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 Vilvoorde, Belgium)) 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 inter alia: 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 stakeholders’ environments.

More concretely, this means you will get the opportunity to:

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 since inception till RIBA3 stage and ensure over the entire 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 (internal and/or end-user driven) 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.

Tendering, Contracting, and Consultant/General Contractor (GC) Management:

• 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 Request for Information (RFIs) and Proposals (RFPs) and evaluate 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’ tender by ensuring completeness and correctness of the design documentation provided and assessing time, cost and 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.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• 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.

Collaboration and team support

• Prepare basic drawings and preliminary layout solutions to investigate potential sites buildability according to due diligence outputs and internal design templates.
• Support 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.

Do you recognize yourself?

• Master Degree in Engineering (Building, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, IT).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data centres 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 authorization 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.

How will we reward you?

At Goodman, we know that our people are the driving force behind our success. That’s why we offer a competitive total reward package and a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive fixed compensation
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Eligibility to participate in Goodman’s share scheme (if applicable)
• Electric company car with a European charging card, or car allowance
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements (one day of working from home per week)
• A collaborative culture supported by team events and social activities
• An ergonomic workplace in our state-of- the-art offices

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

About Goodman

But first, let us introduce ourselves a little more:  

Goodman Group develops, owns and manages the infrastructure that keeps goods moving and data flowing. We build and operate logistics facilities and data centres in strategic locations across the world. Together with leading institutional investors, we invest in and manage these assets to support long-term growth and the digital economy

Goodman operates in key consumer markets in 15 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. We are the largest property group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and invest significantly alongside our capital partners in our investment Partnerships. Our Continental European headquarter is based in Belgium and we are active in 7 European countries, including offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan and Paris. 

Our culture is based on collaboration, ownership and a mindset of seizing the opportunity. We take ownership of our decisions, work together to achieve shared success, an create an environment where everyone is empowered to learn, grow and have impact. 

Building for the future

Building and operating essential infrastructure comes with a real environmental impact. At Goodman, we don't shy away from that. We see it as a responsibility we owe to the generations who'll come after us, and as an opportunity to keep doing better, project after project. In practice, that means taking a long-term view of how what we build holds up over time, and building teams where different perspectives are genuinely valued. Because words only carry us so far, what counts is what actually gets achieved. It's an ongoing effort, made of small decisions as much as big ones, and one where the right people can push what's possible even further.