IT Infrastructure Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: IT Infrastructure Project Design Manager

Company: Morgan Stanley

Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Technology / IT Operations & Infrastructure

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and implementation of passive network infrastructure for critical IT projects across the APAC region.

• Manage and guide vendor performance and local site teams to ensure adherence to global IT standards and project specifications.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional design teams, project managers, and senior stakeholders to ensure integrated and effective IT solutions.

• Drive the IT change management process for all project-related infrastructure works, ensuring compliance and minimizing disruption.

• Oversee technical aspects of IT room deployments, focusing on capacity, power, cooling, and overall infrastructure efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant influence over project design and execution, rather than direct team management. The focus on "passive network infrastructure" implies a deep understanding of physical layer components, cabling, rack layouts, and environmental controls within data centers and IT rooms. The APAC regional scope indicates a need for cultural awareness and experience managing distributed teams and vendors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end passive IT and network infrastructure design process for new APAC projects, ensuring alignment with technology requirements from various teams.

• Review and approve IT deployments in IT rooms, with a specific focus on works affecting capacity, power, and cooling infrastructure.

• Evaluate and approve designs for new passive IT/network infrastructure, ensuring efficient space utilization and appropriate sizing of facilities.

• Manage the IT change management process for all project works across APAC, including reviewing and approving change requests in collaboration with the APAC IT Infrastructure Operations Manager.

• Oversee the IT infrastructure handover process, including the creation and approval of checklists and documentation for successful project closure.

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of patching management software systems to ensure accurate data input and configuration for new sites.

• Manage power management systems (e.g., IQ systems), including database development, population, and ongoing maintenance to track power consumption and allocation.

• Design passive network infrastructure layouts, specifying the number of racks, frames, and positions, and providing crucial support for decisions regarding cooling and power distribution placement.

• Assess the suitability and applicability of containment systems for the passive infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and safety.

• Design cable presentation within patch frames to achieve the shortest and most efficient patching routes.

• Design cabling requirements for switch, router, and Wi-Fi replacements, including precise rack positions, and critically assess power and cooling capacities to facilitate smooth changeovers.

• Estimate power consumption based on the Technology Bill of Materials (BOM) to inform engineering design decisions.

• Liaise with relevant project stakeholders and internal team members to ensure seamless coordination and engagement throughout the design and implementation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design, technical execution, and process management. The emphasis on "passive network infrastructure" means the role is less about network configuration and more about the physical environment that supports it. The requirement to manage power and cooling implies a need for understanding data center facility management principles within an IT context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related infrastructure discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure project design, with a significant portion focused on passive network infrastructure within large, complex, financial services or similar environments.

• Proven track record of leading and designing complex IT infrastructure projects from conception through to implementation and handover across multiple geographic locations.

• Experience managing vendor performance and ensuring subcontractor staff engagement, coordination, and successful project delivery.

Required Skills:

• IT Infrastructure Design: Expertise in designing physical IT infrastructure, including data center layouts, server room builds, and network cabling systems.

• Passive Network Infrastructure: Deep understanding of cabling standards (e.g., Category 6A/7, fiber optic), rack elevations, cable management, and containment solutions.

• Project Management: Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, even without direct reports, through effective leadership and coordination.

• Vendor Management: Skill in selecting, negotiating with, and managing IT infrastructure vendors and subcontractors to meet project deliverables and quality standards.

• Change Management: Proficiency in ITIL-based change management processes, including request review, approval workflows, and impact assessment.

• Capacity Planning: Experience in assessing and designing for IT infrastructure capacity, including power, cooling, and rack space requirements.

• Power Management Systems: Hands-on experience with power management systems (e.g., IQ systems) and database management for tracking power consumption.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse internal teams (IT Operations, Technology, Project Management) and external stakeholders.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in creating and reviewing technical design documents, specifications, and handover documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Design Principles: Familiarity with TIA-942, Uptime Institute, or similar data center design standards.

• Cooling Systems Knowledge: Understanding of data center cooling methodologies and their impact on IT equipment.

• Network Hardware: Familiarity with the physical requirements of various network devices (switches, routers, firewalls, Wi-Fi APs) in terms of rack space, power, and cooling.

• Budget Management: Experience in estimating project costs and managing budgets for infrastructure components.

• APAC Market Experience: Familiarity with local regulations, construction practices, and vendor landscapes across different APAC countries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in the physical aspects of IT infrastructure, coupled with project execution skills. The "min 10 years" and "degree level qualification" suggest a role that demands both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. The distinction between managing projects and managing direct reports is crucial, highlighting the need for strong influence and leadership through collaboration and technical expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation: Showcase detailed examples of passive IT and network infrastructure designs, including rack elevations, cable tray layouts, and power distribution diagrams.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present instances where your design decisions led to demonstrable improvements in efficiency, capacity utilization, or cost savings for IT infrastructure projects.

• System Implementation Examples: Provide evidence of successful implementation of patching management systems or power management solutions, detailing your role in setup, configuration, and ongoing management.

• Vendor Management Successes: Include examples of how you effectively managed vendors or subcontractors to achieve project milestones, adhere to technical specifications, and control costs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting IT infrastructure project workflows, from initial requirement gathering to final handover, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• Change Management Procedures: Provide examples of how you have contributed to or managed IT change control processes for infrastructure projects, ensuring robust review and approval mechanisms.

• Performance Analysis: Illustrate how you have used data from power management systems or capacity assessments to analyze infrastructure performance and inform future design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design and project management without direct reports, the portfolio should emphasize tangible outputs like design schematics, project plans, and documented process improvements. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices, supported by data and impact, will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for IT Infrastructure Project Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Hong Kong, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between HKD 800,000 to HKD 1,200,000. This range accounts for the specialized technical expertise, regional responsibility (APAC), and the demanding nature of the financial services industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, personal days, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., MPF contributions) with potential company matching.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for wellness and support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, critical change management activities, and urgent issues that may arise outside of standard business hours, particularly given the APAC regional scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar senior IT infrastructure roles in Hong Kong, considering the financial services sector's compensation structure and the specific responsibilities outlined. Benefits are typical for a large, reputable financial institution like Morgan Stanley. The need for flexibility is inherent in project management and regional roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Management). Morgan Stanley operates globally, providing a wide range of financial services. This industry context implies a high-stakes environment where reliability, security, and efficiency of IT infrastructure are paramount.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This scale means established processes, global standards, and significant IT infrastructure investments.

Founded: 1935. With a long history, Morgan Stanley has a deeply ingrained corporate culture and a strong reputation in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The IT Infrastructure Project Design Manager is a key individual contributor within the APAC IT Infrastructure team.

• While this role does not have direct reports, it involves leading and influencing cross-functional teams, including local site teams, vendor personnel, and project management staff.

• Collaboration will be extensive with other IT departments (e.g., Network Operations, Data Center Operations, Security, Application Support) and business stakeholders across the APAC region.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using technology Bill of Materials (BOM), power consumption estimates, and capacity metrics to inform design decisions.

• Process Optimization: Focus on streamlining IT change management, handover processes, and infrastructure deployment workflows for maximum efficiency and minimal risk.

• Standardization and Compliance: Adherence to global IT standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements is critical in the financial services industry.

• Collaborative Execution: Working closely with diverse teams and vendors to achieve project goals, leveraging collective expertise.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and presence in financial services suggest a culture that values rigor, precision, and long-term strategic thinking. The "clients first" value will translate into a strong focus on reliable and secure IT infrastructure supporting business operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior individual contributor position, often referred to as a "Lead" or "Principal" level within IT infrastructure. It requires deep technical expertise and the ability to influence project outcomes without direct managerial authority. The scope is regional (APAC), indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior IT Infrastructure leadership position within the APAC region, likely a Director or VP level. This provides visibility to senior management and opportunities for strategic input.

Operations Impact: The IT Infrastructure Project Design Manager has a direct and critical impact on the company's operational efficiency, system reliability, and ability to scale IT services across the APAC region. Effective design ensures that new projects are implemented on time, within budget, and meet stringent performance, capacity, and security requirements, directly supporting Morgan Stanley's global business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data center design, emerging infrastructure technologies, or specific areas like power and cooling systems.

• Regional Leadership: Transition into a management role overseeing a team of infrastructure professionals within the APAC region.

• Global Role: Move into a global IT infrastructure design or architecture role, influencing standards and strategies worldwide.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the long-term IT infrastructure strategy and roadmap for Morgan Stanley.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas like IT Project Management, Data Center Operations Management, or IT Strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role typically involves progression from senior technical contributor to leadership, either through deep specialization or team management. The regional scope provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a presence in one of Morgan Stanley's corporate offices in Hong Kong, likely within a modern business district like the International Commerce Centre. The environment will be professional and corporate.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Hong Kong, specifically the International Commerce Centre. This central location offers excellent connectivity and access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared work areas, and access to colleagues from various departments.

• Technology Access: Will have access to state-of-the-art IT systems, design software, communication tools, and other technologies necessary for project design and management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with local IT teams, project managers, and potentially remote teams across APAC through virtual collaboration tools.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of project management and the APAC regional scope may necessitate flexibility to attend meetings or address urgent issues outside of core hours. This could involve early morning or late evening calls with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major financial hub like Hong Kong suggests a professional, fast-paced, and highly connected work environment. The role demands adaptability to work with distributed teams across various time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview (Hiring Manager): A deep dive into your technical expertise in IT infrastructure design, passive networking, power management, and change control processes. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your design approach, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work. This is a critical stage.

• Cross-Functional Interview: You may meet with colleagues from other IT teams (e.g., Network Operations, Project Management) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of broader IT ecosystems.

• Senior Management Interview: A final interview with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Morgan Stanley's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose projects that best demonstrate your expertise in passive network infrastructure design, capacity planning, and managing IT infrastructure projects in a corporate/financial setting.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific contributions, the solutions you designed, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, improved uptime, successful change implementation).

• Focus on Design Rationale: Be prepared to explain the "why" behind your design choices, including trade-offs considered, standards followed, and how you addressed specific project requirements.

• Showcase Process Management: Highlight your experience managing change control, vendor coordination, and handover processes within your presented projects.

• Prepare Visuals: Use clear diagrams, schematics, and data visualizations to support your presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenarios: Be ready to tackle hypothetical design challenges related to expanding IT room capacity, implementing new network hardware within existing constraints, or responding to an infrastructure failure scenario.

• Process Walkthroughs: Prepare to walk through your approach to managing an IT change request or a project handover, detailing the steps and considerations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts and project updates clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that showcase problem-solving, technical design skills, and project execution within the specified domains. Demonstrating an understanding of the financial services context (security, compliance, uptime) will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/Design Software: Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Visio, or similar for creating detailed infrastructure diagrams, rack elevations, and floor plans.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or Primavera for project planning, tracking, and reporting.

• IT Service Management (ITSM) Tools: Familiarity with ITSM platforms (e.g., ServiceNow, BMC Remedy) for change management, incident management, and asset tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other virtual collaboration tools for communication and remote team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power Management Systems: Experience with specialized systems like Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT Expert, Vertiv Liebert SiteScan, or proprietary IQ systems for monitoring and managing power infrastructure.

• Patching Management Systems: Familiarity with software used for managing network patching, such as SolarWinds, Spiceworks, or specific data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for reporting on infrastructure metrics can be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like SharePoint or Confluence for storing and organizing design documents, project plans, and technical specifications.

• Configuration Management Databases (CMDB): Understanding of how CMDBs are populated and utilized for IT infrastructure management, especially concerning asset tracking and dependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires hands-on experience with the tools used for physical design, project execution, and IT service management. Specific mention of power management systems and patching software highlights key technical areas of focus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client First: All IT infrastructure decisions and designs must prioritize the stability, security, and performance required to support Morgan Stanley's clients and business operations.

• Doing the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, adhering to compliance regulations, and ensuring the integrity of IT systems and data.

• Leading with Exceptional Ideas: Proactively identifying innovative design solutions and process improvements that enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability of infrastructure.

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all team members feel respected and empowered.

• Giving Back: Contributing to the broader community, reflecting the company's commitment to social responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively across IT departments, project management offices, and business units to achieve integrated solutions.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes, clear documentation, and continuous improvement, particularly in areas like change management and project delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and lessons learned to build collective knowledge and improve overall team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture will likely mirror Morgan Stanley's core values, emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellence within a high-pressure financial services environment. Collaboration is key, especially given the distributed nature of APAC operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating vendors and local site teams across multiple APAC countries with varying cultural norms, languages, and work practices.

• Balancing Standardization and Localization: Ensuring global IT standards are met while accommodating local site-specific requirements, regulations, and available resources.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in IT infrastructure technology, data center design, and power/cooling solutions to ensure designs are future-proof.

• Project Scope Creep: Managing stakeholder expectations and controlling project scope to ensure designs are delivered on time and within budget without compromising essential requirements.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with infrastructure design, deployment, and change management in a highly regulated industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing certifications in areas like Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP), ITIL Expert, or specialized vendor certifications.

• Industry Conferences: Attending leading IT infrastructure and data center conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in formal or informal mentorship programs to gain guidance from experienced infrastructure leaders within Morgan Stanley.

• Cross-Disciplinary Training: Opportunities to gain exposure to related fields such as network architecture, cybersecurity infrastructure, or cloud integration strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex, multi-faceted projects on a regional scale, fostering significant professional growth in technical design, project leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex passive network infrastructure design you led for a new data center or IT room. What were the key considerations, challenges, and your design rationale?" (Focus on technical depth, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you manage and influence vendors and local teams when you don't have direct reporting authority? Provide an example." (Highlight leadership through influence, communication, and clear expectations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Morgan Stanley, and what do you know about our values, particularly 'Client First' and 'Doing the Right Thing'?" (Research company values and relate them to your work ethic).

• "How would you ensure that your infrastructure designs align with Morgan Stanley's global IT standards while also meeting specific regional needs in APAC?" (Show awareness of corporate governance and regional adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Study: Use a clear STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PAR (Problem, Action, Result) framework.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers to demonstrate impact – e.g., "reduced power consumption by 15%," "improved rack density by 20%," "completed project 2 weeks ahead of schedule."

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, design decisions, and leadership actions.

• Visual Aids: Use clean, professional diagrams and charts. Avoid overly cluttered slides.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your design choices, the tools you used, and the challenges you overcame.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present detailed, data-backed case studies that showcase their technical design capabilities, project management acumen, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments within a financial services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Morgan Stanley careers portal link provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in IT infrastructure project design, specifically mentioning passive network infrastructure, APAC region experience, and key responsibilities like change management and vendor oversight. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest IT infrastructure design projects. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your technical skills, process management, and quantifiable project outcomes. Be ready to present them effectively.

• Research Morgan Stanley: Understand the company's values, global presence, and its position in the financial services industry. Consider how your role contributes to their mission.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare specific examples for behavioral and technical questions, focusing on your experience with passive network design, project management, and stakeholder collaboration.

⚠️ 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.