Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. Position OverviewJLL 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 ResponsibilitiesDesign Leadership & CoordinationLead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designersChair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environmentsReview 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 supportFacilitate effective communication among design disciplines, stakeholders, operators, and end usersManage design scope changes and maintain comprehensive documentation of design modifications and their impact on critical systemsCoordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnelData Center Technical ExpertiseApply 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 infrastructureEnsure design coordination addresses data center-specific requirements including redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1), concurrent maintainability, fault tolerance, and operational continuityCoordinate integration of white space (data hall) designs with support infrastructure including power rooms, mechanical plants, network equipment rooms, and building management systemsSupport coordination of hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies, airflow management, and thermal optimizationEnsure designs accommodate high-density computing loads, emerging cooling technologies, and future capacity expansion requirementsCoordinate fire protection systems appropriate for critical electronic environmentsSupport integration of physical security systems, access control, and monitoring infrastructureBIM Leadership & Digital CoordinationLead implementation of BIM execution plans, protocols, and standards specifically tailored for data center project complexityDevelop and maintain comprehensive federated BIM models across all design disciplines with emphasis on critical systems coordinationLead BIM coordination sessions to proactively identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, maintenance access requirements, and operational constraintsDrive BIM workflows including rigorous model quality control, clash detection protocols, and version management for complex MEP systemsImplement digital collaboration platforms and common data environments to support geographically distributed design teamsProduce advanced BIM deliverables including fully coordinated 3D models, comprehensive clash detection reports, installation sequencing coordination drawings, and maintenance access studiesEstablish and monitor compliance with project-specific and organizational BIM standards and data center industry best practicesChampion adoption of emerging digital design tools and advanced BIM technologies including reality capture, digital twins, and computational designDesign RFI ManagementManage the complete design RFI lifecycle including submission protocols, priority assessment, technical review coordination, and response distributionCoordinate complex RFI reviews with appropriate design partners and subject matter experts to ensure technically accurate, timely responses that maintain system integrityMaintain comprehensive RFI management systems and databases ensuring proper documentation of all design clarifications and their implications for interconnected systemsAnalyze RFI trends to identify systemic design issues and implement proactive resolution strategies that reduce future coordination challengesInterface with construction teams to clarify design intent, support field resolution, and maintain design integrity of critical systemsAssess RFI impact on project schedule, budget, and system performance, escalating critical issues and recommending mitigation strategiesLead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce RFI volume through enhanced design coordination and improve response efficiencyDesign Quality Assurance & ConstructabilityLead comprehensive design reviews to verify coordination between all disciplines with particular focus on critical system interfacesIdentify and resolve design gaps, conflicts, and constructability issues before they impact construction schedules or system reliabilityVerify that designs meet applicable codes, data center industry standards, client operational requirements, and sustainability objectivesLead value engineering initiatives while protecting design integrity, system redundancy, and operational performance requirementsEnsure coordination between design documentation and construction methodology, particularly for complex critical system installationsReview shop drawings and construction submittals for alignment with design intent and coordination with adjacent systemsLead resolution of field conflicts between design documents and site conditions, ensuring solutions maintain system reliability and performanceStakeholder Leadership & CommunicationPrepare comprehensive design status reports, coordination documentation, and technical presentations for executive stakeholders and client leadershipEffectively communicate complex technical design issues, coordination challenges, and recommended solutions to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholdersLead presentation of coordination findings, clash resolution strategies, and design optimization recommendations during project reviewsDevelop clear visual documentation of design coordination solutions, BIM deliverables, and system integration strategiesBuild and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, owner's representatives, operators, commissioning agents, and external design partnersMentor junior design coordinators and support professional development of project team membersQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural), Construction Management, or related technical field7-10 years of progressive experience in design coordination and BIM management, with at least 5 years specifically supporting mission-critical or data center projectsDemonstrated experience leading design coordination activities on large-scale, complex construction projects with budgets exceeding $50MDeep working knowledge of data center design principles, critical infrastructure systems, and mission-critical operational requirementsAdvanced proficiency with BIM software platforms (Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC, Procore, or similar) and 3D coordination toolsProven experience leading BIM coordination workflows, advanced clash detection processes, and model-based construction planningComprehensive understanding of data center construction documentation, specialized installation methods, and commissioning sequencingDemonstrated experience managing complex design RFI workflows and technical documentation processes for critical facilitiesStrong leadership presence with ability to drive resolution of complex technical coordination challengesExcellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and systems thinking approachSuperior communication abilities with capacity to lead and influence diverse, multidisciplinary teamsExpert ability to read and interpret complex architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and low-voltage design drawingsPreferredMaster's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical disciplineProfessional registration (PE, RA, LEED AP, CxA) or active progress toward professional certificationData center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, CDCE from DCIEP or Uptime Institute ATD/ATS)BIM-related certifications (Autodesk Certified Professional, buildingSMART Professional Certification Program, or equivalent advanced credentials)Experience with advanced BIM applications including 4D construction sequencing, 5D cost integration, and digital twin implementationKnowledge of sustainable design principles and energy efficiency standards specific to data centers (LEED, ENERGY STAR for Data Centers, EU Code of Conduct)Significant experience with hyperscale data centers, colocation facilities, enterprise data centers, or edge computing facilitiesDeep familiarity with virtual design and construction (VDC) methodologies and integrated project delivery (IPD) approachesExperience with computational design, generative design tools, and advanced visualization technologiesDemonstrated experience with cloud-based collaboration platforms, construction management software, and digital project delivery toolsThis position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.Expected compensation for this position:96,470.00 – 139,700.00 USD per yearFinal compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.Location:Remote –Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Lufkin, TX, Shreveport, LAIf this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:401(k) plan with matching company contributionsComprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision CarePaid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company HolidaysEarly access to earned wages through Daily PayAt JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.JLL Privacy NoticeJones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.California Residents onlyIf you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.SummaryLocation: Houston, TX; Shreveport, LA; Lufkin, TX; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MAType: Full time