Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

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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 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 implementation
• Knowledge 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 facilities
• Deep familiarity with virtual design and construction (VDC) methodologies and integrated project delivery (IPD) approaches
• Experience with computational design, generative design tools, and advanced visualization technologies
• Demonstrated experience with cloud-based collaboration platforms, construction management software, and digital project delivery tools

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

If 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 contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At 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.

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