Date : 23/02/2026
Job Overview
The Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the design function across projects, ensuring alignment with relevant codes, standards and client requirements. The role provides integrated oversight across disciplines, maintaining quality, programme adherence and technical consistency throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition to design coordination, the Design Manager oversees commercial aspects of the design scope, including management of sub-consultant work packages, performance monitoring and cost control.
The ideal candidate is an Architect, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering professional with strong leadership capability, sound technical expertise and proven project delivery experience — particularly within the data centre or mission-critical sector.
role responsibilities
PEOPLE
Lead and coordinate project teams, including virtual design teams across multiple time zones.
Demonstrate formidable team and leadership skills, earning respect from peers and guiding others through demanding situations.
Collaborate with design teams and clients to localise solutions, maintain strong relationships, and troubleshoot issues.
Function as a positive leadership role model, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and collaboration across the global team.
Support the development of staff and future leaders through training initiatives, mentoring, and career growth opportunities.
PROJECTS
Manage, project financial performance, resources, and contract negotiations to ensure profitability.
Ensure compliance with QA/QC processes, health and safety legislation, and internal control systems.
Monitor risk, performance, programmes, and reporting processes to anticipate challenges and safeguard delivery.
Provide support in proposals, bids, reporting, and communication with directors, clients, and supply chain partners.
Think and act on behalf of the wider business, prioritising collective success over individual or unit interests.
Experience of construction project management including monitoring, controls and reporting
Manage activities of sub-consultants throughout project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes & standards & project implementation schedules.
PROGRESS
Contribute effectively to business-wide activities, strategy, and continuous improvement aligned with Black & White's philosophy.
Innovate by bringing forward latest ideas, solutions, and approaches that strengthen the business and its operations.
Additional Role Responsibilities (qhse)
All roles include responsibility for health and safety in line with the requirements set out in the Employee Handbook.
Awareness of H&S policies and procedures and impact on yourself and team
Ensure all staff members complete mandatory compliance training when required
Report any accidents, incidents, near misses appropriately
education and training requirement (minimum)
Bachelor's degree (BSc / BEng / B.Tech) in Engineering, Architecture or equivalent.
Qualified architect, mechanical or electrical engineer or Project Management Professional with experience in Mission Critical Infrastructure.
Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation (advantageous).
Membership of IET/CIBSE or equivalent overseas institution (preferred).
Experience Requirements (minimum)
Significant experience in design development and specification for complex building projects, with strong exposure to data centre or mission-critical environments.
Proficiency in relevant design and modelling software (e.g. AutoCAD, ETAP or equivalent, Amtech) and IT-based calculation tools, with strong Microsoft Office capability.
Sound understanding of planning and permitting processes, particularly those impacting data centre development.
Working knowledge of health and safety legislation, contract law and commercial project frameworks.
Demonstrated experience managing international or multi-stakeholder projects, including oversight of invoicing and commercial coordination.
Strong leadership capability with experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines.
Getting Results and Working Together
The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values:
ACCOUNTABILITY > Everyone is accountable.
INTEGRITY > We are straight talking, respectful and fair.
SIMPLICITY > Both in our approach and solutions.
SUPPORTIVE > We are approachable, inclusive and recognise success.
QUALITY > We strive to get it right first time, every time.
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