Technical Design Manager Data Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Manager - Data Center

Company: AECOM

Location: Milan, Italy

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams for complex hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center projects across Europe, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction.

• Oversee all project phases, from initial site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic, and detailed design, to final construction documentation.

• Act as a key client-facing representative, presenting design solutions and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery that aligns with client requirements and project timelines.

• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks, developing innovative and practical solutions to technical challenges.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Directors on commercial and contractual governance, ensuring compliance and effective risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Technical Design Manager focused on Data Centers, implying a need for deep expertise in critical facility design principles, complex MEP systems, and the unique challenges of large-scale data center construction and operation. The "EU Centers of Excellence" mention suggests a need for understanding regional design standards and collaborative workflows across different European locations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams including Architecture, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), Security, Fire Protection, ICT, and Building Management Systems (BMS)/Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS).

• Manage the full lifecycle of data center projects, encompassing site due diligence, campus planning, conceptual design, schematic design, detailed design, and the preparation of construction documentation.

• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality design outputs that strictly adhere to client specifications, regulatory requirements, and project schedules.

• Proactively identify potential project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies, offering innovative and practical technical solutions.

• Provide crucial support to Project Managers and Project Directors regarding the commercial and contractual aspects of projects, ensuring adherence to AECOM's governance and minimizing contractual risks.

• Effectively present design concepts, project progress, and technical solutions to clients and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Foster strong collaboration between design teams and local/international delivery teams to ensure design compliance with localization requirements and permitting regulations.

• Respond promptly and effectively to client inquiries and requirements throughout all project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management oversight, and client interaction, typical of a senior design management role in a fast-paced, client-centric environment like data center development. The emphasis on "localization and permitting compliance" suggests a need for understanding diverse regulatory landscapes across Europe.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree in Engineering (e.g., Building Services, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, IT) or a related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience specifically in data center design and/or project management within the critical facilities sector.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading multi-disciplinary design teams on complex, large-scale data center projects (hyperscale or colocation experience is highly valued). Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Management: Proven ability to lead and integrate diverse engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Data Center Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of data center infrastructure, including power, cooling, IT, security, and building systems.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding of all project phases from inception to construction documentation.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to guide technical decisions and ensure design integrity.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in client communication, expectation management, and presentation.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Proficiency in identifying, analyzing, and resolving project risks.

• Permitting & Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with building codes, permitting processes, and relevant industry standards.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with hyperscale and/or colocation data center projects.

• Familiarity with campus planning and site selection due diligence.

• Knowledge of construction methodologies and sequencing specific to data centers.

• Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS).

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree and 7+ years of experience positions this as a senior role. The emphasis on "hyperscale or colocation data centres" is critical, indicating a preference for candidates with specialized experience in these high-demand segments of the data center market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed multi-disciplinary design projects, particularly within the data center or critical facilities sector.

• Highlight projects demonstrating expertise in various project phases, from conceptualization and detailed design to construction documentation.

• Include case studies that illustrate effective risk identification and mitigation strategies employed on past projects.

• Provide evidence of managing design teams, coordinating diverse disciplines, and ensuring technical excellence.

• Demonstrate experience in client presentations and stakeholder engagement, showing how complex technical information was effectively communicated. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for leading design teams, including workflow design, task delegation, and progress tracking.

• Be ready to explain processes for ensuring design quality, compliance with standards, and adherence to project timelines.

• Demonstrate familiarity with processes for integrating local permitting requirements and regulations into the overall design strategy.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to risk management, from early identification through to mitigation and resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating experience in complex engineering projects, particularly data centers, would be highly beneficial. This includes showcasing project scope, team leadership, technical challenges overcome, and client outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €65,000 - €90,000 per annum (Gross Annual Salary).

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Technical Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in the engineering and construction sector, specifically within the critical facilities/data center domain in a major European city like Milan. Factors considered include the seniority of the role, the complexity of data center projects, AECOM's standing as a global consultancy, and typical salary ranges in Italy for such specialized positions. Local cost of living in Milan also plays a role in this estimation.

Benefits:

• Attractive Compensation Package

• Hybrid Work Arrangement

• Meal Vouchers

• Comprehensive Welfare Program

• Resources for Personal Well-being and Mental Health

• Gym Memberships

• Health Insurance

• Company-provided Laptop and Smartphone

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Business Travel Insurance

• Service Recognition Awards

• Pension Savings Plan

• Public Transport Allowances

• Ongoing Training and Development Programs Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. AECOM typically offers competitive compensation and a robust benefits package. The provided benefits list is extensive and indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Construction Management. AECOM is a global leader in delivering complex infrastructure projects worldwide.

Company Size: Over 50,000 employees globally.

Founded: 1910. AECOM has a long-standing history of delivering impactful projects and adapting to evolving industry needs.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary Data Centre team, specifically within the EU Centers of Excellence.

• You will lead multi-disciplinary design teams, implying close collaboration with architects, civil engineers, MEP engineers, security specialists, and ICT professionals.

• Collaboration extends to Project Managers, Project Directors, and local/international delivery teams.

• The position is client-facing, requiring interaction with external stakeholders and clients. Methodology:

• AECOM's approach emphasizes delivering a "better world" through sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions.

• The company likely employs rigorous project management methodologies, focusing on technical excellence, risk management, and client satisfaction.

• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on delivering tangible impacts are core to their operations.

• Collaboration and knowledge sharing across global teams are encouraged to leverage expertise and best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and long history suggest a structured, professional environment with established processes. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan and emphasis on "delivering a better world" indicate a culture focused on impactful, large-scale projects with a forward-thinking approach. The mention of gender equality certification in Italy highlights a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead complex technical design efforts. It's a critical position for project delivery within the Data Center sector.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager will report to Project Directors or senior leadership within the Data Center business line, while leading and coordinating various design teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project success by ensuring the technical integrity, quality, and timely delivery of data center designs. This influences project budgets, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation in the critical facilities market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into Senior Project Director roles, managing larger portfolios or more complex data center campuses.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within specific areas of data center design (e.g., power systems, cooling technologies, sustainable design).

• International Exposure: Opportunity to work on projects across different regions within Europe and potentially globally, leveraging AECOM's international network.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of future talent within AECOM.

• Business Development: Potential to contribute to client proposals and business development efforts for data center projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM, as a large global firm, typically offers structured career paths. This role provides a solid foundation for further growth within the critical facilities sector, whether in a purely technical leadership capacity or moving towards broader project and program management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. Employees are expected to work from the Milan office, with flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Milan, Italy, with the office located centrally ("Via Gustavo Fara") for easy access to city amenities and public transport. Occasional travel to UK&I and other European offices is required for project-related purposes.

Workspace Context:

• The Milan office is centrally located, offering a professional and accessible working environment.

• The hybrid model allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and focused remote work.

• As a Technical Design Manager, you will likely have access to necessary design software, collaboration tools, and project management systems.

• The role involves significant interaction with a diverse team of engineers, architects, and project managers, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in balancing office and remote workdays, supporting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration on complex design issues with the flexibility of remote work. The central Milan location is attractive for employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a Talent Acquisition specialist will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect interviews with hiring managers and senior technical leads within the Data Center team. These will focus on your technical expertise, project experience, and leadership capabilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a past data center project, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: An interview to assess your alignment with AECOM's values, teamwork, and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful data center projects.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and contributions as a Technical Design Manager.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Include details on complex MEP systems, power distribution, cooling strategies, and structural considerations.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., project budget, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, risk reduction).

• Explain Processes: Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for team coordination, design quality assurance, and risk management.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, schematics, and renderings where appropriate to illustrate design solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical technical challenges related to data center design (e.g., power redundancy, cooling efficiency, space constraints).

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to walk through your systematic approach to solving complex engineering problems.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or navigated difficult client conversations.

• AECOM Context: Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic initiatives, particularly within the data center sector, to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely emphasize practical application of technical knowledge and leadership skills. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating your capabilities in managing complex data center design projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, or similar for design and modeling.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience using reporting tools for project progress, budget tracking, and risk analysis.

• Ability to interpret and present data related to design performance and efficiency. CRM & Automation:

• While less direct, an understanding of how design interfaces with project execution and client management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that facilitate efficient data transfer and workflow management between design and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a strong command of standard engineering design and project management tools is expected. For data centers