We are seeking a highly motivated Design Manager based in Madrid to join our growing engineering and operations team delivering cutting-edge data centre projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a Design Manager to lead mission-critical infrastructure programmes in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment.
This is an outside IR35 / contractor position, offering flexibility and the opportunity for a Design Manager to manage high-impact projects in Madrid.
Key Responsibilities
As a Design Manager, you will oversee the design coordination and technical delivery of mechanical and electrical systems across multiple projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and fully integrated design solutions:
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams of engineers, designers, and consultants to deliver coordinated M&E design packages.
- Pre-construction (Precon) Leadership:Coordinate with clients, architects, and consultants during concept and detailed design stages to ensure alignment with project objectives.
- Lead feasibility studies, design reviews, and early-stage planning activities.
- Review design packages, identify risks, and ensure constructability, compliance, and cost efficiency.
- Prepare preconstruction reports, technical proposals, and value engineering assessments.
- Oversee design delivery from concept through to IFC (Issued for Construction) stage, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are achieved.
- Ensure all designs comply with Spanish and EU regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.
- Support site teams during installation, testing, and commissioning by resolving technical queries and ensuring design intent is maintained.
- Drive value engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives across all design phases.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution.
Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience working as a Design Manager on M&E projects, ideally within data centres or mission-critical environments.
- Strong preconstruction and design coordination experience.
- Background in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, power generation, or oil & gas is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and building services systems.
- Proficiency in BIM and design tools such as Revit, Navisworks, and MS Project.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English is essential; Spanish language skills are highly desirable.
What’s on Offer
- Contractor engagement outside IR35
- Competitive day rate
- Opportunity for a Design Manager to work on high-profile, mission-critical data centre projects based in Madrid
- Flexible working arrangements (project dependent)
- Exposure to complex engineering challenges and diverse industries
- Supportive and collaborative working environment