Design Manager - Madrid

We are seeking a highly motivated Design Manager based in Madrid to join our growing engineering and operations team delivering cutting-edge data centre projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a Design Manager to lead mission-critical infrastructure programmes in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment.

This is an outside IR35 / contractor position, offering flexibility and the opportunity for a Design Manager to manage high-impact projects in Madrid.

Key Responsibilities

As a Design Manager , you will oversee the design coordination and technical delivery of mechanical and electrical systems across multiple projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and fully integrated design solutions:

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams of engineers, designers, and consultants to deliver coordinated M&E design packages.
• Pre-construction (Precon) Leadership:Coordinate with clients, architects, and consultants during concept and detailed design stages to ensure alignment with project objectives.
  • Lead feasibility studies, design reviews, and early-stage planning activities.
  • Review design packages, identify risks, and ensure constructability, compliance, and cost efficiency.
  • Prepare preconstruction reports, technical proposals, and value engineering assessments.
• Oversee design delivery from concept through to IFC (Issued for Construction) stage, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are achieved.
• Ensure all designs comply with Spanish and EU regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Support site teams during installation, testing, and commissioning by resolving technical queries and ensuring design intent is maintained.
• Drive value engineering, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives across all design phases.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution.

Requirements

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working as a Design Manager on M&E projects, ideally within data centres or mission-critical environments.
• Strong preconstruction and design coordination experience.
• Background in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, power generation, or oil & gas is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and building services systems.
• Proficiency in BIM and design tools such as Revit, Navisworks, and MS Project.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English is essential; Spanish language skills are highly desirable.

What’s on Offer

• Contractor engagement outside IR35
• Competitive day rate
• Opportunity for a Design Manager to work on high-profile, mission-critical data centre projects based in Madrid
• Flexible working arrangements (project dependent)
• Exposure to complex engineering challenges and diverse industries
• Supportive and collaborative working environment