Design Manager- 12 months FTC

Department: Project Management

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Amsterdam

Description

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate design development across all disciplines (Architectural, Structural, CSA, MEP, Fire, Security, ICT).
•  Lead design workshops, technical reviews and cross-discipline coordination meetings.
• Ensure design deliverables are aligned with Data Centre standards including Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, NFPA, EN standards and client‑specific requirements.
• Drive consistency and accuracy across drawings, specifications, schedules and BIM models.

• Develop and maintain design programmes, tracking deliverables and identifying risks early.
• Ensure design outputs support buildability, commissioning, phasing, and critical programme milestones.
• Oversee change control, design risk registers and decision logs.
• Lead value-engineering exercises while protecting safety, quality and operational resilience.

• Act as primary point of contact for design queries across client, contractor and consultant teams.
•  Support client governance processes, presenting design updates, risk summaries and technical recommendations.
• Facilitate alignment between global Data Centre standards and local regulatory requirements (planning, building control, fire certification, etc.).

• Local building regulations (UK, EU member states).
• Mission‑critical facility standards (cooling, UPS, generators, electrical redundancy, containment).
• Safety-in-design principles and CDM responsibilities.
• Review technical submittals, vendor designs, equipment selections and interface matrices.
• Information Management & Documentation
• Manage document control processes, design trackers and approved-for-construction packages.
• Ensure integration of BIM workflows and correct data exchange protocols.
•  Maintain clear and accurate project records for audit, commissioning and handover.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator in Data Centre, mission‑critical, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing or other highly technical sectors.
• Strong MEP understanding, particularly HV/LV distribution, cooling technologies, redundancy strategies and containment systems.
• Experience working across multiple RIBA stages (or European equivalents such as HOAI or SIA).
• Ability to interpret complex technical documents and coordinate large multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrable experience managing design on fast‑track or hyper‑scale Data Centre projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Professional membership (RIBA, CEng, MCIBSE, MICE, CIOB) or working towards chartership.
• Experience working across different European jurisdictions and regulatory systems.
• Understanding of BIM Level 2+ processes and digital design collaboration platforms.
• Knowledge of hyperscale client standards 

RLB Employee Benefits

• Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance.
• Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
• Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.
• Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including professional membership subscriptions.
• Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
• Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.