MEP Design Manager - Data Centres Construction

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MEP Design Manager - Data Centres Construction

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the Design Management Plan for complex data centre construction projects, ensuring robust strategy and execution.

• Drive meticulous coordination across diverse engineering disciplines, including MEP, Civil, Structural, and Process Engineering, alongside construction, security, and workplace strategy teams.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Design & Build contractors, project stakeholders, and senior leadership, fostering clear communication and alignment.

• Facilitate and manage design reviews, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to ensure timely feedback and consensus.

• Oversee the end-to-end design coordination process, guaranteeing consistency and adherence to project specifications across all project packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the technical integrity and successful delivery of data centre construction projects. The focus on MEP design management within a complex construction environment, particularly for data centres, requires a candidate with a strong technical engineering background and proven project leadership capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Design Management Plan, establishing clear objectives, timelines, and deliverables.

• Coordinate and integrate design efforts across Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), and Process Engineering disciplines.

• Act as the central point of contact for Design & Build contractors, effectively managing communications and expectations with project stakeholders and leadership teams.

• Organize, facilitate, and document design reviews, workshops, and cross-functional meetings, ensuring active participation and timely resolution of action items.

• Manage and track design risks, issues, and change requests throughout the project lifecycle, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.

• Ensure all design deliverables (drawings, specifications, reports) meet project requirements, quality standards, and regulatory compliance before submission.

• Support and contribute to value engineering exercises, constructability reviews, and safety-in-design assessments to optimize project outcomes.

• Coordinate the Request for Information (RFI) process, submittals, and technical approvals, working closely with internal teams and external consultants.

• Collaborate with Quality Control teams to conduct audits, site walkthroughs, and implement corrective actions for design-related issues.

• Integrate workplace strategy and operational requirements into the design process, ensuring the final facility meets functional needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design coordination and management within a fast-paced construction environment. Emphasis on RFI management, submittals, and technical approvals points to a need for meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of the design documentation lifecycle in large-scale projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Proven track record of leading engineering design efforts in a complex, multidisciplinary project environment.

• Demonstrable experience as a Lead Engineer or Design Manager within an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) framework.

• Significant experience in managing project interfaces and coordinating with diverse stakeholder groups. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive design management plans.

• MEP Engineering: Solid technical understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems.

• Data Centre Construction: Specific experience or strong understanding of data centre project requirements and construction methodologies is a significant advantage.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing project timelines, budgets, risks, and resources.

• Technical Coordination: Ability to effectively coordinate between different engineering disciplines and construction teams.

• Cooling Systems: In-depth knowledge of industrial cooling systems and their application in critical facilities.

• Electrical Distribution: Strong understanding of electrical distribution and transmission systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage multiple interfaces and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related project risks.

• Spanish & English Fluency: Professional proficiency in both Spanish and English is essential for effective communication in this role.

Preferred Skills:

• Value Engineering: Experience in identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or functionality.

• Constructability: Ability to assess designs for ease of construction and identify potential site challenges.

• Safety-in-Design: Knowledge of incorporating safety considerations into the design phase.

• Quality Control: Experience in implementing and managing quality assurance programs for design deliverables.

• EPC Environment: Direct experience working within an EPC contracting model.

• RFI & Submittal Management: Proficient in managing the technical documentation workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a degree in Engineering and proven experience in an EPC environment, especially with data centre projects, indicates a need for a technically proficient and experienced professional. The dual language requirement (Spanish and English) is critical for operating within the Madrid project context and interacting with international stakeholders.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Plan Examples: Showcase a well-structured Design Management Plan, detailing your approach to coordination, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement for a complex project.

• Technical Coordination Case Studies: Present case studies illustrating your ability to manage multidisciplinary design coordination, highlighting how you resolved conflicts and ensured integration.

• Data Centre Project Experience: If available, include specific examples or documentation demonstrating your involvement in data centre design or construction projects, detailing your role and contributions.

• RFI & Submittal Management Samples: Provide examples of RFI logs, submittal tracking sheets, or technical approval workflows you have managed, showcasing your organizational and process management skills.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate your ability to design and document efficient workflows for design review, approval, and issue resolution processes.

• Risk Register Examples: Include samples of risk registers you have maintained, detailing how you identified, assessed, and managed design-related risks for large-scale projects.

• Meeting Minutes & Action Logs: Showcase examples of meeting minutes and action logs from design coordination meetings, highlighting clear communication and follow-through on actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their practical application of design management principles through tangible examples. The focus on data centres, MEP systems, and the EPC environment means portfolios should highlight projects where these elements were paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an MEP Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Madrid, Spain, within the construction and data centre sector, a competitive salary range is estimated between €60,000 - €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of data centre construction and the requirement for dual language proficiency. Benefits:

• Flexible Working Environment: Support for adaptable work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.

• Work-Life Balance Support: Company culture and policies designed to respect personal time and prevent burnout.

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training programs, professional development courses, and potential for certifications to enhance skills.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Opportunities to participate in company-backed CSR activities and community engagement.

• Charity Support Leave: Paid leave entitlement to volunteer with a local charity or community project.

• Competitive Remuneration Package: Includes salary and other company-provided benefits.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with industry norms for full-time positions in Spain. Flexibility may be offered, subject to project demands and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on current market data for similar roles in Madrid, factoring in the specific industry (Data Centres), technical specialization (MEP), and language requirements. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth and employee well-being, consistent with Turner & Townsend's stated values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate, Infrastructure, Energy, and Natural Resources. Turner & Townsend operates as a global professional services company, providing program, project, cost, asset, and commercial management, alongside net zero and digital solutions.

Company Size: Over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. This indicates a large, established, and globally integrated organization.

Founded: Turner & Townsend has a long history, now majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., combining global expertise in commercial real estate services with deep project and program management capabilities.

Team Structure:

• Global Presence: Operates within a large, international network, offering opportunities for diverse project exposure and collaboration.

• Multidisciplinary Teams: Works with a broad range of specialists across real estate, infrastructure, and energy sectors, fostering cross-functional learning.

• Project-Centric: Teams are often structured around specific projects or programs, requiring strong collaboration and communication within dedicated groups.

• Reporting: Likely follows a matrix management structure, with reporting lines to project leadership and functional management within the organization.

Methodology:

• Outcome-Driven: Focuses on delivering tangible results and positive outcomes for clients, transforming challenges into successes.

• Partnership Approach: Emphasizes working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Solutions: Utilizes data and digital solutions to inform decision-making and optimize project delivery.

• Best Practice Implementation: Adheres to industry best practices in program, project, cost, and asset management.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's global scale and diverse industry focus mean that operations roles here often involve complex, international projects. The company's emphasis on partnership and delivering outcomes suggests a culture that values collaboration, client focus, and demonstrable results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Managerial level within the project delivery function, specifically focusing on the critical MEP design aspect of data centre construction. It requires both technical depth and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The MEP Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager, with direct responsibility for managing the design team and interfaces with contractors and other consultants.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences project success by ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality MEP design. Effective design management minimizes costly rework, delays, and operational issues, directly impacting project cost, schedule, and the long-term performance of the data centre.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in data centre MEP design, potentially leading to roles like Senior Design Manager or Technical Director for critical facilities.

• Broader Project Leadership: Transition into overall Project Management roles for larger or more complex construction projects across real estate or infrastructure sectors.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects, leveraging Spanish and English language skills within Turner & Townsend's global network.

• Learning & Development Programs: Access to structured training and development initiatives aimed at enhancing technical, managerial, and leadership competencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within specialized construction management, particularly in the high-demand data centre sector. The combination of technical expertise and project leadership prepares individuals for senior roles in project delivery and management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence at the project location in Madrid to oversee design coordination and interact with contractors and construction teams. Turner & Townsend also offers a flexible working environment, which may include hybrid arrangements for certain administrative or planning tasks when not directly required on the construction site.

Office Location(s): The primary work location will be in Madrid, Spain, at the project site or associated project offices. Turner & Townsend has a global network of offices, but this specific role is tied to a construction project in Madrid.

Workspace Context:

• On-Site Collaboration: Expect a dynamic, on-site environment requiring close collaboration with site engineers, contractors, and project management teams.

• Technology Integration: Access to project management software, design collaboration tools, and communication platforms to facilitate efficient workflow and information sharing.

• Team Interaction: Regular engagement with a multidisciplinary project team, including engineers, architects, construction managers, and client representatives.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, likely mirroring typical construction project hours, which can be demanding. While the company promotes work-life balance, project deadlines may necessitate extended hours or weekend work periodically. Flexibility in scheduling administrative tasks may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a site-based role, emphasizing hands-on involvement in the construction project. Candidates should be prepared for an active, on-site work environment where collaboration and direct oversight are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and language proficiency.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about your MEP engineering background, data centre experience, and understanding of design management principles, potentially including scenario-based questions.

• Competency-Based Interview: Assessment of your leadership, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your approach to design management, risk mitigation, and project coordination.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior project leadership or HR to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Data Centre Specifics: If you have data centre experience, ensure this is prominently featured with details on MEP systems, power, cooling, and critical infrastructure.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your design management efforts (e.g., reduction in RFIs, improvement in schedule adherence, cost savings through value engineering).

• Showcase Process Flow: Clearly articulate your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication, using visual aids where appropriate.

• Tailor to Role Requirements: Align your portfolio examples with the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description, emphasizing MEP, EPC, and Spanish/English language capabilities.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, explaining your decision-making process and how you handled challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach coordinating conflicting design requirements between MEP and structural teams on a complex data centre project.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Outline your process for identifying and managing design risks specific to MEP systems in a data centre environment.

• Stakeholder Communication Strategy: Describe how you would manage communication with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, clients, and internal teams, especially in a multilingual setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on practical application of skills and experience, especially concerning data centres and MEP design. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates concrete achievements and a clear understanding of the role's demands will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Familiarity with common design and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software suites such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD MEP, Navisworks for clash detection, and potentially specific data centre design tools.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other communication and collaboration tools for team interaction and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to identify trends, risks, and performance metrics.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating reports using tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis and visualization, or integrated project management system reporting features.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation (e.g., Procore, Aconex).

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how to leverage technology for automating repetitive tasks in design review or approval processes would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't mandated, a strong understanding of industry-standard design, BIM, and project management tools is expected. The ability to leverage technology for efficient coordination and data management will be a key asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all project dealings and decision-making.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional cooperation is paramount for project success.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in design, project delivery, and client satisfaction.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex challenges, particularly in areas like net zero and digital solutions.

• Respect: Valuing diversity and promoting an inclusive environment for all employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with diverse teams (civil, structural, architectural, MEP, construction) to ensure seamless project execution.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and consistent communication channels with all stakeholders, including contractors, clients, and internal management.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on collaborative problem-solving to overcome project hurdles and ensure timely delivery.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback within the team to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend's emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and excellence aligns with the demands of complex construction projects. The culture likely supports professionals who are proactive communicators and dedicated to achieving project goals through teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, often with competing priorities.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of MEP systems with other project disciplines (civil, structural, IT, security) in a data centre environment, which has unique and stringent requirements.

• Pace of Data Centre Development: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in data centre technology and design, ensuring that project designs are current and future-proof.

• Language & Cultural Nuances: Effectively managing communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment (Spanish and English) and understanding cultural differences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Centre Training: Access to courses and certifications focused on advanced data centre design, construction, and operational requirements.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone managerial and leadership skills through internal training and mentorship.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Gaining experience on international projects, broadening understanding of diverse construction practices and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges in technical coordination and stakeholder management within a fast-evolving sector. However, these challenges are matched by robust growth opportunities for professionals looking to specialize in data centre construction and advance their careers in project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a Design Management Plan for a large-scale data centre construction project." (Focus on structure, key elements, risk integration, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination between MEP, Civil, and Structural engineering teams when design requirements conflict?" (Highlight your problem-solving process, negotiation skills, and use of tools like BIM for clash detection.)

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage a significant design risk or issue on a complex project. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Turner & Townsend and our work in the data centre sector?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and commitment to net zero or digital solutions.)

• "How do you foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary project team, especially in a multilingual environment?" (Provide examples of your communication strategies and team-building efforts.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts in terms of project cost, schedule, and quality?" (Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Data Centre Focus: Lead with a data centre project if possible, detailing the specific MEP challenges and your solutions.

• Quantifiable Results: Use numbers to illustrate the impact of your work – e.g., "Reduced RFIs by 20% through proactive coordination," or "Achieved 95% constructability review acceptance on first submission."

• Process Clarity: Visually represent your workflows for design review, RFI management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Spanish/English Integration: Be prepared to discuss how you managed communication and documentation in both languages if applicable to your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong technical MEP knowledge but also demonstrates robust project leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills, particularly within the demanding context of data centre construction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Turner & Townsend careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience in MEP design management, data centre construction, EPC environments, and proficiency in both Spanish and English. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your relevant experience, focusing on data centre MEP design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to present these with quantifiable results.

• Research Turner & Townsend: Familiarize yourself with the company's global presence, project portfolio (especially in data centres and infrastructure), and core values to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method, focusing on your experience with MEP systems, design management, and complex project coordination.

⚠️ 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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