Job Description
The Subregional design lead role sits within the wider Design, Engineering & Construction function and is responsible for project set-up and delivery control, technical coordination of consultant teams and implementation of both the company's Design Engineering Guidelines (DEG's) and standardised design for data centre projects within the respective region/market.
The role requires a technical background, ideally from design consultancy or commissioning firm, in any of the CSA and or MEPH disciplines with a level of construction management experience, hence adept at managing the production of complex deliverables against project expectations of: technical excellence; budget; milestone schedule objectives; and safe build techniques. Candidates will be expected to operate strategically and predominately under their own initiative and to think laterally and innovatively in the light of performance expectations at Director level.
The DE&C Group's driver is to deliver a quality service and product to both our internal standards and customers expectations in line with project goals by working with the professional team applying DLR's systems, procedures and culture. Additionally, to support the Portfolio Management, Pre-con, Construction and Sales teams in the resolution of design related issues in a timely manner to avoid impact to either the construction programme or project budgets.
Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to Design Managers across the subregion and step in where required
- Lead coordination of internal and external stakeholders, including consultants, contractors, and governance bodies
- Ensure compliance with Global and Regional Design Engineering Guidelines (DEGs) and manage deviation approvals
- Review and oversee design deliverables, including Basis of Design (BoD), drawings, and technical documentation
- Manage design schedules aligned with construction and tender timelines (TES)
- Support procurement processes including issuing RFPs, evaluating bids, and advising on OFCI equipment submissions
- Act as technical lead for A/E consultants and commissioning teams, including reviewing commissioning plans and testing scripts
- Drive project reporting, budgeting, gating processes, and alignment with internal governance requirements
- Support customer engagement for build-to-suit projects and collaborate with Sales, Preconstruction, and Portfolio teams
- Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and standardisation initiatives (e.g. BIM, DfMA, lessons learned)
Qualifications
What you'll need
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (CSA/MEPH) or Architecture; advanced degrees or chartership preferred
- 10–15 years of experience in mission-critical or highly technical building design and delivery
- Strong understanding of data centre design or similarly complex infrastructure projects
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary design processes and consultant teams
- Familiarity with project lifecycle stages including planning, design, permitting, construction, and commissioning
- Knowledge of governance, gating processes, and change control within an owner-operator environment
- Ability to manage project budgets, schedules, risks, and technical deliverables simultaneously
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and negotiate across functions
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Proven ability to work independently, think strategically, and operate effectively in fast-paced environments
