Design Manager

Ares Technology Consultants, LLC

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and highly driven Design Manager to lead the design and construction administration of mission-critical and data center projects. This role is responsible for owning the full design lifecycle, from concept through construction and final project closeout. The Design Manager serves as the technical and design authority, ensuring all disciplines are fully integrated and aligned with project goals. Success in this role means delivering coordinated, code-compliant, and constructible designs that maintain design intent, quality, schedule, and budget through commissioning.

Requirements

Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design for data centers or mission-critical facilities
Strong knowledge of building systems including electrical, mechanical, and cooling infrastructure
Familiarity with industry standards such as IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and Uptime Institute Tier classifications
Experience with BIM and Revit coordination processes
Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary design efforts across architecture, structural, MEP, fire and life safety, low-voltage, security, DAS, and BMS/EPMS systems
Develop and maintain the Basis of Design (BOD) aligned with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
Manage design progression through Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents
Establish clear milestones, deliverables, and design budgets
Conduct regular check-ins with leadership and stakeholders
Coordinate critical power and cooling infrastructure, including redundancy strategies such as N+1 and 2N configurations
Oversee BIM and Revit coordination, including clash detection and constructability reviews
Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards including IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, Uptime Institute criteria, and local AHJ requirements
Collaborate with internal design leadership as needed
Review submittments, shop drawings, and product data
Respond to RFIs accurately and within agreed timelines
Issue design clarifications and instructions and evaluate change orders for scope and cost impact
Participate in site observations, OAC meetings, and commissioning activities
Support project closeout, punch lists, and integrated systems testing
Manage design scope, fees, and resources across internal teams and external consultants
Develop and maintain design schedules aligned with procurement and construction timelines
Identify risks, manage assumptions, and drive value engineering initiatives
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on design-related matters
Lead design reviews and coordinate approvals with authorities having jurisdiction and utilities
Communicate project status, risks, and key decisions to stakeholders at all levels
Lead, mentor, and develop design staff while setting clear expectations and accountability
Establish and enforce QA and QC processes at each design milestone
Promote a culture centered on constructability, operability, and continuous improvement
Develop and maintain design standards, templates, and repeatable solutions
Support consultant selection, scoping, and performance evaluation