Director, Design Management – EMEA

Job Description

Vantage is seeking a Director of Design Management to lead design coordination and delivery across our EMEA data centre projects. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), with a close working relationship with the Vice President of Construction, you will play a key role in driving design consistency, cost awareness, and alignment across engineering and project delivery teams.

This role focuses on ensuring that design is effectively integrated into the project lifecycle, supporting cost-efficient, high-quality outcomes across multiple developments. You will work closely with New Site Development, Engineering, Construction, Sales & Solutions Engineering, and Operations to ensure designs are deliverable, practical, and aligned with operational requirements.

As a Director, you will lead a team of design professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement, while supporting the implementation of standardised approaches to design execution across projects.

This is a strong opportunity to contribute to the development of scalable, efficient data centre infrastructure in a fast-paced and growing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Leadership & Cost Efficiency

• Support the implementation of a consistent design management approach across EMEA projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Contribute to cost optimisation efforts, identifying value engineering opportunities to improve CAPEX and OPEX efficiency.
• Work with Engineering and Project Delivery teams to ensure designs are commercially sound and aligned with delivery requirements.
• Promote the adoption of design standardisation principles to improve efficiency and repeatability across projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure design solutions balance cost, quality, and functionality.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of design talent as required.
• Encourage a cost-conscious and delivery-focused mindset within the team.
• Provide coaching and guidance to develop both technical and commercial capabilities within the design function.

Engineering Alignment & Process Improvement

• Work closely with Engineering teams to ensure alignment between design intent and technical requirements.
• Ensure design teams are engaged early in project planning to support feasibility and cost optimisation.
• Support the selection and management of consultants, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of design processes and best practices.

Project Oversight & Delivery Support

• Provide oversight of design progress across projects, ensuring alignment with schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Support monitoring of project performance through relevant KPIs and metrics.
• Ensure designs meet operational, commercial, and client requirements.
• Collaborate with project and construction teams to resolve design-related challenges.

Stakeholder & Consultant Coordination

• Act as a key point of coordination between Design, Engineering, and Project Delivery teams.
• Build effective working relationships with external partners including consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• Support the management of consultant performance to ensure high-quality and cost-effective design outputs.
• Promote consistency in approach across different regions and projects.

Performance & Cost Monitoring

• Support tracking of design-related KPIs, including cost performance and efficiency.
• Contribute to reporting on design progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure design decisions are aligned with budget considerations.

Budget & Resource Management

• Support management of design resources across projects to ensure efficient utilisation.
• Contribute to budget planning and cost control within the design function.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Encourage the adoption of new technologies, materials, and design approaches to improve project outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and design coordination.
• Support lessons learned processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong stakeholder management and effective communication skills.
• Good commercial awareness with an understanding of cost drivers in design and construction.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, construction, and project teams.
• Solid understanding of design processes, value engineering, and consultant management.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
• Interest in driving innovation and improving design practices.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil), or a related field.
• Typically 10–15 years of experience in design management within a development, construction, or infrastructure environment.
• Experience supporting delivery of large-scale projects from concept through to completion.
• Experience in data centres, infrastructure, or mission-critical environments is advantageous.
• Understanding of design coordination, cost management, and project delivery processes.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g. Chartered Engineer, Licensed Architect) are beneficial but not essential.

WHY JOIN VANTAGE?

• Contribute to the delivery of critical data centre infrastructure across EMEA.
• Work within a high-performing, collaborative environment.
• Be part of a fast-growing organisation with strong career development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Location: London (3 days per week in office)

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers. 

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