus.

Specialized Software:

• Experience with specialized engineering analysis software (e.g., CFD for airflow, thermal analysis tools) may be advantageous depending on the specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the essential technology stack, emphasizing the critical project management and design software required for the role, aligning with industry standards for large-scale infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• No Ego & No Arrogance: Fosters a culture of humility, respect, and collaboration where individual contributions are valued, but team success is paramount. This means open communication and a willingness to learn from anyone.
• Support & Build Each Other Up: Emphasizes mutual support and appreciation for diverse strengths, creating a positive and encouraging work environment.
• Joy & Fun: Actively seeks opportunities to inject enjoyment into daily work, recognizing that a positive atmosphere can enhance productivity and team cohesion.
• Hard & Efficient Work: A commitment to diligent effort and optimized processes, leading to high-quality outcomes and rewarding performance.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Decisions are grounded in data and performance metrics, ensuring objectivity and measurable impact.
• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly across different departments (Development, Engineering, Construction, Operations) to achieve project goals.
• Feedback & Improvement: Encourages an open feedback loop for process reviews and continuous learning, ensuring that insights from all stages of the project lifecycle are captured and acted upon.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to elevate collective performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are clearly articulated, emphasizing a positive, collaborative, and performance-oriented culture that is highly relevant for operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering hyperscale data center designs rapidly to meet market demand while maintaining impeccable quality, resilience, and adherence to complex hyperscaler standards.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Aligning the needs and expectations of internal teams (Engineering, Construction, Operations, Development) and external partners (AE firms, consultants, hyperscalers) who may have competing priorities.
• Driving Standardization in a Dynamic Field: Implementing and enforcing standardized design approaches and product specifications across numerous projects while remaining adaptable to evolving technologies (e.g., AI/ML, liquid cooling) and client requirements.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where requirements can evolve, necessitating adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in emerging data center technologies, such as advanced power distribution, liquid cooling solutions, microgrids, and AI/GPU infrastructure.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED, specific engineering licenses).
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional management skills.
• Exposure to Global Projects: Potential to gain experience with international design standards and project execution as Vantage continues its global expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section proactively addresses potential challenges and frames them as opportunities for skill development and career growth, a key consideration for ambitious operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements between Engineering, Construction, and Operations. How did you achieve alignment and ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on your communication, negotiation, and process-driven approach).
• "Walk me through your process for identifying and implementing value engineering opportunities on a large-scale project. Provide a specific example and the resulting impact." (Highlight your analytical skills, understanding of cost drivers, and ability to maintain quality).
• "How do you ensure design standards and best practices are consistently applied across multiple projects and external consultants, especially in a rapidly growing organization?" (Demonstrate your process development, documentation, and quality assurance methodologies).
• "Describe your experience in managing design risk. What frameworks do you use, and how do you ensure mitigation plans are effectively implemented?" (Showcase your proactive risk management strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Vantage Data Centers and the data center industry, what do you see as the biggest design challenges for hyperscale campuses in the next 3-5 years?" (Demonstrate your industry awareness and strategic thinking).
• "How do you embody the 'No Ego, No Arrogance' value in your professional interactions, particularly when collaborating with diverse teams?" (Reflect on your teamwork and interpersonal skills).
• "How would you measure the success of the design management function within Vantage Data Centers?" (Focus on KPIs, operational efficiency, and impact on business objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives, highlighting the problem, your solution, and the impact.
• Visuals: Use clear, professional slides with key data points, diagrams, and metrics. Avoid overwhelming text.
• Focus on Operations Relevance: Emphasize how your design decisions contributed to operational efficiency, reliability, maintainability, and TCO.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a designated timeframe, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, decision-making rationale, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide provides specific question types and strategic advice tailored to the role and Vantage's culture, emphasizing how candidates can showcase their operations mindset and technical expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Vantage Data Centers careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in data center design management, hyperscale projects, MEP systems, and cross-functional leadership. Ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated.
• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise and impactful portfolio showcasing 3-5 relevant projects. Focus on quantifiable achievements, process improvements, risk mitigation strategies, and how your designs supported operational excellence and TCO objectives.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews by reviewing common questions related to design management, stakeholder collaboration, risk assessment, and value engineering. Practice articulating your portfolio examples clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Vantage Data Centers' mission, values, recent projects, and industry position. Understand their approach to sustainability, innovation, and customer focus to demonstrate your alignment with their culture and strategic goals.

⚠️ 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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