Design Manager for Global Data Center Projects

Company Description

ARK Architecture and Research Kinetics is a Design and BIM Management firm providing comprehensive design services for buildings and infrastructure. The firm supports clients from the planning and design, construction phase (4D, 5D support included) through to post-construction, operations, management, and Digital Twins. ARK ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, to the highest standards of quality, and operate sustainably and efficiently.

Location: Hybrid (within NCR , with ability to support projects in the Indian Ocean regions)

Role Description

ARCHITECTURE AND RESEARCH KINETICS is seeking a highly driven and execution-focused Design Manager to lead and manage the design process across multiple data-center projects. In this pivotal role, you'll be responsible for directly managing external Engineering/Architectural (EA) firms to ensure timely, high-quality, and constructible design deliverables for a portfolio of 5–10 active sites. You'll act as the vital link between design, construction, and scheduling, ensuring seamless alignment, proactive issue resolution, and continuous forward momentum on projects within India and the broader Indian Ocean regions.

This is a full-time hybrid role for a Design Manager for Global Data-Center Projects, located in New Delhi, with work-from-home/ remote working flexibility. The Design Manager will oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of design projects. The role involves managing design teams, ensuring design quality and standards, collaborating with stakeholders, and addressing any project challenges or risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day coordination and oversight of EA firms across multiple data center design projects.
• Drive alignment between design deliverables, construction milestones, procurement schedules, and local permitting requirements.
• Ensure EA firms adhere to program standards, design quality, and delivery timelines.
• Manage design progress tracking, change control, and issue resolution across project teams.
• Interface closely with construction managers, procurement leads, and client stakeholders to maintain robust design-construction alignment.
• Coordinate design review cycles, support design package issuance, and track close-out documentation.
• Lead or support meetings to capture design actions, RFIs (Requests for Information), and critical path items, ensuring clear accountability and diligent follow-through.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in design or construction management within the mission-critical / data-center sector.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary EA firms across large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Deep understanding of the data center design lifecycle, including MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, local permitting workflows, and integration with construction schedules.
• Strong coordination, issue-resolution, and communication skills in a fast-paced delivery environment.
• Experience with large capital programs and navigating cross-functional teams across regions, especially within India and Indian Ocean territories.
• Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and design software
• Familiarity with tools such as Bluebeam, Procore, Revit, BIM 360, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and coordination
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with various stakeholders
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
• Certification in Data-Center Design or management is a plus

Why Join ARCHITECTURE AND RESEARCH KINETICS?

At ARCHITECTURE AND RESEARCH KINETICS, we operate with a hands-on, execution-first mindset. We support some of the most innovative infrastructure programs and value team members who thrive in fast-moving, highly collaborative environments. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a direct impact on data-center development while working alongside a world-class team.