Design Manager – Data Centre, Blyth, Northumberland

Overview

Our client, a specialist data centre delivery contractor, is recruiting a Design Manager for a major data centre project in Blyth. This role will be responsible for leading and managing the design process across Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MEP disciplines, ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, and delivered in line with programme and project requirements. This position requires strong leadership and technical capability, with a proven record of managing complex design processes on large-scale construction projects. Our client is recruiting on a confidential basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with the client’s design team for project-wide design and services coordination.
• Manage our client's in-house design team and external consultants to ensure timely design progression in line with construction schedules.
• Plan and lead design and engineering workshops, resolving design issues ahead of site activities.
• Oversee the Technical Submittal (TS) process, ensuring adherence to project specifications and timely submission for review and approval.
• Provide Technical Leadership for the team.
• Manage the design query and RFI process, maintaining accurate documentation and coordinating through weekly design meetings.
• Oversee Issued for Construction (IFC) releases and updates, ensuring all project teams are working to the latest approved designs and managing any required change control.
• Lead weekly Design and Engineering coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders to monitor progress and resolve critical issues.
• Maintain a design risk register, communicating key risks to senior management and the client.
• Manage Safety in Design including management of Design Risk and Change control process
• Manage the design and submittal process for FFE packages within administrative areas, ensuring timely delivery.
• Prepare and deliver weekly design progress reports to the client, highlighting risks and mitigation measures.
• Coordinate contractor construction drawings and models, ensuring they are reviewed, approved, and issued in line with project timelines.
• Oversee as-built drawing and model submissions, ensuring compliance with project handover requirements.
• Ensure all O&M manuals and documentation are submitted and uploaded to the approved client platforms.
• Manage and coordinate LEED design requirements, liaising with the client’s design team and LEED consultants to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Ensure project quality plans and QA/QC procedures are implemented and adhered to on site.
• Liaise with Temporary Works Designers (TWD) and the client’s PSDA management team on temporary works, traffic management, and design risk assessments.
• Coordinate with OFCI vendors appointed by the client, ensuring delivery aligns with project specifications and schedules, including technical submittals and discrepancy resolution.
• Ensure Regulatory and local code compliance.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years’ experience managing the design delivery of large-scale construction projects (e.g., data centres, office fitouts, commercial, education, healthcare, or industrial).
• Data Centre project experience is highly desirable.
• Degree qualification in a relevant engineering or construction discipline.
• Strong understanding of design management principles, construction sequencing, and coordination between disciplines.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deliver under tight deadlines.

Package

Typical market salary £70,000–£85,000 per year, depending on experience. Working on large scale data centre projects. Collaborative team working environments. Career progression and development supported.

Email lee@cxrecruit.com quoting CXR-122, or upload your CV below.