Senior Architectural Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Architectural Design Manager

Company: DayOne

Location: Corporate Office-Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Data Center Infrastructure / GTM Enablement

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the architectural design and project planning for data center construction initiatives across the EMEA region, with a strong emphasis on cost control and regulatory compliance.

• Provide critical technical oversight for product selection and equipment bidding processes, ensuring alignment with project objectives and DayOne's standardization efforts.

• Collaborate closely with local and international teams, consultants, and government bodies to facilitate seamless project execution and effective stakeholder communication.

• Lead construction supervision efforts to guarantee adherence to project plans, quality standards, and overall construction procedures.

• Analyze and resolve complex on-site issues, leveraging deep knowledge of civil construction and project management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Architectural Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements, particularly concerning project planning, regulatory knowledge, stakeholder communication, and construction supervision within the data center infrastructure sector, indicate a significant overlap with the operational aspects of Go-To-Market (GTM) enablement and infrastructure operations. This role requires not just design expertise but also robust project and stakeholder management crucial for GTM readiness and operational scalability in a high-growth environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies for new data center construction projects, meticulously analyzing cost implications and reviewing preliminary architectural plans.

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of evolving data center industry standards and local building codes across various European jurisdictions to ensure full regulatory compliance.

• Spearhead architectural design initiatives, fostering strong collaboration with regional and local teams to review and approve construction plans and design documentation.

• Manage the selection of critical equipment and products, oversee the bidding process for these components, and ensure that all designs strictly adhere to established project plans and specifications.

• Facilitate cross-disciplinary coordination among engineering, construction, and operational teams, proactively identifying and resolving on-site challenges to maintain project momentum and workflow efficiency.

• Serve as a primary point of communication and liaison with a diverse range of stakeholders, including consultants, owners, government entities, suppliers, and contractors involved in EMEA projects.

• Implement rigorous construction supervision protocols to ensure all contractors meticulously adhere to approved project plans, specifications, and quality benchmarks.

• Oversee the detailed planning and execution of interior design elements within the broader construction phase, ensuring aesthetic and functional integration.

• Manage contract negotiations and ensure all engineering and construction activities are performed in strict accordance with contractual obligations and project scope.

• Develop and meticulously track project implementation plans, proactively addressing any changes, deviations, or emerging issues while maintaining comprehensive project documentation.

• Analyze and resolve complex on-site construction issues, drawing upon extensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and construction methodologies.

• Organize and manage all project acceptance stages, ensuring thorough documentation and a smooth, efficient handover process to operations teams.

• Critically assess material specifications and pricing applications to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with project requirements.

• Champion and support DayOne’s standardization efforts for architectural elements and design components across all projects to drive efficiency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "standardization efforts for architectural items" and "meeting project plans" suggests a strong focus on operational efficiency and repeatable processes, which are core to Revenue Operations and GTM Strategy. The role requires translating business needs into physical infrastructure realities, a key GTM enablement function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in architectural design, project management, and construction oversight, with a significant portion focused on large-scale commercial or industrial projects, preferably data centers.

Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage complex architectural design processes from concept to completion.

• Project Planning & Feasibility: Expertise in conducting feasibility studies, cost control, and detailed project planning for large-scale construction projects.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of data center industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute Tiers, EN 50600) and European building codes.

• Construction Management: Strong understanding of construction procedures, on-site issue resolution, and quality assurance protocols.

• Contract Management: Proficiency in understanding and managing engineering and construction contracts.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and negotiation skills for effectively liaising with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Technical Oversight: Ability to manage product selection, equipment bidding, and ensure design specifications are met.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated analytical skills for identifying and resolving complex on-site and design-related challenges.

• Project Tracking & Documentation: Skill in developing and tracking implementation plans, managing changes, and maintaining comprehensive project documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Specific Experience: Prior experience in designing and managing the construction of data centers, ideally hyperscale facilities.

• EMEA Market Knowledge: Familiarity with specific market nuances, supplier networks, and regulatory landscapes across key EMEA countries.

• Cost Optimization Strategies: Advanced techniques for cost control and value engineering in construction projects.

• Interior Design Integration: Experience in overseeing interior design elements within construction projects.

• Standardization Methodologies: Experience in developing and implementing design and material standardization programs.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in Spanish and English; additional European languages are a significant asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required skills, particularly in project planning, regulatory compliance, technical oversight, and stakeholder management, aligns with the operational rigor expected in senior GTM and infrastructure roles. The emphasis on standardization also points to a need for scalable operational processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant architectural or construction projects, ideally data centers, with a clear demonstration of your role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include specific instances where you improved design processes, construction workflows, or cost management strategies, detailing the methodology and quantifiable outcomes.

• System Implementation Overview: Briefly describe your experience with integrating new design tools, construction management software, or standardization protocols into existing project workflows.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Documentation: Provide examples of how you managed complex stakeholder relationships, including communication plans, conflict resolution strategies, and feedback mechanisms used.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you design and optimize architectural and construction workflows, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and quality control.

• Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate understanding of implementing new processes or technologies within project lifecycles and any experience with automation in design or construction management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Outline how you measure the success of architectural projects, including key performance indicators (KPIs) for cost, timeline, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating process optimization, system implementation, and performance analysis is highly relevant to operations roles, particularly those focused on efficiency and scalability. This is a critical area for candidates to highlight their operational mindset.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

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

• Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates.

• Opportunities for international travel and exposure to global projects within the EMEA region.

• Contribution to pension or retirement plans.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring active presence for project coordination and site visits.

• Occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for the specified role and location. The benefits listed are standard for senior-level positions in multinational technology/infrastructure companies and are tailored to appeal to professionals in operations and GTM roles who value growth and stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Center Infrastructure Development and Operations. DayOne operates within the critical and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector, providing high-performance data center solutions essential for cloud computing, AI, and large-scale data processing. The company is positioned as a key player in hyperscale and enterprise data center development.

Company Size: DayOne is described as "one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry" with a "robust presence across Asia and Europe." This suggests a dynamic, scaling organization, likely ranging from 500-5,000 employees globally, with significant ongoing expansion.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, the company's rapid growth and international expansion imply a relatively recent establishment or a period of significant strategic investment and scaling.

Team Structure:

• The role likely reports into a senior leadership position within the EMEA Operations or Development division, possibly a Director of Data Center Development or Head of Engineering.

• The Senior Architectural Design Manager will lead a team of architectural and design professionals, potentially including junior architects, CAD technicians, and external consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from feasibility studies, cost analyses, and performance metrics to inform design and construction decisions.

• Standardization & Scalability: A core methodology will be the development and application of standardized architectural components and processes to enable rapid, efficient, and consistent data center deployment across the EMEA region.

• Agile Project Execution: While construction projects have inherent timelines, the company's growth suggests an agile approach to project management, adapting to market demands and technological advancements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis on breaking down silos to ensure seamless communication and alignment between design, construction, and operational teams.

Company Website: https://dayonedc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on rapid growth, standardization, and international expansion in the data center industry is highly relevant for operations and GTM professionals. This context highlights the need for roles that can build and scale infrastructure efficiently to support business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at a Senior Management level, indicating a significant degree of autonomy, responsibility, and strategic input. The role requires not just technical expertise but also leadership in guiding design strategy, managing teams, and influencing project outcomes within the critical data center infrastructure domain. It sits at the intersection of technical design and operational readiness.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Architectural Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the EMEA Development or Operations division. They will, in turn, manage a team of architects and designers, and collaborate extensively with project managers and operational leads. This structure emphasizes leadership and cross-functional influence.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts DayOne's ability to expand its data center footprint efficiently and effectively. Successful architectural design and construction management are foundational to the company's GTM strategy, ensuring that facilities are built to meet client demands, performance standards, and scalability requirements. Operational efficiency, cost control, and timely project delivery are critical for DayOne's market competitiveness and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Architectural Design, Development, or broader Operations leadership, overseeing larger teams and more complex portfolios across multiple regions.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape DayOne's global architectural standards and contribute to long-term infrastructure strategy, impacting the company's market position.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of data center design (e.g., hyperscale, sustainable design, advanced cooling technologies) or expand into program management for large-scale development initiatives.

• International Exposure: Continue to grow within a global organization, gaining experience across diverse markets and cultures within the EMEA region and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed to appeal to ambitious operations and GTM professionals who seek not just a technical role but a pathway to strategic leadership and significant business impact within a scaling organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the "Corporate Office-Madrid." This suggests a modern, professional office environment designed to support collaboration and strategic planning. It will likely feature meeting rooms, individual workspaces, and potentially areas for informal brainstorming.

Office Location(s): Corporate Office-Madrid, Spain. This location serves as a central hub for operations and management within Spain and potentially for the wider EMEA region. Accessibility via public transport and proximity to business amenities are likely considerations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will foster teamwork, enabling close interaction with regional management, project teams, and support functions. Expect a dynamic atmosphere with a focus on achieving ambitious growth targets.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard architectural design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools), project management platforms, and communication tools will be provided to support efficient workflow and collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, cross-functional workshops, and direct engagement with stakeholders to drive project success and foster a cohesive working culture.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard 40-hour work week, primarily Monday to Friday, with the expectation of on-site presence. While core hours will exist, the dynamic nature of construction projects may necessitate occasional flexibility to address critical deadlines or on-site issues requiring immediate attention. This balance supports structured work while accommodating the demands of a fast-paced industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace and work schedule highlights the need for structure and collaboration, which are key elements for successful operations and GTM teams. The on-site requirement underscores the hands-on nature of the role in a growing infrastructure company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience level.

• Technical Interview (Round 1): In-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior technical lead focusing on architectural design principles, project planning methodologies, EMEA regulatory knowledge, and experience with data center construction. Expect detailed questions about past projects.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation (Round 2): A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, detailing your contributions, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. This will likely include a specific case study related to cost control, standardization, or complex problem-solving in a construction context.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview (Round 3): Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with DayOne's company culture and values. Questions will focus on how you handle conflict, manage teams, and drive initiatives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Development/Operations) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career aspirations, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in data center design or similar large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight your role in planning, design, cost control, and construction supervision.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the impact of your work using metrics related to budget adherence, timeline delivery, efficiency improvements, and quality outcomes.

• Showcase Process: Explain the design and construction processes you followed, emphasizing any standardization efforts, problem-solving techniques, and stakeholder management strategies employed.

• Tailor to DayOne: Research DayOne's projects and values. Frame your portfolio presentation to show how your skills and experience directly address their needs, particularly their focus on growth, standardization, and EMEA expansion.

• Prepare for Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to on-site issues, regulatory challenges, or stakeholder disputes, outlining your approach to resolution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design/Problem-Solving Exercise: You may be given a hypothetical data center design challenge or a construction problem to analyze and propose solutions for within a set timeframe. Focus on a structured approach, clear rationale, and consideration of cost, time, and quality.

• Process Improvement Proposal: Be prepared to outline how you would approach standardizing architectural elements or improving a specific construction process at DayOne, based on your understanding of the company.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This detailed breakdown of the interview process and preparation tips is designed to give operations and GTM candidates a competitive edge by anticipating the types of questions and evaluations they will face, particularly concerning process, strategy, and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent is essential for architectural design and documentation.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools is highly preferred for integrated design, collaboration, and project management.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Jira for project planning, tracking, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication, file sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Software: Experience with tools for detailed cost estimation and budget management.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling related to project costs and performance.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) that might be used to visualize project progress, budget status, and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how architectural and construction data feeds into wider business systems (e.g., for facilities management or GTM planning) is beneficial. Experience with systems that manage project documentation and workflows is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CAD, BIM, and project management software underscores the technical foundation required. For operations and GTM candidates, understanding how these tools interface with broader business systems is crucial for holistic GTM strategy and infrastructure planning.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality architectural designs and construction projects that meet rigorous industry standards and client expectations.

• Innovation & Growth: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and innovative solutions to support DayOne's rapid expansion and leadership in the data center market.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals, valuing input from all disciplines.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and demonstrating a strong sense of ownership over design and construction quality.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to optimize processes, control costs, and improve project delivery timelines through smart design and effective management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and proactive collaboration between architectural teams, engineering disciplines, project management, procurement, and operations.

• Constructive Feedback: Maintaining a culture where feedback is welcomed, shared constructively, and used to improve designs, processes, and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to foster continuous learning and consistent quality.

• Stakeholder-Centric Approach: Prioritizing clear, consistent, and transparent communication with all internal and external stakeholders to build trust and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are crucial for operations and GTM professionals who thrive in structured, results-oriented environments that emphasize continuous improvement and cross-functional synergy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling: Managing architectural design and construction processes effectively amidst DayOne's aggressive international expansion and rapid scaling in the competitive data center market.

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating diverse and evolving building codes, environmental regulations, and permitting processes across multiple EMEA countries.

• Cost Management: Balancing the need for high-quality, advanced data center infrastructure with stringent cost control and budget adherence.

• Technical Evolution: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements in data center design, cooling systems, power distribution, and IT infrastructure requirements.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Effectively leading and collaborating with distributed teams and stakeholders across different cultural backgrounds and time zones within the EMEA region.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Technologies: Access to training and development in cutting-edge data center design, energy efficiency, and modular construction techniques.

• International Project Management: Opportunities to gain extensive experience managing large-scale, multi-jurisdictional projects, enhancing global project management capabilities.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in leadership training and mentorship programs designed to cultivate future senior leaders within DayOne's operations and development divisions.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications and attending leading industry conferences (e.g., Data Center World, Uptime Symposium) to stay abreast of trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting these challenges and opportunities provides a realistic outlook for candidates and positions the role as one that offers significant professional development and the chance to tackle complex, impactful projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to conducting feasibility studies for new data center sites, focusing on key architectural and regulatory considerations." (Prepare to discuss site selection criteria, initial design concepts, risk assessment, and preliminary costings.)

• "How do you ensure architectural designs meet DayOne's standardization goals while also accommodating local regulatory requirements and specific project needs in the EMEA region?" (Focus on balancing global standards with local adaptation, and your process for documentation and approval.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of DayOne's rapid growth and focus on data center infrastructure, what do you see as the biggest architectural challenges and opportunities for the company in EMEA?" (Showcase your research and strategic thinking about the industry and DayOne's position.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between architectural teams, engineering disciplines, and external contractors to ensure project success?" (Discuss your communication style, conflict resolution methods, and experience with cross-functional teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your solution, the process followed, and the measurable results (cost savings, timeline adherence, quality improvements).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your portfolio examples to the core requirements of the role: planning, design leadership, regulatory knowledge, cost control, standardization, and stakeholder management.

• Demonstrate Impact: Focus on the tangible impact of your work on project outcomes and DayOne's business objectives. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, the challenges you faced, and how you would adapt your approach to different scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview preparation tips are tailored to operations and GTM professionals, emphasizing strategic thinking, process alignment, and demonstrable impact, which are crucial evaluation criteria in these fields.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Architectural Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in architectural design, project management, data center or large-scale infrastructure construction, and your track record in the EMEA region. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase your capabilities in design, cost control, standardization, and stakeholder management. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research DayOne: Familiarize yourself with DayOne's mission, values, recent projects, and market position, particularly their expansion in EMEA. Understand their focus on growth and standardization.

• Practice Your Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on providing clear, concise, and impactful examples that demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the role's requirements.

⚠️ 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.