Expression of Interest: Design Managers

Expression of Interest: Design Managers

Register your interest for future Design Manager opportunities (all levels) at Kao Data- Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!

Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.

We are looking for candidates to register their interest for future Design Manager roles (all levels) in the Design and Construction Team at Kao Data. We might not have the right role open right now, but that doesn’t mean we’re not interested. Apply and Register your interest, and we’ll be in touch if something suitable comes up that matches your skills and experience.

Design and Construction at Kao Data is the engine behind our high-performance digital infrastructure. Our multidisciplinary team integrates architectural design, structural engineering, and advanced construction methodologies to deliver hyperscale data centres with precision and speed. Leveraging BIM, modular construction, and sustainable design principles, we optimise every phase - from concept to commissioning. It’s a dynamic environment for professionals who thrive on technical complexity, innovation, and delivering mission-critical facilities that power the future of AI and cloud computing.

About the Role

The Design Managers at Kao Data are a core part of the design function, responsible for setting the technical and engineering direction of the business.

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to provide design and engineering leadership across one or more projects, from early development (RIBA Stage 0) through to customer occupation (RIBA Stage 6).

The primary requirement of this role—and of the wider design function—is the delivery of practical, applied engineering solutions that support Kao Data’s real estate objectives. All design solutions are bespoke and developed with consideration for broader business needs, including operational and programme requirements. Decisions are made based on necessity and, where appropriate, may be deferred to ensure key delivery milestones are achieved.

The Design Manager acts as the lead technical authority for all external professional teams engaged on a project, ensuring that the Basis of Design and project brief are fully incorporated. Disciplines typically reporting directly to the Design Manager, on both customer and contractor sides, include Civil, Structural and Architectural (CSA) and Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP).

Project Managers, cost consultants and legal advisors are managed by the Delivery Manager, who works as an equal partner to the Design Manager. Together, the Design Manager and Delivery Manager collaborate closely to ensure the successful delivery of each project.

The Design Manager is supported by internal, discipline-specific Subject Matter Experts, as well as other business functions, to oversee projects through to completion. External professional teams operate under the Design Manager’s direction to deliver fully compliant, high-quality design solutions aligned with Kao Data standards.

Key Responsibilities

• The Design Manager supports the Design Function and the wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT) throughout the development lifecycle from inception and pre-construction to post construction & commissioning phases or a project.

• Concepts through to design shall be primarily based on aligning with the Kao Data go to market product. Throughout this process the DM shall work with the DM and Quantity Surveyor to ensure that the cost plan captures the design and engineering needs. Upon completion of the design and appointment of the contractor the delivery manager shall commence the change control process. The DM shall support the delivery manager providing technical sign off prior to any instructed change. Manage and collaborate with external consultants to audit, evaluate and resolve engineering challenges including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, public health, structural, and civil.

• Coordinating and directing external consultants and liaising with the internal (or outsourced) operations team and contractors based on the activities underway, providing guidance and completing the tasks necessary to ensure those third parties can maintain their work delivery programmes and the expectations of the business.

• Interpreting and responding creatively to time critical Request for Proposals (RFP's) and Request for Information (RFI's) with a specific focus on the design of the DC infrastructure solutions that will differentiate Kao Data in the market. Solutions may include cost, procurement and programme elements and be co-ordinated with the wider Kao Data Business.

• Solution non project related workstreams that contribute to the success of the business from an operational or customer perspective.

• Attending and contributing project co-ordination, consultant, contractor, team meetings and any other meetings, as required.

• Collaborate and support other design and engineering team members including but not limited to commissioning managers, delivery managers, Life cycle engineers, solutions architects and development.

• Prepare weekly reports for projects or workstreams detailing progress, challenges and successes to the Design and Engineering Director

• Maintain accurate records of all testing activities, issues identified, and solutions implemented.

• Work with technical teams to develop operation and maintenance documentation and provide technical training to the operations team.

• Maintaining standards and accurate records (drawings and specifications) of all infrastructure installations and related shell buildings.

• Ensuring all architectural and engineering record documents, including updates for future customer deployments accurately reflect the M&E services deployment and are kept up to date on a continuous basis.

• Ensuring the Data Centre infrastructure is effectively monitored by the environmental building management systems are updated and tested during each phase and at the completion of each development. Oversee the commissioning of EPMS and Customer portal systems.

• Foster a collaborative working environment, promoting communication and

What We’re Looking For:

• Specialist technical knowledge and ability in an engineering discipline.

• Extensive experience in data centre engineering or a similar role in mission-critical environments (e.g., hospitals, telecom).

• Proven track record for designing and overseeing the construction of a data centre or mission critical infrastructure.

• Excellent Experience managing a design team of all engineering disciplines

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Civil or relevant Engineering disciplines

• Professional certification (e.g., PE, CxA, LEED) is desirable.

• Familiarity with data centre standards and certifications (e.g., Uptime Institute, Tier

• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including power distribution, HVAC, fire suppression, and controls.

• Familiarity with data centre infrastructure, including generators, UPS systems, cooling systems, and BMS (Building Management Systems).

• Experience with performance testing, integrated systems testing, and troubleshooting.

• Experience with using AutoCAD and Bluebeam

• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Why Kao Data?

• Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader.

• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

• Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections

• Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.

• Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays

• Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension

• Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave

• Life Assurance & Income Protection

• Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders

• Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.

• Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme

• Optical Benefit

• Access to Unum’s Help@Hand