Design Manager - Data Centre Projects

About the role

Zutari, a buildings, engineering and advisory firm with over 90 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East, is looking for a Design Manager to join its Data Centre team in either the Cape Town or Tshwane office. The role leads dynamic project teams and bridges design and execution teams so that designs are delivered holistically, at high quality, feasible, within budget and in line with client requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Own the full design lifecycle from concept to IFC, keeping scope, design intent, decisions and changes controlled
• Integrate Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, CSA, OEM and specialist disciplines, resolving interfaces early and providing technical assurance
• Work with the BIM Manager and BIM Coordinator on digital coordination, but not on BIM model QA, clash detection or CDE administration
• Own the design schedule, scope, fee alignment, change management and risk register, escalating risks through the Data Centres escalation framework
• Act as the primary design interface for clients, OEMs, consultants, authorities and contractors, and lead workshops and technical reviews
• Ensure quality, constructability, sustainability and energy efficiency of drawings, reports and specifications
• Act as the appointed technical authority for Data Centre projects, confirming assumptions and standards at bid and pre-award stages and exercising mandatory escalation

Required profile

• BEng/BSc in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic, Industrial or other relevant discipline)
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA; postgraduate qualification in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Building Services or Project Management is advantageous
• At least 6 years of engineering experience with substantial exposure to multidisciplinary building services or complex engineered systems
• At least 3 years in design management, senior design coordination or technical leadership roles
• Proven experience on mission-critical or high-complexity projects such as data centres, industrial plants, hospitals, labs or clean rooms
• Experience managing design risk, scope, programme dependencies, change control and client technical interactions

Required skills

• Continuing professional development in cooling technologies, data centre engineering, energy efficiency or related fields
• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) certification is advantageous