Location: Cuffley, Hertfordshire, UK
Job Purpose
We are seeking a Design Manager who will play a pivotal role in leading the design process for data centre projects from concept through to construction. Working closely with the Pre-Construction Director, you will ensure that all design outputs align with client requirements, project timelines, and DPI’s high standards of quality and innovation.
Your remit will encompass not only overseeing the main design function but also coordinating with specialist departments to guarantee seamless integration of all design elements. You will be responsible for fostering a collaborative environment, engaging with architects, engineers, and consultants to drive forward-thinking solutions that meet both operational and aesthetic goals. This will involve reviewing technical drawings, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and managing design deliverables throughout each phase of the project lifecycle.
In addition, the role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, identifying potential design challenges early and developing strategies to address them efficiently whilst considering compliance in the Countries in which we operate. By nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders, both internally and externally, you will help position DPI at the forefront of design excellence within the industry.
Duties & Responsibilities
Tendering
- Review the design documents that have been provided and establish the scope of work.
- Identify any scope gaps not picked up in the design, minimising the risk of tasks being overlooked that could affect cost, delivery, safety, or compliance
- Identify any matters requiring clarification. Draft and issue Requests for Information (RFI) to the client’s team promptly to clarify uncertainties.
- Review the design liability under the contract, ensuring that all legal and professional liabilities are clearly understood and appropriately managed.
- Develop and implement strategies to safeguard DPI’s commercial and professional interests throughout the project,
- Engage with designers to provide fees. Initiate discussions with internal and external designers to obtain and negotiate comprehensive fee proposals, ensuring the agreed fees reflect the scope and complexity of the work, and that they are captured accurately within project budgets and tender submissions.
- Scrutinise tender submissions to verify that all costs associated with your proposed design and delivery strategy are accounted for.
- Prepare clear, detailed written narratives to accompany tender submissions, outlining your approach to the design process.
- Identify, select, and formally appoint both internal and external design teams, ensuring clear expectations, deliverables, and timelines are established from the outset.
Design process/PCSA
- Engage specialist designers to incorporate their designs. Coordinate with specialist designers (e.g., life safety systems, control systems, structural, facade) to integrate their expertise seamlessly into the main project.
- Oversee the definition and documentation of all Builder’s Work in Connection (BWIC), clarifying the responsibilities for physical works required to accommodate specialist installations.
- Establish clear boundaries and points of responsibility between different work packages and disciplines. Develop and maintain interface schedules and diagrams, and proactively manage interface risks and issues to avoid gaps, overlaps, or conflicts in design and construction.
- Support the procurement process by defining and preparing comprehensive design packages, assisting in the evaluation of tenders, and advising on the technical suitability of suppliers and subcontractors.
- Lead the development and management of project drawings and digital models in accordance with the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). Ensure that all design data is produced to the required level of detail and follows the agreed project standard.s
- Ensure maintainability requirements are considered and included.
- Adhere strictly to client and project-specific protocols for document issues, revisions, and controls.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of all design deliverables in accordance with client expectations and contractual requirements. Oversee or directly manage reporting progress, risks, and issues to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.
- Oversee the collation and verification of as-built and record documentation, including drawings and operation manuals, to provide the client with a complete and accurate record of the delivered project upon completion. General
- Collaborate with and provide direction to document controllers to ensure adherence to client or project-specific design delivery requirements.
- Represent the business, upholding our core values and behaviours with all internal and external customers, clients and third parties.s
- Maintain business and client confidentiality, adhering to applicable Data Protection regulations and Information Security Standards in line with company and group policies and procedures.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Degree in Design, Business Operations, or related field.
- Postgraduate qualification in Project Management or Construction Law
- Experience in sectors such as retail, tech, or logistics.
- Familiarity with accessibility and inclusive design standards.
- Proven experience in a design operations or design management role, ideally within a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
- Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and project management platforms (e.g., Jira, Asana).
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working across the UK and Ireland markets is a plus.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@datalecltd.com. For further information, please get in touch with HR on +44 (0) 800 6891318.
About Datalec Precision Installations (DPI)
Datalec Precision Installations provides world-class, global data centre solutions, specialising in M&E and connectivity design, bespoke manufacturing, construction, and installation services. Supported by unmatched technical expertise, we offer consultancy, technical and critical cleaning, electronic security, and managed services to address every data centre need.