Senior Design Manager

Job description

Make an impact at NTT Global Data Centers Join NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported. Your role at a glance The Design and Engineering team is currently recruiting a Senior Design Manager. You will primarily support projects in Paris but will also have inputs on and/or lead projects in London, Amsterdam, and Germany and across the wider EMEA region which will include a variety of new construction, phased expansion, upgrade, and fitout projects. What we are looking for Key Responsibilities: Lead and support the end-to-end design delivery process—from defining project briefs and aligning internal stakeholders to appointing, managing, and reviewing external design vendors responsible for project design and permitting. Work closely with the assigned Project Director, Project Manager, and NTT stakeholders to ensure the design and permitting processes progress in accordance with the project brief, approved budget, and programme throughout the design and construction phases, through to handover to Operations. Undertake and/or oversee design reviews to ensure compliance with company design standards, applicable local codes, regulations, and the project brief. Provide regular progress updates to senior Design and Engineering stakeholders and the relevant Project Managers, reporting against agreed plans, budgets, and programmes. Ensure appointed third-party consultants and contractors deliver high-quality, cost-effective services and value for money. Conduct specialist technical reviews within the scope of your expertise. Drive innovation in design to enhance reliability, constructability, operational efficiency, and maintainability, while embedding sustainability in line with NTT’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Develop and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), key third-party design consultants, and equipment vendors. Build strong working relationships with colleagues across regional departments and Design and Engineering teams globally to promote knowledge sharing, consistency, and best practice. Knowledge and Attributes: Constructing a new data centre requires building and environmental permits, specialist equipment, and a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications covering the installation and operation of systems such as piping, cabling, concrete, and structural steel. The Design and Engineering team manages a broad network of external designers, specialists, and consultants responsible for producing the drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical reports required by procurement and construction teams. This enables data centres to be procured and delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of sustainability. The team is also responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and preparing the information required to secure permits and other third-party technical approvals in a timely manner. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary design delivery process, acting as the primary point of contact for NTT’s external design vendors. The role will involve collaborating with a wide range of internal stakeholders and consulting with colleagues across the Design and Engineering (D&E) team to support well-informed design decisions and ensure risks and opportunities are carefully assessed. You will also contribute to the development and promotion of best-practice processes and procedures across the Design and Engineering and wider construction teams. Qualifications and Certifications: University degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline. For UK-based roles, willingness to undergo the required security screening in accordance with BS 7858:2019. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French; proficiency in German would also be an advantage. Required Experience: Demonstrable experience in the design and delivery of data centre, mission-critical facilities, and/or comparable high-technology, MEP-intensive industries. Experience working within multidisciplinary design teams including in a lead management role. Experience in one or more of the following capacities: design consultant, client engineer, site engineer, or contractor engineer. International experience, particularly in France, with exposure to multinational consulting, contracting, or operating organisations. Experience working on projects outside your home country and ideally having lived abroad is advantageous. Physical Requirements: The role is primarily office-based and involves extended periods of sitting, with occasional walking, standing, and bending. Ability to hear and communicate effectively by telephone and video conference. Ability to perform close visual work at a computer terminal. Sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical equipment. Suitable mobility for construction-site, operational data centre and manufacturers industrial factories is required as part of the role. Work Conditions and Other Requirements: The role is primarily remote, with occasional on-site collaboration as required. Flexibility to work across multiple global time zones. Willingness to travel internationally, potentially up to approximately 50% of the time. What we can offer you: An agile company culture with short decision-making paths and many opportunities to demonstrate personal initiative. Company pension scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Flexible working arrangements, including flexible working hours and mobile working, depending on the role. Public transport allowance and bicycle scheme. Health and wellness allowance. Individual training and professional development opportunities. A range of additional benefits, including birthday vouchers, an employee advisory programme, and an employee referral scheme. Lunch allowance, company events, and much more. Please submit your application in English. We look forward to hearing from you! About the Global Data Centers division of NTT Ltd.: Global Data Centers is a division of NTT Ltd. With a presence spanning more than twenty countries and regions across North America, Europe, Africa, India, and Asia-Pacific, our global platform is one of the largest in the world. NTT is recognised by IDC as one of the top three global leaders in its Colocation and Interconnection Services Market Scape. As a carrier- and cloud-neutral operator, we provide access to multiple cloud providers, a wide range of Internet Exchanges, and numerous telecommunications network providers—including our own IPv6-compliant, Tier 1 global IP network. Our customers benefit from tailored infrastructure and consistent design and operational best practices across a global portfolio of reliable, scalable, and highly customisable data centres. Who we are As the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.