Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager
Company: Aligned Data Centers
Location: ORD-01_02, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Construction Management / Engineering Operations
Date Posted: 2025-09-25
Experience Level: 9+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the preconstruction and design phases for major technical programs, including colocation and hyperscale data center builds.
• Oversee both internal teams and external third-party organizations involved in the design and construction lifecycle.
• Ensure technical deliverables align with customer requirements and business objectives, integrating with sales and solutions engineering teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and efficiency across all project stages, from inception to customer turnover.
• Maintain strong relationships with architects, consultants, equipment providers, General Contractors (GCs), and internal stakeholders, including building Operations and Sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," this role operates within the broader context of construction and project delivery for data centers, emphasizing the operational aspects of managing the design process to ensure successful build-outs and client satisfaction. The focus is on translating business needs into technically sound designs and overseeing their execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive projects from inception through customer or business turnover, with a significant focus on the preconstruction and design phases.
• Assume project lead role at the design hand-off meeting from the land enablement team and provide primary support to the Construction Manager (CM) from GC mobilization to turnover.
• Coordinate and communicate with the land enablement group on offsite improvements, early permitting, easements, and environmental studies.
• Develop and manage project risk registers from the land enablement phase through project completion and turnover to Aligned Operations.
• Lead and coordinate the onboarding of third-party design teams and establish design schedules to meet project needs.
• Oversee the management of external third-party design teams, holding them accountable for design progression and gating.
• Ensure design compliance with Aligned’s Design Efficiency Capture (DEC) standards, working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Operations, and CMs.
• Identify, track, and manage design variances and acquire necessary approvals.
• Enforce accountability of the design team to Aligned’s Cost Control Log (CCL) and Complies, Deviates, Excludes (CDE) matrices.
• Maintain seamless communication and escalation processes with the CM, providing regular reporting to internal and external parties and leadership.
• Create, manage, and update project metrics in Smartsheet for project dashboards.
• Own or direct all administrative duties related to the design management process.
• Assist the CM with building and maintaining budget/cost models, specifically for design costs and timelines, and prepare/present funding requests.
• Coordinate with the CM to prepare and present quarterly project updates to leadership.
• Conduct technical reviews of construction plans, understanding architectural design within a data center environment, and communicate conceptual designs to internal teams.
• Cross-reference designs with customer requirements as needed throughout the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a hybrid role that bridges engineering design management with operational project execution. The emphasis on "driving projects from inception through customer or business turnover" and "supporting the CM" indicates a strong focus on ensuring the design phase directly contributes to efficient construction and successful project delivery, aligning with operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or an equivalent field.

Experience:

• 9+ years of progressive experience in successfully managing commercial construction project design programs.
• Data center experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Mechanical/Electrical (MEP) systems within a data center context is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage third-party design teams through the entire design lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of the building design process and design deliverables management.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and software, including MS Projects, Prolog, Procore, BIM 360, or similar platforms.
• Advanced experience with Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Advanced experience with Smartsheet for project dashboards and metric tracking.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications accurately.
• Knowledge of construction cost estimating methods and development of scopes of work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively across departments.
• Ability to understand and follow clear directions, meet deadlines, and manage reporting and communication schedules.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Design-Build, and/or Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) delivery methods.
• Experience working with CAD software.
• Knowledge and experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and processes.
• Mechanical/Electrical background is highly desired.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design knowledge, robust project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills crucial for operationalizing complex construction projects. The preference for data center and MEP experience, along with specific software proficiencies like Smartsheet and BIM, points towards a need for candidates who can hit the ground running in a specialized, fast-paced environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed design programs from inception to handover, highlighting your leadership role in preconstruction and design phases.
• Case studies showcasing your ability to coordinate and manage third-party design teams, including schedule adherence and deliverable quality.
• Examples of risk register development and management, illustrating your proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential project issues.
• Documentation of design compliance with specific standards (e.g., Aligned’s DEC), demonstrating your understanding of operational efficiency in design.
• Evidence of cost control management, including contributions to budget/cost models and management of design-related expenses.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples illustrating how you've managed design review cycles, stakeholder comment integration, and design gating processes.
• Documentation of your approach to ensuring design team accountability to cost control logs and CDE matrices.
• Samples of project dashboards or reports created in Smartsheet or similar tools, showcasing your ability to track and communicate project metrics effectively.
• Examples of your collaboration with Construction Managers and Operations teams to ensure designs are constructible and meet operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only highlights design oversight but also their ability to integrate design processes with operational project management. This includes demonstrating how their work directly impacts cost control, risk mitigation, and efficient project delivery, reflecting the operational focus of this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $175,000 - $185,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial security.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off and holiday pay to support work-life balance.
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability coverage (conditional on medical election).
• Optional Benefits: Access to voluntary life insurance, critical illness coverage, legal services, and additional disability coverage.
• Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and various other wellness initiatives to promote employee health.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and learning.
• Bonus Opportunities: Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week, with the expectation of commitment to long hours when necessary to meet project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Manager role with significant responsibilities in the data center construction industry, particularly in a major metropolitan area like Chicago (implied by ORD code). The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive support for health, financial planning, and overall well-being, which is standard for senior-level positions in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centers / Information Technology Infrastructure. Aligned Data Centers operates within the rapidly growing digital infrastructure sector, providing hyperscale and colocation data center solutions. This industry demands high levels of reliability, efficiency, and innovation, directly influencing the operational rigor expected from all roles. Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size precisely, but Aligned is a significant player in the data center market, suggesting a medium to large enterprise structure with established departments and processes. Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but Aligned is known for its innovative cooling technologies and rapid growth in the data center market.

Team Structure:

• This role reports to the Director, Design Management or Regional Director, Platform Execution, indicating a structured management hierarchy within the Platform Delivery department.
• The Senior Design Manager will lead several design management project teams, with potential for growth into leadership of multiple projects within a campus or region, directly managing direct reports.
• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams including Sales, Solutions Engineering, Land Enablement, Construction Management, and Building Operations.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "continuous improvement, creativity, efficiency, and innovation" in project execution.
• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing project metrics tracked in Smartsheet and adhering to cost control logs (CCL) and CDE matrices.
• Structured project management approach, from design inception through handover, with clear hand-off points between design and construction phases.
• Focus on safety and compliance initiatives throughout the construction process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aligned Data Centers operates in a critical infrastructure sector where operational excellence, efficiency, and reliability are paramount. The company culture appears to value innovation, customer focus, and teamwork, all essential for managing complex, high-stakes construction projects. The emphasis on "passion," "customer focus," and "humility" suggests a commitment to a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy in managing critical design aspects of major data center construction projects. It sits within the Platform Delivery department, directly contributing to the company's ability to build and expand its data center footprint. Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Director-level executive, signifying a direct line into senior leadership and strategic decision-making for platform development. The Senior Design Manager is also responsible for leading and potentially managing direct reports (design management project teams). Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager's influence is substantial, directly impacting project timelines, budget adherence, design quality, and ultimately, the successful delivery of data center facilities that meet customer contracts and business directives. Their work ensures that the physical infrastructure is built to spec, efficiently, and ready for operational handover.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into leading multiple projects across a larger campus or region, managing a larger team of design professionals.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data center design, MEP systems, or specific construction methodologies (e.g., IPD, Design-Build).
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader construction management, platform execution, or even operations leadership roles within the company.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning in areas like advanced project management software, BIM, and emerging data center technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a growing industry. The "Senior" designation implies a trajectory towards more strategic oversight and team leadership, with opportunities to specialize or broaden one's impact within Aligned's platform delivery and operational infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a primary work location at one of Aligned Data Centers' facilities or project sites. Office Location(s): The primary location specified is "ORD-01_02," which is a designation often used for specific facilities or regions within a larger operational area, likely near Chicago, Illinois. The role may also involve travel.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires frequent interaction with various stakeholders, suggesting a dynamic and collaborative workspace, potentially involving both office environments and active construction sites.
• Access to necessary operations tools, project management software (MS Projects, Procore, Smartsheet, BIM 360), and potentially CAD/BIM software is expected.
• Opportunities for frequent team interaction with CMs, operations personnel, and design consultants will be integral to the role's success.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the demands of construction project management often necessitate flexibility and the ability to work longer hours or weekends as project timelines and critical deadlines require. This aligns with the "Commitments to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals" competency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical for effective oversight of construction projects. The environment will be fast-paced, requiring adaptability and the ability to navigate both office-based planning and on-the-ground project site challenges.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Director, Design Management or Regional Director, Platform Execution to evaluate technical expertise, project management skills, and understanding of data center construction.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with Construction Managers, Operations leads, and potentially other design team members to assess collaboration style and ability to integrate with the broader team.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or work through a hypothetical design challenge, demonstrating their problem-solving approach, communication skills, and understanding of operational impacts.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a VP or senior executive to finalize selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design-to-Operations Transition: Showcase projects where you effectively managed the design process to ensure seamless handover and operational efficiency.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate success in areas like cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, and design quality improvements.
• Showcase Leadership: Provide examples of how you led design teams, managed third-party consultants, and fostered collaborative environments.
• Detail Process Management: Include documentation of how you managed design schedules, stakeholder reviews, and ensured compliance with standards like DEC and CCL.
• Tailor to Data Centers: Emphasize your experience with data center-specific design challenges, MEP systems, and relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex design challenge, considering constructability, cost, and operational impact.
• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating your approach to managing diverse stakeholder expectations and resolving design conflicts.
• Process Optimization: Think about how you would drive efficiency and innovation within the design management process for data centers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should prepare to demonstrate not just design oversight but their ability to translate designs into tangible operational outcomes. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and collaborative success will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency is essential in tools like MS Projects, Prolog, Procore, BIM 360, or similar platforms for managing project timelines, resources, and documentation.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced experience in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, budgeting, and creating detailed reports.
• Data Visualization/Dashboarding: Advanced experience with Smartsheet is explicitly required for creating and managing project dashboards and metrics.
• CAD Software: Knowledge and experience with CAD is considered a plus, indicating an understanding of design documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Smartsheet: As a primary tool for tracking project metrics, performance analysis, and creating visual dashboards for stakeholders.
• Excel: For deeper data analysis, financial modeling, and detailed reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as CRM, Aligned's internal systems for managing customer interactions and project data will be relevant. The role's integration with Sales and Solutions Engineering suggests familiarity with CRM concepts for understanding customer requirements.

Other Technologies:

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling is preferred, indicating a forward-looking approach to design and construction technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Smartsheet for project dashboards is a specific requirement. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency in these tools, showcasing how they leverage them for data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency in project management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion & Customer Focus: A strong belief in the company's mission and a dedication to providing exceptional service to both internal and external customers and vendors.
• Humility & Teamwork: Understanding that success is a collective effort and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone works together.
• Efficiency & Innovation: A constant mindset of continuous improvement, seeking creative solutions, and driving efficiency in all aspects of work.
• Accountability & Dependability: Taking responsibility for actions, meeting commitments, and ensuring project goals are achieved through diligent effort and adherence to processes.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to manage competing demands, adapt to change effectively, and remain composed under pressure or during unexpected events.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Land Enablement, Construction Management, and Building Operations to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Open Communication: Maintaining clear, regular, and transparent communication with all internal and external parties, including leadership.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying and resolving issues collaboratively, rather than assigning blame, and seeking innovative solutions.
• Respectful Interaction: Demonstrating respect and sensitivity for diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and ethical work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Aligned Data Centers appears to be geared towards high-performance, collaborative teams that are focused on innovation and delivering exceptional results in a demanding industry. The values emphasize both individual accountability and collective success, a critical balance for managing complex construction projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs of internal teams (Sales, Operations), external customers, third-party designers, and GCs.
• Navigating Design and Construction Interdependencies: Ensuring smooth transitions between design phases and construction, and proactively addressing potential conflicts or delays.
• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Field: Encouraging adoption of new design processes or technologies within a structured construction environment.
• Maintaining Cost and Schedule Control: Effectively managing budgets and timelines for large-scale data center projects amidst potential unforeseen issues.
• Leading Remote/Hybrid Teams: If applicable, managing design teams that may not be co-located, requiring strong virtual collaboration skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Gaining deeper technical knowledge in specialized areas like MEP systems, cooling technologies, and power distribution.
• Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP or LEED to enhance professional credentials.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management skills through leading larger teams and more complex projects.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving data center construction technologies, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory changes.
• Exposure to Hyperscale Projects: Gaining experience with the unique demands and scale of hyperscale data center builds.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth. Success will depend on the candidate's ability to navigate complex project dynamics, leverage their technical and managerial skills, and embrace continuous learning within the high-growth data center industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design program for a large-scale construction project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery and handover to operations?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results).
• "How do you ensure design compliance with operational efficiency standards like Aligned's DEC? Walk me through your process for identifying and addressing design variances." (Assesses understanding of operational impact and process adherence).
• "Imagine a critical design element is discovered to be non-compliant with local building codes late in the design phase. How would you manage this situation, considering budget, schedule, and stakeholder impact?" (Tests problem-solving, communication, and decision-making under pressure).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aligned Data Centers and our role in the data center industry? How do your personal values align with our emphasis on passion, customer focus, and innovation?" (Assesses cultural fit and motivation).
• "Describe your experience leading design teams. How do you foster collaboration and hold team members accountable for their deliverables?" (Evaluates leadership and interpersonal skills).
• "How do you approach managing project budgets and cost control, particularly concerning design-related expenses?" (Probes financial acumen and cost consciousness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility areas (e.g., Preconstruction, Design Management, Cost Control, Stakeholder Engagement).
• Quantify Results: For each project, present clear metrics on schedule adherence, budget performance, risk mitigation success, and any efficiency improvements achieved.
• Showcase Process: Detail your methodologies for managing design teams, reviews, and approvals. Use visual aids like process flowcharts where appropriate.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your role in cross-functional teamwork and how you effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders.
• Tailor to Aligned: Briefly explain how your past experience and approach align with Aligned's stated values and operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience through the lens of operational impact, demonstrating how your design management skills directly contribute to successful, efficient, and cost-effective construction of data center facilities. Quantifiable achievements and clear process descriptions will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit Application: Navigate to the Aligned Data Centers careers page or the provided Workday job link and submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in managing design programs for large-scale construction projects, with a specific emphasis on data centers. Focus on case studies that demonstrate cost control, risk mitigation, stakeholder management, and successful handover to operations.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Construction Management," "Data Center Design," "MEP Systems," "Project Management Software" (mentioning specific tools like Smartsheet, Procore), and "Stakeholder Communication." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Research Aligned Data Centers' projects, technologies (e.g., cooling solutions), and company values. Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and be ready to articulate your approach to design challenges and operational efficiency.
• Company Research: Understand Aligned's market position, their approach to sustainability, and their commitment to innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and culture.

⚠️ 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.