Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design Management Lead to support large-scale, mission‑critical data center design and construction projects. This role serves as the Owner’s Representative, acting as a trusted advisor and agent to the client throughout all phases of design and construction.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders and a broad ecosystem of third‑party consultants, designers, and contractors to ensure design quality, schedule, cost, and risk are effectively managed from concept through construction administration.
Location Requirement
Must be located within 2 hours driving distance of West Virginia, Virginia beach, Northern Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, Charleston, South Carolina.
We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for this position. You must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without requiring sponsorship or visa transfer now or in the future.
Design & Project Leadership
- Serve as the client’s authorized representative across all design and construction-related activities for data center projects.
- Lead and coordinate design efforts across multiple concurrent projects.
- Manage escalation and resolution of complex design issues.
- Act as the central point of coordination between stakeholders, design consultants, construction managers, and contractors.
- Develop comprehensive design project plans prior to design kickoff.
- Establish and maintain design schedules, budgets, and risk logs through design completion.
- Coordinate value engineering and constructability reviews at key milestones.
- Oversee development and execution of design contracts and amendments, including:
- Site development and utility infrastructure
- Data center design
- Construction Administration / Services During Construction (CA/SDC)
- Ensure QA/QC processes are executed and design gaps or issues are identified and addressed.
- Produce monthly design and CA/SDC reports.
- Provide transparent reporting on schedule, cost, risk, and design status to stakeholders.
- Coordinate development of cost estimates for scope gaps and design changes.
- Support contract negotiations with third‑party vendors.
- Support invoice review, payment tracking, and commercial reporting.
Design Planning & Controls
Design Execution & Quality
Reporting & Stakeholder Communication
Cost, Contracts & Commercial Management
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related.
- 5+ years of experience in design management, project management, or owner’s representation roles
- Experience supporting large-scale data center, mission‑critical, or industrial infrastructure projects
- Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination (civil, structural, MEP)
- Experience managing schedules, budgets, and risk in highly complex projects
- Experience working directly for or with hyperscale technology clients
- Background in construction administration and design-phase cost control
- Familiarity with value engineering, constructability reviews, and QA/QC processes
- Contract administration and change management experience
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills
Other open roles at Unify Consulting(1)
Unify Consulting is the AI management consulting firm of choice—a flexible and integrated alternative to big global consultancies. We understand the realities of enterprise delivery and infuse deep expertise into every engagement. As our clients increasingly prioritize AI-driven change and business transformation, we are ready. We have a proven track record of partnering with high-impact leaders to deliver lasting success.
Key team members
Heidi Lahart
Darren Alger
John Sanders
Heather Bridges
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