Data Centre Design Manager

Always wanted to challenge the obvious and make great things happen? At Goodman we create space for your greatness.

Our organization is a dynamic and innovative real estate company, serving as both a developer and investor with a primary focus on logistics real estate. We are expanding our portfolio to include cutting‑edge data centre development projects and are therefore seeking experienced data centre professionals.

Goodman is seeking an experienced Design Manager (based in Milan, Italy) to join our expanding Data Centre project team. As the Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in our data centre projects, working closely with the Project Lead and the Project Manager, the wider project team, the internal departments, external consultants and contractors. Your primary responsibilities will include: selecting and managing engineering firms and experts, delivering high‑quality, time and cost‑effective design solutions and overseeing the Contractor’s design efforts before and during construction.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in multidisciplinary design management (CSA, MEP, Firefighting, etc.), extensive experience in hyperscale or colocation data centres, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Management
• Coordinate, advise, monitor and control project design team (internal and external) activities to deliver high‑quality design solutions at the best time, cost, sustainability, reliability, scalability, safety and constructability options.
• Ensure coordination and integration of all systems (power, cooling, IT, security, firefighting) and with respect to CSA (Civil, Structural, Architectural) aspects.
• Lead cost/time‑benefit analyses and present solutions that meet project goals.
• Manage appointed engineering firms and selected experts and consultants, distributing tasks and workload to ensure balanced output and the delivery of quality design work.
• Oversee design development from inception until RIBA3 stage and ensure throughout the cycle the production of accurate construction documents and specifications according to Goodman and/or final users’ requirements, aiming for a 100% satisfaction rate.
• Promote energy‑efficient and sustainable design solutions, while supporting implementation of ESG strategies and certifications (e.g. BREEAM, LEED).
• Ensure that all aspects of the design are progressively reviewed, confirmed and approved as required by internal procedures within the agreed timeline.
• Review and manage design change requests during all stages of design, providing visibility and clarity on cost and time impacts.
• Provide design input to balance end‑user requirements with potential project constraints.
• Support project managers, schedulers and cost managers in developing, implementing and managing project‑specific design work plans, schedules and budgets.
• Act as the main point of reference for all design activities within the project team, providing internal stakeholders with timely updates on design elements and any changes.
• Represent the organization in regular design and project meetings with external design firms and consultants.
• Prepare and execute Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements, clearly defining Scope of Work, Services, and Fees based on the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and specific local and project requirements.
• Lead the procurement process for design and consultancy services, including managing RFIs and RFPs and evaluating proposals to justify selections.
• Review and approve consultant invoices, proactively managing project budgets and leading value engineering initiatives to ensure cost alignment.
• Assist project team during General Contractor’s tender by ensuring completeness and correctness of the design documentation provided and assessing time, cost and the actual viability of the potential value engineering solutions proposed.
• Oversee and supervise the selected General Contractor’s design efforts, especially during RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) and RIBA Stage 5 (Construction), ensuring the designs adhere to the project and contract documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the consistency between the OPR and construction documents, flagging and documenting any deviations for resolution.
• Conduct regular QA/QC reviews of the Contractor’s design submissions, ensuring all deliverables meet the project’s quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Ensure close collaboration with the Contractor during construction to resolve design issues swiftly and ensure alignment between design and site execution.
• Ensure full adherence to design standards, documenting any deviations after reaching a consensus with all the relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure design solutions are fully compliant with all Italian and European applicable laws and regulations, including industry standards (TIER, IEC, etc.).
• Proactively identify and effectively manage design‑related risks, developing mitigation strategies to ensure the project remains on track and within the budget.
• Prepare basic drawings and preliminary layout solutions to investigate potential sites buildability according to due diligence outputs and internal design templates.
• Support the project team in presenting design solutions to stakeholders, including end‑users.
• Collaborate effectively with the entire project team and internal departments, ensuring that any proposed exceptions or changes are communicated and understood by all stakeholders.
• Assist, when needed, programme team in defining and reviewing OPR, technical standards, specifications and design guidelines.

Qualifications

• Master degree in Engineering (Building, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, IT).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data centre design, focusing on CSA and MEP systems development.
• Experience leading complex multi‑disciplinary design teams and managing new construction, tenant improvements and capital improvement projects.
• Proven expertise in consultant negotiation and contract management.
• PMP or PgMP certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of contractual obligations, building regulations and project delivery frameworks (RIBA).
• Advanced command of urban planning, building permits, firefighting and environmental authorisation procedures in Italy.
• Proficient in interpreting design and construction drawings, project schedules, budgets and cost estimates.
• Strong understanding of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Firefighting and fibre design concepts.
• Expertise in construction projects, particularly data centres, with a strong focus on MEP systems.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project and drafting software (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks).
• Strong leadership.
• Excellent communication, coordination and presentation skills.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making capability under pressure.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to reduce costs while maintaining high standards.
• Experience in guiding new design concepts through detailed design, peer review, construction and operational phases.

Not sure if you fit the profile? Let’s find out together!