Director of Design Management – Data Center Construction (Anticipated Opening)

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Director of Design Management to lead and develop a high-performing team delivering design and project management services across major data center projects and programs in the Americas. This role supports campus master planning, drives innovation initiatives, and advances company design standards to ensure cost-effective, energy-efficient, and future-ready data center facilities.

You will work closely with senior leadership to guide design standards and processes, oversee external consultants, and ensure project documentation is accurate, timely, and within budget. This role also involves managing digital tools and platforms, supporting the integration of innovative technologies, and driving continuous improvement across design and delivery. Additionally, you will provide expertise for existing facilities, monitor design deviations, and contribute to long-term strategies that enhance efficiency and performance.


Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance company design standards across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Support master planning and the ongoing evolution of design approaches to optimize cost, performance, resilience, and scalability.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies; identify opportunities to improve facility efficiency and lifecycle performance.
• Lead and develop a team of managers; set clear strategy and ambition in line with organizational goals.
• Ensure service excellence in client delivery across major programs; oversee external partners and ensure documentation accuracy, timeliness, and budget compliance.
• Lead client communications and provide executive oversight of design and project management services.
• Manage and improve digital tools and processes to support design and delivery.
• Support implementation of innovative technologies and data platforms; contribute to long-term digital strategies.
• Provide design expertise for existing facilities and ensure robust documentation for operational needs.
• Track and manage design changes; ensure effective document control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive quality assurance, compliance with standards, and participate in internal/external audits.
• Promote process improvement; ensure knowledge sharing and lessons learned are captured and applied.
• Conduct market research and produce thought leadership reports on industry trends and insights.
• Manage financial performance for services, including resource planning, budgeting, and revenue tracking.
• Prepare proposals and responses for new opportunities; act as a brand ambassador and identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Grow and develop exceptional people; promote a culture of learning, respect, and inclusivity.
• Mentor staff and partner with recruitment teams to attract top talent and plan for future resource needs.
• Serve as a role model for a collaborative culture that balances outcomes for people, clients, and stakeholders.
• Develop risk mitigation plans; manage KPIs, performance reviews, and success factors aligned to company goals.
• Coordinate internal audits and represent the organization during external certification processes.
• • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant construction project management/design management experience, including data center or mission-critical facilities.
• 2+ years leading large, high-performing multidisciplinary teams in a consulting environment.
• Proven track record of successful client delivery, stakeholder management, and portfolio/program leadership.
• Demonstrated business development acumen and success driving growth.
• Major construction sector experience with high-caliber clients in data centers (preferred), and/or commercial real estate, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, natural resources.
• Excellent presentation, verbal, written, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have:

• Deep familiarity with BOD/BTS frameworks, BIM/Revit standards, and Test Fit methods.
• Experience with Power BI, data platforms, and Digital Twin concepts for built assets.
• Certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, CM-BIM, or data center–specific credentials.
• Experience supporting Critical Operations and lifecycle documentation for existing facilities.

Additional Information

The salary range for this full-time role is $180K-$235K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package.  Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.