Senior Design Manager

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Senior Design Manager - CMH

Does the thought of joining one of the fastest-growing, privately held data center companies sound exciting to you? Do you enjoy collaborating with team members to drive and operate some of the industry’s leading and most innovative infrastructure solutions?

At Aligned Data Centers, not only do we celebrate success across our platform, we celebrate the very teams that drive and support that success! Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of operational excellence. We are a company dedicated to driving positive change in the industry through continuous data center innovation, diversity and inclusion, and corporate sustainability.

We realize not only is providing a comprehensive benefits package important, but we also provide a generous 401k match with immediate vesting, free membership to Gympass which provides our employees a rich health and wellness benefit and competitive time off plan. Giving back and having fun is important to our team whether it be serving our communities or employee and customer events. Our Aligned DNA is what makes us unique and successful!

As part of our exciting growth, we are currently searching for a Senior Design Manager.

This individual will support all aspects of major technical programs that are targeting both colocation and hyperscale builds, including oversight of employees and third-party organizations engaged in the preconstruction, design and construction phases. Working under supervision, this role requires strong communication skills, and demonstrates advanced organizational and time management competencies. A successful Design Manager with Aligned will possess a hunger to drive efficiencies and innovation, the humility to understand we are all working together during the construction process, and a heart to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers and vendors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive projects from inception through customer or business turnover, with heavy focus and leadership in the preconstruction and design phases of projects. The Design Manager assumes project lead role at design hand-off meeting from the land enablement team and shifts overall project leadership to the Construction Manager (CM) at GC mobilization.

• In conjunction with CM, supports day-to-day program activities and initiatives (engage with architects, consultants, equipment providers, GCs, etc. Coordinate all project activities with building Operations while promoting safety and compliance initiatives and requirements on site.

• Performs as the primary support role to the CM from GC mobilization to turnover to Operations.

• Integrates with the sales and solutions engineering teams during the revenue generation process to meet with customers and ensure technical deliverables are met.

• Interfaces with customers through fit out design, construction and integration; accountable to successful delivery of customer contracts.

• Manages the project with the business in mind and works to ensure the project is meeting directives of CRC/SLT/Board.

• Operates with a constant mindset of continuous improvement, creativity, efficiency and innovation.

• Lead several design management project teams with the possibility of growing into leadership of multiple projects within multiple buildings in a campus or region, directly responsible for the accountability of direct reports for the duties and responsibilities listed above.

Direct Accountabilities Include:

• Coordination/communication with the land enablement group to ensure success with offsite improvements, early permitting, easements and environmental studies.
• Coordination/creation of project risk registers from land enablement phase through project completion/turnover to Aligned Operations

Project Design Management:

• Lead/coordinate onboarding of third-party design team and creation of design schedule to support project needs.
• Oversee management of external third-party design team through project completion/turnover to Aligned Operations.
• Drive review and management of design deliverables; including stakeholder review and comment cycles.
• Hold design team accountable to design progression and design gating.
• Work with SMEs, Operations, and CMs to ensure design compliance with Aligned Design Efficiency Capture (DEC).
• Identifies design variances, tracks them and manages acquisition of necessary approvals, as required.
• Enforce design team’s accountability to Aligned’s Cost Control Log (CCL) and Complies, Deviates, Excludes (CDE) matrices.
• Operates in lockstep with the CM on each project to ensure proper communications/escalations and regular reporting to all internal and external parties and leadership/management.
• Creates, manages and updates project metrics in Smartsheets (project dashboards) for each project.
• Owns or directs all administrative duties related to design management process.
• Assists CM with building and maintaining budget/cost models/all phases’ budgets for each project, specifically around design costs and timelines. Works with CM to prepare and present all funding requests.
• Coordinates with CM to prepare and present quarterly project updates for leadership.
• Conduct technical review of construction plans with understanding of architectural design within data center environment. Communicate conceptual designs to multiple internal Aligned teams with required project documentation prior to and during construction.
• Cross reference to customer requirements as needed.

STRONGLY DESIRED WORKING EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Design engineering experience

• Building design process and design deliverables management

• Management of design teams

• Exposure to IPD, Design-Build, and/or construction management

• Data center design/construction experience, specifically with MEP systems

• Project Management Software (MS Projects, Prolog, Procore, BIM 360, or similar)

• Knowledge and experience working with CAD is a plus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or equivalent

• 9+ years progressive experience in successfully managing commercial construction project design programs, with data center experience strongly preferred.

• Mechanical/Electrical background preferred

• Advanced experience in Excel, Smartsheets and/or AutoCAD

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to multi-task, with strong time and change management / organizational skills

• Ability to always maintain discretion and confidentiality

• Ability to understand and follow clear directions and meet specific deadlines with reporting, communication, and project schedules

• Team player across the organization with strong communication skills

• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications

• Knowledge of construction cost estimating methods and development of scopes of work

• Ability to understand construction project scopes

• Able to monitor and interpret design and schedule changes and forecast their impact on overall project costs

• May travel, at times, up to 25%

GENERAL COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.

• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; assist in developing budgets and experience understanding reporting budgets/financials; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.

• Change Management – Assists in the Development of workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Team Player with Strong Communications skills; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Team Player across the organization; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

• Project Management - Develops project plans; Develops Budgets for projects; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand/walk/sit

• Frequently required to bend/climb

• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity

• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts

COMPENSATION:

• $150,000 - $210,000 + Bonus

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants. FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay: Includes sick and safe leave as required by Maryland law

• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)

• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage

• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.