About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Position Overview 

Vantage is seeking an accomplished Design Manager to join our Design Engineering team. In this role, you will champion product performance and technical excellence, leading multifunctional teams of skilled engineers focused on critical data center infrastructure systems. 

This person will take ownership of the entire design life cycle for both existing and new developments. Your responsibilities will encompass the coordination of design documentation review and approval, oversight of both traditional, design-bid-build and design-build contractor teams. Serving as the point of contact for department leaders involved in the project cycle, you will facilitate seamless collaboration between Sales and Solutions Engineering, EH&S, New Site Development, Construction, Design Engineering SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), Sustainability, Automation & Controls, Security, IT, and Operations. 

The Design Manager will lead the regional change management process and work in close relationship with the respective partners to ensure concise communication and quick decision making, tracking programmatic feedback and lessons learned. 

In alliance with your team, you'll solve intricate engineering challenges and guide their resolution. Upholding and enhancing existing standards for each project, you will conduct engineering analyses to balance capital and operational expenditures. Your role will encompass collaborating with internal customers throughout the design and construction phases, assuming responsibility for the technical relationship. You will provide comprehensive technical engineering guidance to ensure alignment with project requirements, engineering standards, codes, and specifications, demonstrating an in-depth grasp of engineering principles relevant to innovative data center design. 

Essential Job Functions 

Design Leadership and Project Oversight:

• Lead the development, review, and enhancement of design packages, standards, and specifications to ensure consistent, reliable systems.
• Own early design baseline setting and ensure alignment with lease agreements and customer requirements.
• Guide internal and external design teams, ensuring collaboration aligns with project goals and sustainability targets.
• Attend assigned sites regularly to monitor design execution and track RFIs, deviations, and change requests.

Client Engagement and Communication:

• Cultivate strong client relationships by leading technical meetings and providing expert support to internal stakeholders.
• Deliver regular, detailed updates on design progress, risks, blockers, and priorities to both internal and external audiences.

Procurement and Vendor Coordination:

• Support procurement and project leads in selecting and managing local design partners and contractors.
• Oversee contract execution and Value Engineering (VE) efforts with the General Contractor (GC) and Engineer of Record (EOR).

Quality, Risk, and Change Management:

• Drive continuous improvement by developing and refining design, procurement, and construction processes.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks related to design and engineering quality, and lead benchmarking initiatives for regional alignment.
• Lead on-site support for the Change Management/REACH process across all engineering disciplines, ensuring effective implementation and reporting.

Team Development:

• Conduct regular design team meetings to provide feedback and address concerns.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through Lessons Learned sessions and the implementation of insights across projects and regions.

Additional Duties: 

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management. 

Job Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Planning, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field preferred. 
• Alternative, relevant eduction or experience such as military service or exceptional experience/training maybe considered. 
• 3+ years of experience in data center design management or equivalent leadership roles; 5+ years preferred. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills. 
• Proficiency in data center design and familiarity with North American construction markets preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of critical cooling and power infrastructure within data center projects preferred. 
• Familiarity with building codes and fire ordinances. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. 
• High level of integrity and professionalism. 
• Travel required is expected to be up to 15-30% but may increase over time as the business evolves. 

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!