Role: Design Project Manager – AI Hyperscale Data Centres
Location: London
Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Design Project Manager to lead design coordination and delivery for AI hyperscale data centre projects across the UK and Europe within a well established Engineering firm, rapidly expanding into the Data Centres market.
This is a highly client-facing role requiring exceptional stakeholder management, technical leadership, and delivery oversight across multi-disciplinary teams, including MEP, civil, structural, architectural, and critical infrastructure specialists.
The role will focus on ensuring that design outputs meet client expectations for uptime, scalability, and operational excellence, while maintaining program, cost, and compliance objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary client-facing point for all design-related matters, building strong relationships and providing technical guidance
- Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams (MEP, civil, structural, architectural, security, fire, ICT) across concept, detailed, and IFC stages
- Oversee design of critical infrastructure systems, including power (HV/MV/LV), cooling, networking, and redundancy for AI-focused hyperscale operations
- Ensure design alignment with client requirements, uptime targets (Tier III/IV), sustainability goals, and industry standards (TIA-942, ISO, Uptime Institute guidelines)
- Manage design risk, clash resolution, change control, and approvals across UK and European sites
- Support procurement strategy by producing design packages, specifications, and scope for critical equipment and systems
- Coordinate closely with commissioning and operations teams to ensure designs are buildable, maintainable, and operationally efficient
- Drive value engineering initiatives without compromising resilience, uptime, or SLAs
- Maintain program, budget, and design quality reporting to client stakeholders and senior leadership
- Ensure cross-border regulatory, planning, and statutory compliance where applicable
- Mentor and guide design teams to deliver high-quality, integrated design solutions on time and on budget
Core Competencies:
- Strong client-facing presence with proven ability to manage expectations and influence decision-making
- Expert in hyperscale/AI data centre design, including critical systems, power, cooling, and ICT infrastructure
- Program and project management experience across multi-country delivery
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience in NEC or equivalent contracts, RFPs, tender evaluation, and procurement coordination
Qualifications / Experience:
- Proven track record managing design and delivery for hyperscale, AI, or mission-critical data centres
- Relevant engineering/technical qualifications (MEP, electrical, mechanical, or civil)
- Prince2, PMP, or similar project management certification desirable
- Experience working with international clients across Europe bonus