Design Manager at NTT DATA North America in Surprise, AZ

Make an impact at NTT Global Data Centers

Join NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.

Your role at a glance The Design Manager is a key member of the Global Infrastructure Development team and a significant contributor to the Design/Build/Operate effort. This person works closely with the Director of Design to manage one or more data center design projects in collaboration with internal discipline leaders and cross-functional teams. The Design Manager is responsible for overseeing design development as well as the production of construction documents and specifications. This effort involves coordination between NTT GDC Americas, Inc. experts and outside consultants including structural, mechanical, electrical, and Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects. The Design Manager is also responsible for managing consultant contracts. Their duties will extend to non-technical, or accounting tasks related to the delivery of the work. The Design Manager requires a creative, detail-oriented problem solver with excellent communication skills that can achieve high quality standards while carefully considering cost and feasibility factors. This position requires good judgment to meet project objectives, with the ability to collaborate and manage the accountabilities of a diverse interdisciplinary team focused on creating and maintaining the best Data Center environments in our industry.

What we are looking for

essential duties & responsibilities

• Preparation and execution of Architectural and Engineering Consultant Agreements defining Scope of Work, Scope of Services and Fees based on Owner’s Project Requirements, design standards, and system specifications.
• Preparing scope of work, scope of services, and solicitations for services including Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals; evaluation of same and justification for selection.
• Ensuring there is alignment and accountabilities between Owner’s requirements and Construction Documents provided to Construction and Supply Chain. Manage the quality and timeliness of the AE’s performance.
• Review and approval of consultant invoices.
• Interaction with AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) for initial planning, requirements identification and approvals, and maintaining relations from the approval process through project completion.
• Prepares monthly project specific design work plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Effective daily management of the project design team (internal and external) and Equipment Suppliers to ensure the provision of required level of services in a pro-active and professional manner to enable other departments to fulfil their role.
• Assign and manage workload of Consultants to ensure they do not get overwhelmed, which may lead to quality issues.
• Ensure all potential/ongoing projects are properly documented, designed, and priced per customer/lease requirements.
• Participation as Owner’s representative in AOC and OAC meetings; keeping all levels of internal stakeholders knowledgeable of design elements and changes; coordinating design presentations between Owner group and AE Consultants.
• Contributes to the continuous development of program standards and specifications.
• Provide guidance to all verticals regarding most efficient & best cost solutions.
• Assist Product Team and Construction Team on pricing by providing equipment and design guidelines.
• As requested, assists with existing facilities’ capital and Tenant Improvement projects.
• Develops design concepts for new projects based on Owner’s Project Requirements and the project business case.
• Review appropriateness of design based on locality specifics, convention, local experience, climate, workforce, and existing standards.
• Responsible for ensuring that design standards are followed unless project conditions warrant deviations. If so, obtain consensus and document.
• Be proactive in leading efforts to develop PRO/CON and cost impact reports and present to the team for consensus.
• Presents design solutions to internal department representatives and/or Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
• Coordinates Site/Project Due Diligence Studies.
• Supervises and conducts QA/QC reviews of project documentation.
• Controls expenditures within limitations of project budget and manage a Value Analysis process to manage scope to achieve project cost targets.
• All aspects of the design should be overseen / approved by the appropriate team, especially when exceptions/changes are proposed.
• Collaboration with Product Team, Sales/ Sales Engineering, and Operations as to product to build, options and timeline, and provide solutions to meet project goals.
• Collaborate when needed to discuss new process efficiencies and/or new products and/or datacenter configurations.
• Oversee consultant strategy and review.
• Provide design input and comments in team meetings and formulate solutions to allow the tenant’s needs to be satisfied within the building constraints.
• In the case of specific customer requirements to interpret, explain, verify, coordinate, and implement the Basis of Design set forth by the customer such that they are 100% satisfied they are receiving what is requested. Ensure this is 100% documented for reference.
• All aspects of the design should be overseen / approved by the appropriate team, especially when exceptions/changes are proposed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of contractual and building regulation obligations.
• Ability to understand and interpret design and construction drawings/specifications, project schedules, detailed budgets and estimate summaries.
• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of a construction project, specifically data centers or equivalent industrial facilities with an emphasis on Mechanical, Electrical, Process, security/monitoring, and fire detection/suppression, and Control systems. Experience with managing IT design projects is a plus.
• Coordination and project management skills.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Familiarity with Building Code in jurisdictions where RDC is active, Federal Guidelines for Americans with Disabilities, and OSHA.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to present ideas effectively, and to be able to evaluate the ideas of others in project meetings.
• Experience in interfacing and coordinating intra-disciplinary departments to assess departmental needs and program requirements.
• An understanding of design and construction budgets, and how to balance design requirements to the established budget.
• Ability to develop creative and innovative solutions to reduce costs without sacrificing quality and reliability.
• Ability to “defend” the design and know and articulate impact of deviations without just cause.
• Ability to develop and take new design concepts through detailed design, peer review, executive review, construction, and operation.
• Thorough understanding of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical design concepts.
• Familiarization with IA documents desired.
• Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, drafting software (ACAD and/or Revit).
• Experience with leading using interactive design tools (e.g., BIM) and delivery methods (IPD) are a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in design, Architecture, Engineering, or in related field / equivalent education and/or experience required. Professional licenses or certifications are desirable, but not required.
• Strong working acumen with CSA and MEP systems development; Architectural, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering education or experience is a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in data centers or other specialized experience in Critical Facilities or other technically sophisticated project types.
• Direct experience with new construction, tenant improvements and capital improvement projects.
• Demonstrated Project Management experience; PMP or PgMP is a Plus.
• Experience with consultant negotiation and management.
• Prior experience with project teams and coordinating multiple and diverse stakeholder requirements.
• Experience with Revit and/or other BIM applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily stationary for extended periods of time.
• Close visual work on a computer.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate any required computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical instruments.

Work conditions & other requirements

• This position is considered remote with a reliable internet connection.
• Some work in a Data Center construction and operating environment with varying temperatures and loud noises.
• Some travel (~25%) to support due diligence, design, and construction of data centers properties across the US.

Compensation Pay Range

This is a remote position that requires reliable internet connection and electricity. A monthly stipend is provided to cover expenses associated with working remotely and use of a personal mobile device.

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. offers competitive compensation based on experience, education, and location. Base salary for this position is $96,000.00 - $150,000.00.

All regular full-time employees are eligible for an annual bonus; payout is dependent upon individual and company performance. Employees receive paid time-off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and supplemental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and 401k retirement plan to create a rich Total Rewards packge.                                          

Who we are

As the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.

NTT Global Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us. Apply today.