Senior Design Manager - APAC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - APAC Company: NTT Ltd. Location: Kallang, Singapore Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Operations - Design & Construction Management Date Posted: 2025-09-23T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design development and production of construction documents for a portfolio of data center projects across the APAC region, ensuring adherence to NTT's global design standards and Owner's Project Requirements (OPR).
• Manage external Architectural & Engineering (AE) consultants, from contract negotiation and scope definition to performance oversight, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of design deliverables.
• Act as a key liaison between internal stakeholders (Global Infrastructure Development, Product, Sales Engineering, Operations) and external consultants, facilitating clear communication and alignment on design strategies and project objectives.
• Drive cost-effective and innovative design solutions by managing consultant fees, facilitating value analysis, and providing design guidelines for pricing and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with local building codes and regulatory requirements across various APAC jurisdictions, managing relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title and description focus on design, the explicit mention of managing consultant contracts, budgets, non-technical/accounting tasks, and collaboration with Sales Engineering and Operations indicates a strong Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) alignment. This role requires not just technical design oversight but also strategic vendor management and inter-departmental coordination to ensure successful project delivery that meets commercial and operational goals. The emphasis on cost management and providing guidelines for pricing further solidifies its connection to revenue operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements, defining Scope of Work, Scope of Services, and Fees aligned with OPR, design standards, and system specifications.
• Solicit, evaluate, and justify the selection of services through RFQ/RFP processes, managing consultant contracts and ensuring adherence to terms.
• Ensure alignment and accountability between Owner's requirements and Construction Documents provided to Construction and Supply Chain teams, managing AE performance quality and timeliness.
• Review and approve consultant invoices, ensuring accurate billing and adherence to contractual agreements.
• Manage interactions with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for initial planning, requirements identification, approvals, and ongoing relations from approval through project completion.
• Oversee monthly project-specific design work plans, schedules, and budgets, proactively managing the design team (internal and external) and Equipment Suppliers to ensure service levels are met.
• Assign and manage consultant workloads to prevent overwhelm and maintain quality, ensuring all potential/ongoing projects are properly documented, designed, and priced per customer/lease requirements.
• Act as the Owner's representative, keeping internal stakeholders informed of design elements and changes, and coordinating design presentations between the Owner group and AE Consultants.
• Contribute to the continuous development and refinement of program standards and specifications, providing guidance to all verticals on efficient and cost-effective solutions.
• Assist the Product Team and Construction Team on pricing by providing equipment and design guidelines, and support existing facilities' capital and Tenant Improvement projects as requested.
• Develop design concepts for new projects based on OPR and business cases, reviewing design appropriateness based on locality specifics, convention, climate, workforce, and existing standards.
• Ensure design standards are followed, obtaining consensus and documenting any deviations based on project conditions.
• Lead efforts to develop PRO/CON and cost impact reports, presenting them to the team for consensus and approval.
• Present design solutions to internal department representatives and/or Authorities Having Jurisdiction, and support Site/Project Due Diligence Studies.
• Supervise and conduct QA/QC reviews of project documentation, controlling expenditures within project budgets and managing Value Analysis processes to meet cost targets.
• Collaborate with Product Team, Sales/Sales Engineering, and Operations to align on product build, options, and timelines, and provide solutions to meet project goals.
• Discuss new process efficiencies, products, and datacenter configurations, and oversee consultant strategy and review.
• Provide design input and comments in team meetings, formulating solutions to satisfy tenant needs within building constraints.
• Interpret, explain, verify, coordinate, and implement customer-driven Basis of Design (BOD), ensuring 100% satisfaction and documentation.
• Participate in Global standardization processes as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design management and strategic project execution. The emphasis on consultant management, contract negotiation, budget control, and cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Product, and Operations directly aligns with core Revenue Operations and GTM functions. The need to provide pricing guidelines and support capital/tenant improvement projects further underscores the commercial aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent education and/or experience required. Professional licenses or certifications are desirable but not required. Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in data centers or specialized experience in Critical Facilities or other technically sophisticated project types. Direct experience with new construction, tenant improvements, and capital improvement projects. Demonstrated Project Management experience; PMP or PgMP is a plus. Experience with consultant negotiation and management. Prior experience leading project teams and coordinating multiple and diverse stakeholder requirements.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of a construction project, specifically data centers or equivalent industrial facilities with an emphasis on Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Structural, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression, and Control systems.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills, with a strong ability to manage consultant contracts and performance.
• Strong understanding of design and construction budgets, and the ability to balance design requirements against established budgets.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas effectively and articulate the impact of design deviations.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Outlook and Bluebeam.
• Thorough understanding of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical design concepts.
• Ability to develop creative and innovative solutions to reduce costs without sacrificing quality and reliability.
• Ability to "defend" the design and articulate the impact of deviations without just cause.
• Experience in interfacing and coordinating intra-disciplinary departments to assess needs and program requirements.
• Familiarity with Building Codes in jurisdictions where NTT is active.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional licenses or certifications in Architecture or Engineering.
• Strong working acumen with CSA and MEP systems development; Architectural, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering education or experience.
• Experience with leading using interactive design tools (e.g., BIM) and delivery methods (IPD).
• Working knowledge of CAD/Design software (ACAD and/or Revit).
• Experience with Revit and/or other BIM applications.
• Experience with managing IT design projects.
• PMP or PgMP certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize project management, financial acumen (budgeting, cost reduction), and strong communication, which are critical for operations roles focused on efficiency and stakeholder alignment. The preference for BIM and specific software like Revit indicates a need for technical proficiency in design processes that impact operational efficiency and cost.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of data center design projects from concept to construction documents, showcasing complex problem-solving and stakeholder coordination.
• Examples of contract negotiation and management with external consultants, highlighting scope definition, fee negotiation, and performance oversight strategies.
• Evidence of budget management and cost control initiatives, including value analysis reports, cost impact assessments, and strategies for achieving cost targets without compromising quality.
• Documentation showcasing collaboration with cross-functional teams (Sales, Product, Operations) to align design with business objectives and customer requirements.
• Samples of communication materials or presentations used to convey design concepts, progress, and challenges to internal stakeholders and AHJs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions illustrating the process for managing AE consultant selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Examples of project work plans, schedules, and budget tracking mechanisms used for design phase management.
• Documentation detailing the process for interacting with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including permit acquisition and compliance verification.
• Case studies on developing and implementing design standards and specifications, and the process for managing deviations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role, a portfolio should highlight process improvement, efficiency gains, and measurable results. Demonstrating how design decisions impact operational costs, project timelines, and client satisfaction will be crucial. The ability to articulate "how" a process was executed, not just "what" was achieved, is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Singapore, the estimated annual salary range is SGD 100,000 - SGD 150,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of data center design, project management responsibilities, and the cost of living in Singapore.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan contribution.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week. However, flexibility may be required to accommodate global project timelines, client needs, and potential off-hour meetings due to international collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Singapore's technology and construction sectors, adjusted for the specific requirements of data center design and management. Benefits are standard for multinational corporations in the region, with an emphasis on professional growth, which is attractive for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology Services, Telecommunications, Data Centers. NTT Ltd. operates within the critical infrastructure sector, providing essential services for digital transformation and data management. This industry demands high reliability, efficiency, and continuous innovation. Company Size: NTT Ltd. is a large, global enterprise with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to a wide range of projects and technologies. For operations roles, this means access to robust resources and established processes, but also the need to navigate larger organizational structures. Founded: NTT Ltd. was formed in 2019 through the integration of NTT Group's global operations, including Dimension Data, NTT Communications, and NTT DATA. Its heritage spans decades, building on strong foundations in telecommunications and IT services. The company's history reflects a commitment to technological advancement and global reach.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will be part of the Global Infrastructure Development team, reporting to the Senior Director of Design Management APAC.
• This team collaborates closely with internal discipline leaders (e.g., MEP, structural, architectural) and cross-functional departments such as Product, Sales Engineering, Operations, and Construction.
• The role involves managing external consultants and suppliers, requiring strong vendor relationship management skills.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing project data, performance metrics, and cost analysis to inform design choices and process improvements.
• Emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering an environment where best practices are identified, documented, and disseminated across projects.
• Continuous improvement mindset, actively seeking opportunities to optimize design processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Focus on quality assurance and risk management throughout the design lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.global.ntt

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on innovation, digital transformation, and global operations suggests a dynamic environment. For an operations professional, understanding how NTT Ltd. leverages its global scale and diverse expertise to deliver complex projects will be key. The integration of various entities implies a need for adaptable individuals who can work within evolving structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, signifying a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. As a Senior Design Manager, the individual is expected to lead complex projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to strategic decision-making within the design and development function. It represents a mid-to-senior career stage in operations management. Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Senior Director of Design Management APAC, indicating a clear line of authority. This structure allows for strategic direction and oversight from senior leadership, while the Senior Design Manager is empowered to manage day-to-day project execution and consultant relationships. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the success of data center projects by ensuring designs are cost-effective, technically sound, and meet client and operational requirements. Efficient and well-managed design processes contribute to on-time and on-budget project delivery, directly impacting revenue realization and client satisfaction. Strong design management can also lead to reduced operational costs and improved facility performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Director or Director roles within the Global Infrastructure Development or broader Operations teams.
• Specialization in specific areas of data center design or construction management.
• Opportunities to lead larger, more complex, or geographically diverse projects.
• Potential for transition into roles focused on strategic planning, program management, or operational efficiency within NTT Ltd.
• Participation in global standardization initiatives, offering a broader perspective on company-wide operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clear, moving from project-level management to strategic leadership. Operations professionals will find opportunities to hone their skills in vendor management, financial oversight, and cross-functional leadership, which are transferable to various senior operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is described as "Remote Working" with a reliable internet connection, indicating a flexible work environment. However, the description also notes "Some work in a Data Center construction and operating environment with varying temperatures and loud noises" and "Some travel (~25%) to support due diligence, design, and construction." This suggests a hybrid approach where remote work is primary, but site visits and occasional office presence may be required. Office Location(s): While the primary location is listed as Kallang, Singapore, the remote work aspect and travel requirements mean the "work environment" extends to client sites, construction zones, and home offices across the APAC region.

Workspace Context:

• Primarily remote, requiring self-discipline and effective time management for independent work.
• Requires ability to adapt to different working conditions, including potentially challenging environments on construction sites.
• Collaboration will heavily rely on digital tools and virtual communication platforms, necessitating strong remote collaboration skills.
• Exposure to diverse cultural and business practices across the APAC region due to travel and stakeholder interactions.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours are expected, the global nature of the projects and potential for off-hour meetings due to time zone differences means some flexibility in scheduling is likely required. This can be an advantage for operations professionals who value work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote" designation with travel expectations is common for senior operational roles that require on-site presence for critical project phases. Operations candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work setting that blends independent remote work with necessary travel and site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (Senior Director of Design Management APAC) focusing on technical expertise, project management approach, and leadership style.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with internal stakeholders from Product, Sales Engineering, Operations, and potentially other Design Managers to evaluate collaboration skills and cross-functional understanding.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of past work or complete a case study related to data center design management, cost optimization, or consultant coordination.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Focus on quantifiable achievements in previous projects – cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, successful consultant management.
• Process-Oriented: Clearly articulate the processes you followed for design development, consultant selection, contract management, and stakeholder communication.
• Problem-Solution: Showcase specific challenges faced in projects and how you devised and implemented effective solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully partnered with sales, product, and operations teams to meet project goals.
• APAC Context: If possible, include examples relevant to the APAC region, demonstrating understanding of local nuances.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and managing design strategies for complex data center projects.
• Cost Management: Anticipate questions about how you balance design quality with cost-effectiveness and manage project budgets.
• Consultant Management: Prepare to discuss your methods for selecting, managing, and evaluating the performance of external consultants.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating how you ensure alignment and effective communication among diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think through common challenges in data center design and construction and how you would address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations role, the interview process will likely assess not just technical design knowledge but also the ability to manage vendors, control costs, and drive efficiency. Demonstrating a structured, process-driven approach and quantifiable results in your portfolio and interview responses will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools for project planning, scheduling, and tracking (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet).
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack for virtual communication and team collaboration.
• Document Management: Familiarity with systems for managing and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive).
• Design Software: Working knowledge of CAD/Design software (ACAD and/or Revit) is a benefit, indicating familiarity with the technical outputs of consultants.
• BIM Tools: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications like Revit is a plus, suggesting an understanding of modern design collaboration and management techniques.
• Productivity Suites: Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Bluebeam: Specifically mentioned as a required tool, likely for reviewing and annotating construction documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with creating and managing project budgets, forecasting costs, and analyzing financial data related to design expenditures.
• Ability to track and report on consultant performance against contractual obligations and project milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for direct use, understanding how design impacts sales cycles and operational efficiency is crucial. Familiarity with CRM concepts can aid in understanding customer requirements and sales engineering inputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on tools like Bluebeam, Revit, and general project management software highlights the need for operational efficiency in managing design workflows. Proficiency in these tools demonstrates an ability to streamline processes and improve collaboration with external partners, which is a hallmark of effective operations management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design documents and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of data center facilities.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with internal teams (Product, Sales, Operations) and external consultants to achieve shared project goals.
• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: Driving value through smart design choices, budget management, and process optimization to deliver projects within financial constraints.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and adopting new technologies and methodologies to improve design and construction processes.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of project outcomes, managing responsibilities diligently, and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned.
• Data-driven and analytical, using facts and figures to support design decisions and resolve issues.
• Solution-oriented, focusing on identifying and implementing practical solutions to challenges.
• Cross-functional, actively engaging with diverse teams to gather input and ensure holistic project success.
• Relationship-focused, building strong partnerships with consultants and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely reflect those common in large, global engineering and technology firms. For operations professionals, demonstrating a proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented approach that aligns with these values will be key to integrating into the team and contributing effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements of multiple internal departments (Sales, Product, Operations) and external clients, each with potentially conflicting priorities.
• Navigating APAC Regulatory Landscape: Understanding and complying with varying building codes, regulations, and business practices across different countries in the APAC region.
• Cost Control in Complex Projects: Maintaining design quality and project timelines while adhering to strict budget constraints, especially in large-scale data center developments.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and coordinating internal and external teams that may be geographically dispersed and working remotely.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving data center technologies and design methodologies to ensure NTT's facilities remain state-of-the-art.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Standardization: Participation in global initiatives to standardize design processes and specifications, offering broad exposure.
• Advanced Data Center Design: Deepening expertise in specialized areas of data center infrastructure, such as cooling systems, power distribution, and sustainability.
• Project & Program Management: Developing advanced project and program management skills through leading significant projects and potentially pursuing certifications like PMP or PgMP.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of NTT's Products, Sales strategies, and Operations intricacies through close collaboration.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and grow into leadership roles within the design and infrastructure development functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The identified challenges are typical for senior roles in global infrastructure projects. For operations professionals, these challenges represent opportunities to apply strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and efficient process management to drive positive outcomes and personal career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your process for developing a Basis of Design (BOD) for a new data center project, ensuring it aligns with both client requirements and NTT's strategic goals." (Focus on process, stakeholder input, and alignment.)
• Consultant Management: "Walk us through your approach to selecting, contracting, and managing an MEP consultant for a complex data center project. How do you ensure they meet quality and schedule expectations?" (Highlight contract negotiation, performance KPIs, and issue resolution.)
• Cost Optimization: "How do you identify opportunities for cost savings in the design phase of a data center project without compromising critical performance or reliability? Provide an example." (Emphasize value analysis, PRO/CON reporting, and balancing trade-offs.)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment between the design team, sales engineering, product development, and operations teams throughout a project lifecycle?" (Focus on communication channels, feedback loops, and shared objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about NTT Ltd. and its role in the global data center market?" (Research company mission, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to NTT's overall business objectives and client success?" (Align your skills with company goals, emphasizing efficiency and revenue enablement.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a change in project scope or client requirements. How did you manage it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate flexibility, problem-solving, and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project scope, your role, key challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains).
• Process Focus: For each project, detail the specific processes you utilized for design management, consultant oversight, budget control, and stakeholder communication.
• Quantifiable Metrics: Wherever possible, present data to support your achievements. Instead of "improved efficiency," say "reduced design review time by 15% through implementing a standardized checklist."
• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, or process flows to illustrate complex concepts or project timelines.
• Storytelling: Frame your accomplishments as a narrative – the challenge, your action, and the positive result (STAR method). Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a case study or scenario-based question asking you to outline your approach to a specific design management challenge, such as resolving a conflict between design requirements and budget limitations, or managing a consultant who is consistently missing deadlines.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Be ready to discuss your familiarity with specific tools like Bluebeam for document review and markup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating operations competencies: structured problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, vendor management, and the ability to articulate impact on business objectives and revenue.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://nttlimited.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/NTT_Careers/job/Kallang-Singapore/Senior-Design-Manager---APAC_R-135028
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in project management, consultant management, budget control, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description. Highlight achievements with quantifiable metrics related to efficiency, cost savings, and project delivery.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in data center design management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder coordination. Prepare concise case studies that detail your processes, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to manage complex projects within budget and schedule.
• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Review common questions related to data center design, project management methodologies, cost control, and stakeholder communication. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method to illustrate your experience and problem-solving capabilities.
• Research NTT Ltd.: Familiarize yourself with NTT Ltd.'s global operations, data center services, and company culture. Understand their market position and key business objectives to tailor your responses and demonstrate your alignment with the company's vision.

⚠️ 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.