Principal Design Manager (Data Centres) – London, Bicester or Newcastle upon Tyne

Overview

As Principal Design Manager for Data Centres, you lead high‑quality client engagement, team leadership, and complex project delivery across regions. You’ll ensure design quality, risk management, and performance against contracts while developing sub-consultant and internal processes. You guide business development and mentorship, maintaining RED’s ethics, collaboration, and innovation culture. The role offers exposure to large-scale, mission-critical projects within a global, sustainability-driven firm.

Pay / Benefits

• 23 days annual leave rising to 28
• Hybrid Working
• Contributory company pension
• Healthcare Scheme
• Non-contractual bonus awards
• Training sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Manage client and stakeholder engagement and internal team leadership
• Ensure QA/QC and project performance in line with contract and company policy
• Oversee pre- and post-contract project management and supplier/sub-consultant coordination
• Develop and monitor integrated design schedules, milestones, and deliverables
• Lead performance reviews, mentoring, and development of project teams
• Contribute to commercial planning, invoicing processes, and financial management
• Draft and manage sub-consultant contracts, scope alignment, and change control
• Coordinate with statutory bodies, planning approvals, and client approvals
• chair Project, Programme, and Design Team meetings and drive integrated design programmes
• Support delivery through RED Project Delivery Process, including risk management and reporting
• Maintain brand reputation and core values of ethics, integrity, collaboration, and innovation
• Ensure safe and compliant design work aligned with UK/European standards
• Travel regularly to service international projects and customers

Key requirements

• BEng in appropriate engineering discipline
• MCIBSE/MIEE/IMechE Professional Membership
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status
• 10+ years of senior engineer experience
• Proven experience with design management tools and procedures
• Strong client and supplier relationship skills
• Ability to mentor teams and contribute to business growth
• Strong project/programming and reporting capabilities
• Good knowledge of contract law and H&S issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or similar tools
• Experience delivering projects with fees up to 5m
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team
• Excellent communication and meeting facilitation skills

• enthusiastic and driven
• strong client relationship ability
• mentoring and team leadership
• Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint)
• Microsoft Project or similar Project Programming Tools
• it-based calculation and spreadsheet software

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