Design Manager

Design Manager At CoreSite, we empower a more connected future through high-performance data centers and interconnection solutions. Recognized as a trusted partner in digital transformation, our strategically located facilities and innovative services enable businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Our culture is defined by operational excellence and a relentless drive for innovation. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, wins are celebrated as a team, and ownership is part of our DNA. At CoreSite, we're not just building state-of-the-art infrastructure—we're creating a community of forward-thinkers committed to solving complex challenges and delivering exceptional customer experiences. At CoreSite not only are we Committed to Excellence, but we also Build Connections, Own It, Do the Right Thing, Have Fun, and Win as a Team. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of digital infrastructure while nurturing your professional growth and success. Role Summary: As a member of the Corporate Development team, the Design Manager manages the design process for capital expenditure projects across CoreSite's existing facilities nationwide. This role sits alongside two regionally focused Development & Design Managers responsible for ground-up development and large-scale interior buildouts, and is specifically focused on the interior retrofit and improvement work that spans the full U.S. portfolio. Projects are interior-scope, executed within operating data centers, and require someone who thrives in the complexity of occupied, live-infrastructure environments where precision, coordination, and minimizing customer disruption are as important as design quality. The role also provides periodic support to the acquisitions team on pre-purchase due diligence as business needs arise. The Manager coordinates design timelines, deliverables from internal and external stakeholders, scope changes, and associated budgets under the direction of the Vice President of Development & Design. In the spirit of "Innovation for Improvement," the Manager stays abreast of emerging trends and new technologies applicable to upgrade and retrofit scenarios. Project Scope: Projects managed by this role include: Retrofits and infrastructure upgrades within operating data center facilities, including mechanical, electrical, and architectural improvements. Legacy building repositions, including the redesign of underutilized or aging infrastructure to meet current product standards. Planned phased interior buildouts supporting customer occupancy, deployment readiness, and capacity expansion within existing shells. Large-scale retrofits supporting specific occupancy and deployment requirements. Periodic pre-purchase due diligence support for the acquisitions team, including design and engineering reviews, test fits, and building assessment coordination. Duties- Standards and Processes: Assist with maintaining CoreSite's OPR to reflect lessons learned, market trends, and technological advancements, with particular emphasis on retrofit and in-place project contexts. Capture lessons learned from each project and refine processes and documentation accordingly. Help develop or refine processes related to design documentation, review cycles, and drawing management. Design Management: Prepare for and support project kickoff meetings with internal stakeholders to define project needs, constraints, and goals within operating-facility environments. Draft budgets and schedules for design and permitting activities; track against actuals and report variances. Facilitate initial and regularly occurring design meetings; review meeting notes and minutes for accuracy and clear assignment of action items. Ensure all owner-furnished equipment is accurately specified and fully integrated into design deliverables. Ensure all scopes are clearly identified, delineated, and coordinated across design disciplines. Ensure design consultants comply with OPR and that designs account for the operational realities of occupied facilities. Ensure permit packages are comprehensive to minimize review cycles and responses to building departments. Ensure bid set packages are comprehensive to minimize change orders during construction. Coordinate multi-phase design reviews to ensure timely stakeholder input and approvals. Manage and work with design partners (architects, engineers, specialty consultants) to develop design documentation across all project phases. Assist with procuring design and permitting-phase services; manage vendors within contract scope and timelines. Foster working relationships with design partners; monitor workload and work quality. Coordinate with the Vice President and external consultants to process and communicate scope-of-service change requests. Permitting Management: Manage the building permit process from design submission through final permit issuance for retrofit, remodel, and interior buildout project types. Research, interpret, and apply jurisdictional building codes, permitting requirements, and plan review procedures across multiple jurisdictions nationwide. Coordinate directly with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), third-party permit expeditors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely approvals. Track all permitting milestones; proactively identify and mitigate risks to project schedules stemming from plan review comments, delays, or re-submittal cycles. Engage with governmental and utility representatives as needed to understand evolving permitting requirements for existing building modifications. Support the identification, planning, and procurement of regulatory permits such as air quality permits, environmental approvals, and other required agency authorizations as applicable to upgrade and retrofit scopes. Acquisitions Support: Provide periodic design and engineering due diligence support for potential facility acquisitions, including building assessments, test fits, and design feasibility reviews. Research and interpret applicable building codes, existing permit records, and deferred maintenance conditions as part of pre-purchase diligence workflows. Coordinate with or procure third-party consultants as needed to support diligence scopes within deal timelines. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Support vendor onboarding and contract execution by coordinating with Legal and Procurement. Work closely with the Construction department to budget design iterations and help perform cost analyses of various design options, with an emphasis on phasing strategies and minimizing operational impact within live facilities. Work with Construction, Engineering, Operations, General Management, IT, Network Operations, Product, and Security to ensure their inputs are properly incorporated into designs. Collaborate with regional Development & Design Managers to share lessons learned, align on OPR application, and maintain consistency across the portfolio. Provide design documentation and context to Construction Project Managers at handoff; assist with design-intent questions throughout construction. Attend final punch list site visits at project close-outs and turnovers. Requirements Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment consisting of at least two onsite days per week. Flexibility to travel up to 20% of the time across CoreSite's national portfolio, with the potential for increased travel as project demands require. Strong knowledge of building design processes, including code compliance, building systems, and space planning within occupied facilities. Demonstrated understanding of the design and construction challenges associated with retrofit, remodel, and tenant improvement work in operational environments. Comfort navigating diverse jurisdictional requirements across multiple U.S. markets simultaneously. Working knowledge of management procedures, budgeting, and program implementation. Ability to solve practical problems quickly, handle multiple concurrent projects, and organize resources to ensure work is completed on time and on budget. Strong written and oral communication skills; able to present to various levels of the organization. Able to review vendor cost estimates and value engineering proposals for validity and alignment with project intent. Excellent analytical skills and ability to build team relationships and partnerships across organizational lines. Detail-oriented with strong organization and project management skills; able to manage fast-paced, multiple projects with strict adherence to budgets and deadlines. Must understand efficient document control and retention processes. Strong leadership skills and a high degree of integrity. Promotes and demonstrates behaviors consistent with CoreSite's culture and core values. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. At least five years of design management or construction experience, with meaningful focus on existing building retrofit, renovation, or tenant improvement projects; data center experience preferred. Demonstrated experience managing projects across multiple geographies or jurisdictions simultaneously. Strong understanding of building permitting requirements for existing building modifications, remodels, and interior improvements. Experience managing design consultants and coordinating cross-functional teams in fast-paced project environments. Excellent project management and problem-solving skills. Benefits Not only does CoreSite have a fun, team-focused work environment, but we also offer great CoreSite