Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
As Design Manager, you will take a senior role representing a confidential strategic client in the delivery of a major hyperscale data centre programme in the Alentejo Litoral region of Portugal. Acting as an extension of the developer’s organisation, you will oversee the design function on behalf of the client, providing the oversight and governance typically expected from a developer’s in-house design function, while informing and supporting the client’s decision-making team.
You will oversee the contractor’s design team, the client’s internal design team and the PMO’s design function, ensuring design outputs meet the developer’s technical, commercial and programme objectives. The role requires a strong multi-discipline technical foundation across CSA and MEP, combined with the ability to manage large, multi-party design teams and report clearly upstream to client executive stakeholders.
This is a hands-on, high-ownership position for a senior design professional who is comfortable operating at the client-side table, holding consultants and contractors to account, and driving design quality, coordination, and progress throughout the project lifecycle.
This is a Full-time role based predominantly in the client’s Lisbon head office, with site visits to the programme in the Alentejo Litoral region as required.
Lisbon-based candidates are preferred; FIFO (fly-in / fly-out) on a weekly rotation may be considered for the right candidate.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Acting as the senior design representative on behalf of the developer, providing owner’s representation across all design matters on the programme.
- Coordinating the PMO team to oversee the performance of the contractor’s design team, the client’s design team and the PMO’s design role, to enable alignment with the developer’s design intent, technical standards and programme objectives.
- Assisting in defining and implementing the developer’s design governance, technical standards and reporting frameworks to protect the client’s position throughout delivery.
- Overseeing multi-discipline design coordination across CSA and MEP packages, ensuring interface management, construct ability, and compliance with the employer’s requirements.
- Assisting in the design review, approval and change management process, ensuring technical integrity is maintained while protecting cost, programme and quality outcomes.
- Overseeing design inputs to procurement and tendering activity across CSA and MEP packages, supporting technical evaluation of bids, clarification workshops and award recommendations.
- Overseeing and directing the wider design team, consultants and technical specialists supporting the programme, ensuring consistency, quality and pace of delivery.
- Providing clear, timely technical and design reporting to enable senior client decision-making, translating complex engineering detail into concise upstream communication.
- Maintaining strong design control and technical discipline across all contractors and consultants, proactively managing design risk, RFIs, clarifications and technical disputes.
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with the client’s executive team, design consultants, contractors and supply chain partners.
You’ll need to have:
- 7+ years’ experience in design management/design team management, engineering or architectural delivery across major capital projects, with a demonstrable track record at senior level.
- Data centre experience is essential - ideally across hyperscale or AI-ready developments.
- Proven experience operating client-side or on behalf of a developer, with the gravitas and judgement to represent the client at executive level.
- Strong multi-discipline technical knowledge spanning CSA and MEP, with the ability to interrogate design submissions across all packages.
- Proven track record managing large, multi-party design teams across contractor, client and PMO organisations.
- Strong reporting and communication skills, with a demonstrable ability to distil technical complexity into clear upstream reporting for executive audiences.
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Chartered status (CEng, MRIBA or equivalent) is desirable.
- Fluent English is required; working proficiency in Portuguese an advantage.
- A collaborative, team-focused approach with the ability to influence at all levels.
- A proactive, delivery-focused mindset with the confidence to set technical direction and hold others to account.
What we offer:
- A senior client-side role on one of the most significant data centre programmes in Iberia.
- Real ownership, influence and visibility at executive level from day one.
- A collaborative and supportive team environment with senior-led delivery.
- Exposure to complex, fast-paced projects with leading clients shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
Our values
Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.
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