Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

Position Overview
JLL is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Manager to lead the coordination and integration of design activities for mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures effective collaboration among specialized design partners, drives the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, and manages complex design coordination to deliver quality, integrated project documentation for high-performance critical facilities.
The Sr. Design Manager leads multidisciplinary design teams through the unique challenges of data center environments, including critical power systems, advanced cooling infrastructure, high-density computing loads, and stringent uptime requirements. This role bridges design intent and construction execution while maintaining focus on operational reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability of data center facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Coordination
Lead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designers
Chair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environments
Review and validate design deliverables for completeness, technical accuracy, and adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA-942, BICSI)
Manage design partner schedules and milestone deliverables throughout all project phases, from concept through commissioning support
Facilitate effective communication among design disciplines, stakeholders, operators, and end users
Manage design scope changes and maintain comprehensive documentation of design modifications and their impact on critical systems
Coordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnel
Data Center Technical Expertise
Apply deep understanding of data center infrastructure including critical power distribution (UPS systems, generators, switchgear, PDUs), cooling systems (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, direct/indirect evaporative cooling), and network/telecommunications infrastructure
Ensure design coordination addresses data center-specific requirements including redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1), concurrent maintainability, fault tolerance, and operational continuity
Coordinate integration of white space (data hall) designs with support infrastructure including power rooms, mechanical plants, network equipment rooms, and building management systems
Support coordination of hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies, airflow management, and thermal optimization
Ensure designs accommodate high-density computing loads, emerging cooling technologies, and future capacity expansion requirements
Coordinate fire protection systems appropriate for critical electronic environments
Support integration of physical security systems, access control, and monitoring infrastructure
BIM Leadership & Digital Coordination
Lead implementation of BIM execution plans, protocols, and standards specifically tailored for data center project complexity
Develop and maintain comprehensive federated BIM models across all design disciplines with emphasis on critical systems coordination
Lead BIM coordination sessions to proactively identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, maintenance access requirements, and operational constraints
Drive BIM workflows including rigorous model quality control, clash detection protocols, and version management for complex MEP systems
Implement digital collaboration platforms and common data environments to support geographically distributed design teams
Produce advanced BIM deliverables including fully coordinated 3D models, comprehensive clash detection reports, installation sequencing coordination drawings, and maintenance access studies
Establish and monitor compliance with project-specific and organizational BIM standards and data center industry best practices
Champion adoption of emerging digital design tools and advanced BIM technologies including reality capture, digital twins, and computational design
Design RFI Management
Manage the complete design RFI lifecycle including submission protocols, priority assessment, technical review coordination, and response distribution
Coordinate complex RFI reviews with appropriate design partners and subject matter experts to ensure technically accurate, timely responses that maintain system integrity
Maintain comprehensive RFI management systems and databases ensuring proper documentation of all design clarifications and their implications for interconnected systems
Analyze RFI trends to identify systemic design issues and implement proactive resolution strategies that reduce future coordination challenges
Interface with construction teams to clarify design intent, support field resolution, and maintain design integrity of critical systems
Assess RFI impact on project schedule, budget, and system performance, escalating critical issues and recommending mitigation strategies
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce RFI volume through enhanced design coordination and improve response efficiency
Design Quality Assurance & Constructability
Lead comprehensive design reviews to verify coordination between all disciplines with particular focus on critical system interfaces
Identify and resolve design gaps, conflicts, and constructability issues before they impact construction schedules or system reliability
Verify that designs meet applicable codes, data center industry standards, client operational requirements, and sustainability objectives
Lead value engineering initiatives while protecting design integrity, system redundancy, and operational performance requirements
Ensure coordination between design documentation and construction methodology, particularly for complex critical system installations
Review shop drawings and construction submittals for alignment with design intent and coordination with adjacent systems
Lead resolution of field conflicts between design documents and site conditions, ensuring solutions maintain system reliability and performance
Stakeholder Leadership & Communication
Prepare comprehensive design status reports, coordination documentation, and technical presentations for executive stakeholders and client leadership
Effectively communicate complex technical design issues, coordination challenges, and recommended solutions to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholders
Lead presentation of coordination findings, clash resolution strategies, and design optimization recommendations during project reviews
Develop clear visual documentation of design coordination solutions, BIM deliverables, and system integration strategies
Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, owner's representatives, operators, commissioning agents, and external design partners
Mentor junior design coordinators and support professional development of project team members
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural), Construction Management, or related technical field
7-10 years of progressive experience in design coordination and BIM management, with at least 5 years specifically supporting mission-critical or data center projects
Demonstrated experience leading design coordination activities on large-scale, complex construction projects with budgets exceeding $50M
Deep working knowledge of data center design principles, critical infrastructure systems, and mission-critical operational requirements
Advanced proficiency with BIM software platforms (Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC, Procore, or similar) and 3D coordination tools
Proven experience leading BIM coordination workflows, advanced clash detection processes, and model-based construction planning
Comprehensive understanding of data center construction documentation, specialized installation methods, and commissioning sequencing
Demonstrated experience managing complex design RFI workflows and technical documentation processes for critical facilities
Strong leadership presence with ability to drive resolution of complex technical coordination challenges
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and systems thinking approach
Superior communication abilities with capacity to lead and influence diverse, multidisciplinary teams
Expert ability to read and interpret complex architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and low-voltage design drawings
Preferred
Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline
Professional registration (PE, RA, LEED AP, CxA) or active progress toward professional certification
Data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, CDCE from DCIEP or Uptime Institute ATD/ATS)
BIM-related certif

Work arrangement
Yes