Data Center Design Manager

Design Manager – Data Centers (Milan, Ital y

Permanent

Competitive Salary (Negotiable based on experience)

(Minimum of 5 years of experience in data centres design, focusing on CSA and MEP systems development)

About the Role

A leading global real estate developer and investor specializing in logistics and infrastructure is expanding its portfolio into cutting-edge data center developments. We are seeking an experienced Design Manager based in Milan to play a pivotal role in our expanding Data Center project team.

You will lead multidisciplinary design efforts (CSA, MEP, Firefighting) from inception through construction, managing external engineering firms, tracking budgets/schedules, and ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and compliant hyperscale or colocation data centre solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Integration Management: Coordinate and integrate all critical systems (power, cooling, IT, security, firefighting) with Civil, Structural, and Architectural (CSA) elements. Manage projects from inception through RIBA Stage 3, ensuring 100% compliance with client and end-user requirements.
• Procurement & Consultant Management: Prepare and execute Architectural/Engineering agreements. Lead RFIs/RFPs for design services, review consultant invoices, and manage project design budgets and value engineering initiatives.
• Contractor Oversight (RIBA 4 & 5): Supervise the General Contractor’s technical design and construction phases. Conduct rigorous QA/QC reviews of design submissions to ensure alignment with Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Ensure all design solutions fully comply with Italian and European laws, industry standards (TIER, IEC, etc.), and environmental/ESG certifications (BREEAM, LEED).
• Pre-Development Support: Create basic drawings and preliminary layouts to assess the buildability of potential sites during due diligence.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Master’s Degree in Engineering (Building, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or IT).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in data centre design, with a heavy focus on CSA and MEP systems. Proven track record leading complex, multi-disciplinary design teams for hyperscale or colocation projects.
• Local Expertise: Advanced knowledge of Italian urban planning, building permits, firefighting, and environmental authorization procedures.
• Technical Skills: Strong command of project delivery frameworks (RIBA), contract management, and interpreting complex construction drawings, budgets, and schedules.
• Certifications: PMP or PgMP certification is a strong plus.

Languages: Fluent in English and Italian (highly preferred for local regulatory navigation).