Design Manager

About the role

The Design Manager will lead the design management process for data centre or mission‑critical construction projects within CTS Group’s EMEA portfolio. Reporting to the Design Director, you will coordinate multidisciplinary consultants, ensure BIM‑driven design quality, and deliver projects on time, within budget and compliant with regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Own and manage the design programme, aligning deliverables with procurement and construction sequencing.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, MEP and specialist design consultants, chairing regular design meetings.
• Maintain the design deliverables register and information release schedule for timely procurement and construction.
• Oversee BIM coordination, clash detection and compliance with the project’s BIM Execution Plan.
• Review designs for quality, code compliance, buildability and alignment with client requirements.
• Lead value‑engineering and design‑optimisation initiatives balancing cost, schedule and resilience.
• Manage design risk, change logs and assess programme/cost impacts of modifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and permitting authorities for licensing and approvals.
• Control the design budget, consultant fees and flag commercial risks.
• Supervise and mentor Junior Design Managers.

Required profile

• Degree in Architecture, Civil/Structural, MEP Engineering or Construction Management.
• 5–10 years of experience in design management or coordination, preferably on data centre, mission‑critical or large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven engineering background (Mechanical or Electrical) and recent data centre experience.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, power/cooling topology and redundancy concepts (N+1, 2N, Tier ratings).

Required skills

• Revit
• Navisworks
• AutoCAD
• BIM 360 / ACC or Aconex
• MS Project or Primavera P6
• Knowledge of Portuguese/EU construction regulations