Design Lead

The Design Lead sits within the Design, Engineering & Construction function and is responsible for leading project setup, design delivery, and technical coordination across complex data center developments. This role ensures that all projects align with global design standards and are delivered to expectations of technical excellence, budget, schedule, and safety. Acting as a senior technical authority, the Design Director works closely with internal teams, consultants, and customers to resolve design challenges, drive standardisation, and support successful project execution from concept through commissioning.

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  Lead project setup, including initiation of budgets and management of consultancy fees in line with governance processes. 

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  Manage and coordinate internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, and cross-functional teams. 

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  Ensure design compliance with Global and Regional Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG), including managing deviations and approvals. 

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  Oversee development and review of Basis of Design (BoD), drawings, technical submissions, and commissioning plans. 

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  Manage design schedules and ensure alignment with construction timelines and tender event schedules. 

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  Drive audit readiness of design deliverables, including RFIs, submittals, and commissioning/IST activities through to completion. 

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  Monitor and control project budgets, schedules, and reporting through gating processes (PID, G0–G2) and monthly reporting. 

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  Act as technical lead for A/E consultants, commissioning teams, and OFCI equipment evaluations.

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  Support Build-to-Suit projects as the primary customer interface on technical design matters and post-lease engagement. 

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  Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and standardisation (e.g., BIM, DfMA, lessons learned, design reviews).

What you’ll need

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  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (CSA/MEPH disciplines) or Architecture; advanced degrees preferred. 

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  10–15 years of experience in mission-critical or highly technical building design/delivery environments. 

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  Strong background in data center or highly serviced infrastructure design. 

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  Experience working within owner-operator or development environments with gating and change control processes. 

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  Knowledge of full project lifecycle (planning, design, permitting, construction, commissioning, IST).

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  Strong technical leadership with ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary design deliverables. 

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  Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and technical risk across large-scale projects. 

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  Excellent stakeholder management, with ability to influence and negotiate across diverse teams. 

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  Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

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  Strong problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, structured approach to technical decision-making. 

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  Experience driving innovation, standardisation, and continuous improvement (e.g., BIM, DfMA). 

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  Ability to operate independently at a strategic level in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. 

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  Strong organisational skills with a process-driven and detail-oriented mindset. 

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  Awareness of commercial, contractual, and financial project impacts. 

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  Willingness to travel and support regional project and operational needs.