Design Manager - Data Centers - Dubai
On-siteDubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Summary
Own end-to-end project delivery for large, multidisciplinary data center and mission-critical facility projects, including scope definition, schedule management, integrated design quality, and commercial success. Lead all technical disciplines—mechanical, electrical, ELV/IBMS, architecture, structural, and civil—while managing third-party consultants and establishing structured coordination processes. Serve as the primary client interface for design review meetings, executive steering committees, and senior stakeholder relationships, resolving scope ambiguities and managing change requests. Manage the master project schedule, track financial performance and profitability, and produce monthly EVM and P&L reports for the project manager. Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, budget, and commercial risks throughout the lifecycle from concept development to project close-out. Ensure design compliance with TIA-942, Uptime Tier standards, ASHRAE, NFPA/NBC fire codes, and local UAE regulations while leading a multidisciplinary team.
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of project management or design management experience
- at least 5 years managing data centre or mission-critical facility projects
- Proven track record of delivering large, multidisciplinary projects on schedule and within budget
- Experience managing teams of engineers across multiple disciplines and geographies
- Demonstrated ability to identify schedule/budget risks early and implement corrective actions
- BE in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services (or equivalent)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification
- Hands-on experience in hyperscale or mission-critical data centre projects
- Familiarity with Uptime Institute certification processes (ATD, ATS, CAP, ICCA)
- Experience with global project delivery across multiple geographies/time zones
- Knowledge of UAE regulatory landscape and authority approval processes (DEWA, ADDC, Civil Defence)
- Experience with BIM workflows and coordination (Revit, Navisworks, or equivalent)
- Exceptional verbal and written communication in English
- Ability to communicate with C-suite clients, internal senior leadership, and multidisciplinary teams
- Accountability and decision-making skills
- Client-facing skills and managing senior stakeholder relationships
- Proven ability to mentor engineers and develop high-performing teams
- Strong working knowledge across multiple disciplines: HVAC & mechanical systems, electrical power systems, ELV/IBMS, architecture, and structural design
- Understanding of data center design processes
- Extended knowledge of current data center requirements, AI infrastructure, construction methods, etc
- Ability to review and understand design outputs: Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), P&ID drawings, system layouts, BIM models, equipment schedules, and technical specifications
- Understanding of how design decisions cascade across disciplines
- Familiarity with data centre standards and requirements: TIA-942, Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, ASHRAE 90.4, fire codes, and UAE regulatory landscape
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with integrated project delivery (IPD) or collaborative design methodologies
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