Design Manager

IKG Talent has been engaged by a leading Tier 1 construction and property group to appoint a Design Manager – Data Centres. This is a senior role taking ownership of design management for a major hyperscale campus in Melbourne close to 1GW in capacity.

The business is in a strong position on its current facility and is now focused on locking in a Design Lead to drive the upcoming build, which includes a significant base build and data hall fit-out scope.

Why consider this role?

• Lead the design on one of the largest data centre builds in the Melbourne market, with a substantial base build program and complex MEP services.
• Step in early and shape the design strategy, using lessons learned from the live project and applying them to the next phase.
• Work for a contractor that genuinely supports flexibility: standard 5‑day work week, RDOs when weekends are needed
• Join at a time when there is a clear pipeline of projects, giving long-term project continuity in one precinct.

What you'll be doing

• Own the end-to-end design management for the next Melbourne data centre, from early planning through to construction and commissioning.
• Act as the key interface between the contractor, client and consultant teams – you are not drawing, but you are driving the program and managing the consultants doing the detailed design.
• Lead multidisciplinary design workshops, push coordination across MEP, structure and architecture, and ensure buildability is front-of-mind given the program pressures typical of data centres.
• Apply lessons learned from the live facility to improve outcomes on the next stage – particularly around services coordination, long‑lead equipment, and commissioning readiness.

The profile that fits well

• Previous experience as a Design Manager on data centres or other mission‑critical / services-heavy infrastructure (hospitals, labs, large commercial with complex MEP).
• Strong technical grounding in building services and design management – someone who understands how a data centre runs, not just the paperwork side. Deep services knowledge will be highly regarded.
• Experience leading consultants, driving programs, and working under tight design and construction timeframes without a long front-end design period.
• Comfortable being client-facing and engaging with multiple senior stakeholders across the project.
• Open to candidates currently overseas with relevant hyperscale / mission‑critical experience.

To explore this role in confidence, share your CV with IKG Talent or reach out directly for a conversation about fit, scope and package expectations.