Design Manager, Engineering - Data Centers

AtkinsRéalis•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

We are seeking a Design Manager, Engineering - Data Center Division to join our US BP&I Team. This position will be responsible for accelerating growth across all of our US growth regions (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Southwest) through the application of new approaches, strategies, technology and solutions to both existing business and emerging opportunities. The position can be based out of any of our offices and requires frequent travel across the country. This role will report to our Property Sector Lead and work across our business, in close collaboration with: Regional Leads in each growth hub Industrial Sector Lead Senior Director Innovation Business Development and Strategy (BD&S) team Technical Practice Organization (TPO) Leadership Business Units (BU’s) Leadership Chief Growth Officer Power and Renewables lead Key Account Management Team(s) This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious initiative-taker to be a key contributor to growth and expansion of our Data Center Business. You will be a key face of the company, brand ambassador, and lead for strategic growth and expansion of our full Data Center services throughout the region focused on Hyper Scalers, developers, DC Users. You will also drive our continued growth in the region focused on targeted private clients in the power, industrial, and FI markets. The Senior Director of Project Design for Data Centers will lead the development and execution of design strategies for large-scale mission-critical facilities. This role requires a strong design engineering background, deep understanding of data center architecture and building systems, and exceptional leadership skills to drive technical excellence. The successful candidate will ensure innovative, efficient, and sustainable design solutions while collaborating across multiple disciplines to deliver world-class projects for our clients. Client Development: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in client data center project teams. Act as a trusted advisor, providing design leadership and strategic insights to enhance client engagement. Technical Excellence: Establish and maintain design standards for data center projects, ensuring compliance with industry best practices. Provide thought leadership through internal technical forums and external client engagements. Champion innovation and sustainability in design solutions. Resource Development: Develop and mentor a high-performing design team, ensuring technical capability and consistency across projects. Serve as the primary point of contact for design engineering expertise within the organization. Technology & Market Analysis: Conduct market research to identify emerging technologies, design trends, and competitive landscape. Drive strategic partnerships with suppliers and technology providers at regional and national levels. Collaboration: Work closely with architecture, engineering, procurement, and project management teams to ensure integrated design delivery. Facilitate cross-functional coordination to achieve project milestones and client satisfaction. Project Delivery: Oversee design execution for multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment with client objectives and business goals. Provide project leadership with financial accountability for design scope and deliverables. Reporting: Prepare and present executive-level reports on design progress, technical developments, supplier engagements, and industry trends. Your role You will be a leader in the business, demonstrating collaboration and cohesion while driving dedicated support for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. You will be a strong ally for our ERGs. Responsible for growth, supporting and collaborating with company leadership to develop and execute a strategic and tactical business plan across our business units for emerging businesses. Possess broad market awareness and provides market and competitive analysis. Establishes, nurtures, and grows client relationships and serves as Key Account Manager (KAM) for select client(s). Coordinates nationally with the senior leadership of the P&PS BU with the aim to build a stronger business around the application of technology to Data Centers. Assist with organic growth by identifying and recruiting strategic hires to win and deliver work in the region. Identifies, leads, and participates in key pursuits and teaming strategies. Coordinates, represents and promotes the company at networking events, professional and industry associations, society meetings, conferences, and tradeshows. Actively participate on social media channels building our brand, and working with communications on external thought leadership articles and campaigns.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in business, marketing, science, construction or engineering or related field or 20+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
15+ years of business development in the Construction industry.
Broad knowledge of clients and infrastructure markets in the region.
Knowledge of and relationships with local governments and private sector entities and the consulting community in the market.
Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Knowledge and experience in the pursuit of alternative delivery opportunities including design-build; CMAR; and P3s.
Existing relationships with other consulting firms and contractors to facilitate teaming.
Initiative-taker requiring limited oversight.
Analytical thinker but focused on tactical execution.
Effective team building and collaboration skills with ability to thrive in a highly collaborative team environment.
Affiliations with professional societies and active industry and community involvement.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in client data center project teams.
Act as a trusted advisor, providing design leadership and strategic insights to enhance client engagement.
Establish and maintain design standards for data center projects, ensuring compliance with industry best practices.
Provide thought leadership through internal technical forums and external client engagements.
Champion innovation and sustainability in design solutions.
Develop and mentor a high-performing design team, ensuring technical capability and consistency across projects.
Serve as the primary point of contact for design engineering expertise within the organization.
Conduct market research to identify emerging technologies, design trends, and competitive landscape.
Drive strategic partnerships with suppliers and technology providers at regional and national levels.
Work closely with architecture, engineering, procurement, and project management teams to ensure integrated design delivery.
Facilitate cross-functional coordination to achieve project milestones and client satisfaction.
Oversee design execution for multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment with client objectives and business goals.
Provide project leadership with financial accountability for design scope and deliverables.
Prepare and present executive-level reports on design progress, technical developments, supplier engagements, and industry trends.
Responsible for growth, supporting and collaborating with company leadership to develop and execute a strategic and tactical business plan across our business units for emerging businesses.
Possess broad market awareness and provides market and competitive analysis.
Establishes, nurtures, and grows client relationships and serves as Key Account Manager (KAM) for select client(s).
Coordinates nationally with the senior leadership of the P&PS BU with the aim to build a stronger business around the application of technology to Data Centers.
Assist with organic growth by identifying and recruiting strategic hires to win and deliver work in the region.
Identifies, leads, and participates in key pursuits and teaming strategies.
Coordinates, represents and promotes the company at networking events, professional and industry associations, society meetings, conferences, and tradeshows.
Actively participate on social media channels building our brand, and working with communications on external thought leadership articles and campaigns.