Sr. Design Manager, Data Centers

About this role

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Position Overview
JLL is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Manager to lead the coordination and integration of design activities for mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures effective collaboration among specialized design partners, drives the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes, and manages complex design coordination to deliver quality, integrated project documentation for high-performance critical facilities.
The Sr. Design Manager leads multidisciplinary design teams through the unique challenges of data center environments, including critical power systems, advanced cooling infrastructure, high-density computing loads, and stringent uptime requirements. This role bridges design intent and construction execution while maintaining focus on operational reliability, energy efficiency, and scalability of data center facilities.

Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Coordination

• Lead coordination activities among multidisciplinary design teams including data center architects, MEP engineers, electrical/power engineers, structural engineers, telecom/low voltage consultants, and specialty system designers

• Chair design coordination meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of complex interdisciplinary challenges unique to data center environments

• Review and validate design deliverables for completeness, technical accuracy, and adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, TIA-942, BICSI)

• Manage design partner schedules and milestone deliverables throughout all project phases, from concept through commissioning support

• Facilitate effective communication among design disciplines, stakeholders, operators, and end users

• Manage design scope changes and maintain comprehensive documentation of design modifications and their impact on critical systems

• Coordinate communication between design teams, construction teams, commissioning agents, and facility operations personnel

Data Center Technical Expertise

• Apply deep understanding of data center infrastructure including critical power distribution (UPS systems, generators, switchgear, PDUs), cooling systems (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, direct/indirect evaporative cooling), and network/telecommunications infrastructure

• Ensure design coordination addresses data center-specific requirements including redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1), concurrent maintainability, fault tolerance, and operational continuity

• Coordinate integration of white space (data hall) designs with support infrastructure including power rooms, mechanical plants, network equipment rooms, and building management systems

• Support coordination of hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies, airflow management, and thermal optimization

• Ensure designs accommodate high-density computing loads, emerging cooling technologies, and future capacity expansion requirements

• Coordinate fire protection systems appropriate for critical electronic environments

• Support integration of physical security systems, access control, and monitoring infrastructure

BIM Leadership & Digital Coordination

• Lead implementation of BIM execution plans, protocols, and standards specifically tailored for data center project complexity

• Develop and maintain comprehensive federated BIM models across all design disciplines with emphasis on critical systems coordination

• Lead BIM coordination sessions to proactively identify and resolve spatial conflicts, equipment clearances, maintenance access requirements, and operational constraints

• Drive BIM workflows including rigorous model quality control, clash detection protocols, and version management for complex MEP systems

• Implement digital collaboration platforms and common data environments to support geographically distributed design teams

• Produce advanced BIM deliverables including fully coordinated 3D models, comprehensive clash detection reports, installation sequencing coordination drawings, and maintenance access studies

• Establish and monitor compliance with project-specific and organizational BIM standards and data center industry best practices

• Champion adoption of emerging digital design tools and advanced BIM technologies including reality capture, digital twins, and computational design

Design RFI Management

• Manage the complete design RFI lifecycle including submission protocols, priority assessment, technical review coordination, and response distribution

• Coordinate complex RFI reviews with appropriate design partners and subject matter experts to ensure technically accurate, timely responses that maintain system integrity

• Maintain comprehensive RFI management systems and databases ensuring proper documentation of all design clarifications and their implications for interconnected systems

• Analyze RFI trends to identify systemic design issues and implement proactive resolution strategies that reduce future coordination challenges

• Interface with construction teams to clarify design intent, support field resolution, and maintain design integrity of critical systems

• Assess RFI impact on project schedule, budget, and system performance, escalating critical issues and recommending mitigation strategies

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce RFI volume through enhanced design coordination and improve response efficiency

Design…