Location: London, United Kingdom
We are seeking a highly skilled CSA Design Manager to lead the design and delivery of mechanical, electrical, and critical systems for mission-critical data centre projects in London. This is a hands-on management role, combining technical expertise with pre-construction leadership, multidisciplinary coordination, and project oversight.
This is an outside IR35 / contractor position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work on high-impact, high-profile projects.
Key Responsibilities
As CSA Design Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end design delivery of critical M&E systems across multiple data centre projects:
- Lead mechanical, electrical, and critical systems (CSA) design for Tier 2–4 data centres, from concept through commissioning.
- Pre-construction (Precon) Leadership:
- Lead feasibility studies, technical reviews, and early-stage design planning.
- Review design packages, identify risks, and ensure constructability, compliance, and cost efficiency.
- Prepare precon reports, technical proposals, and value engineering recommendations.
- Coordinate with clients, architects, and consultants during conceptual and detailed design stages.
- Oversee detailed design development, technical documentation, and design coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
- Conduct site visits, manage technical queries, and provide guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning.
- Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, UK regulations, and client requirements.
- Drive value engineering, operational efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation initiatives.
- Mentor and manage junior engineers, designers, and project team members.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery, budget compliance, and timely project execution.
Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Proven experience as a CSA / M&E Design Manager in data centre or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Strong preconstruction and early-stage design coordination experience.
- Experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical, power generation, or oil & gas industries is highly desirable.
- Expert knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and building services systems, including critical systems for uptime and redundancy.
- Proficient with design software: BIM, Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and project management tools.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate complex projects.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English.
What’s on Offer
- Contractor engagement outside IR35
- Competitive day rate
- Opportunity to manage high-profile, mission-critical data centre projects in London
- Flexible working arrangements (project dependent)
- Exposure to complex engineering challenges and innovative data centre systems
- Supportive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment
If you are an experienced CSA Design Manager with a track record of delivering critical M&E systems in data centres, and enjoy leading design teams from pre-construction through to handover, we encourage you to apply.