Data Center Senior Design Manager

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and experienced individual to join our Data Centre PM/DM team, focusing on both international and local data centre projects. The role is based in Kuala Lumpur, where our technical teams are located. You will have the opportunity to work with global teams on high‑profile, fast‑paced data centre projects for major international clients.

To be considered for this role, candidates MUST have proven experience in data centre design, as well as broader building design experience. Experience limited to general project management without data‑centre‑specific and building‑design exposure will not meet the minimum requirements.

As a Senior Data Center Design Manager, you will oversee hyperscale data centre projects end‑to‑end: site due diligence, master planning, conceptual design, schematic design, detailed design, construction documentation, and construction administration. This role requires hands‑on leadership of data centre and building design teams, not only PM oversight.

You will be client‑facing, responsible for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams. A background in architecture or engineering is essential, along with strong written and verbal communication skills.

You will also build and maintain strong relationships with clients, while helping grow our multidisciplinary data centre team and service offerings.

Job Responsibilities

- Manage data centre core and shell due diligence and design projects (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire protection) from concept through construction, ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, design requirements, and quality.
- Develop trusted relationships with client stakeholders and technical decision‑makers.
- Engage confidently and proactively with clients, contractors, and supply‑chain partners.
- Lead multidisciplinary coordination of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design packages on data centre and building design projects.
- Perform and oversee peer reviews and quality checks in line with AECOM standards.
- Own the project basis of design and manage localization requirements for international data centre standards.
- Detect, track, and resolve scope changes, inconsistencies, and design issues throughout the project lifecycle.
- Facilitate and participate in meetings with clients and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated and technically robust solutions.
- Lead AECOM’s data centre design team, promoting collaboration, shared ownership, and high performance.
- Proactively manage and communicate design and project changes to all parties.
- Identify technical or coordination challenges early and develop effective, creative solutions.
- Manage contract administration and design deliverables.
- Provide clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders regarding progress, risks, and issues.
- Support resource planning: identify, onboard, and offboard design contributors as needed.
- Prepare and deliver client presentations and participate in design interviews.
- Contribute to bids and proposals, including technical scoping, planning, and resource estimation.
- Travel as required to support project, client, and team needs.

Qualifications

- Minimum experience requirement: Candidates must have data centre design experience AND building design experience to qualify.
- Honours degree in a built‑environment field with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
- B‑Tech degree in a built‑environment field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
- National Higher Diploma in a built‑environment field with a minimum of six (6) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
- National Diploma in a built‑environment field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
- Tertiary qualification in a project‑management‑related discipline (e.g., quantity surveying, engineering, architecture, planning, contracting) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
- Master of Science / Engineering is advantageous.
- Professional registration is advantageous.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.