Design Director

GDS is a global leader in the development and operation of high-performance data centers, and one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, with a strong presence across Asia and Europe. As we continue our exciting expansion into new international markets, we are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about joining us on this growth journey. This is an excellent opportunity to become a key member of our dynamic team and play an integral role in our rapid expansion! Job Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Design Director to lead and manage the design aspects of our state-of-the-art data center projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in architecture, engineering, and design management, along with a deep understanding of the unique requirements and technical considerations that come with designing high-performance, energy-efficient, and scalable data centers. The Design Director will be responsible for overseeing the entire design lifecycle, ensuring that projects are executed to the highest standards, on time, and within budget. Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Strategy: Lead and mentor the design team, providing direction, motivation, and support throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the overall design strategy for data center projects. Ensure alignment of design objectives with business goals, cost, and timeline requirements. Design and Architecture: Oversee the conceptual, schematic, and detailed design phases of data center projects, ensuring the design meets both functional and aesthetic requirements. Develop innovative solutions to improve data center performance, energy efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, technologies, and standards in data center design. Project Management: Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards. Work closely with construction, engineering, and operations teams to ensure the seamless integration of design with implementation. Develop and track project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and IT teams, to ensure that design specifications meet technical requirements. Interface with clients and external partners to present designs, address concerns, and ensure satisfaction. Ensure design solutions are compliant with relevant building codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement by researching and incorporating new design methodologies, tools, and technologies. Promote a culture of creativity and forward-thinking within the design team, focusing on innovation and best practices. Identify and mitigate design risks early, implementing proactive measures to ensure project success. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, building codes, and environmental regulations. Oversee quality assurance processes to ensure the highest standards of design and execution. Conduct regular design reviews to maintain design integrity and make adjustments as necessary. Qualifications and Skills: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (LEED, PMP, etc.) is a plus. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in the design and management of large-scale data center or infrastructure projects. At least 5 years in a leadership role, managing a design team or department. Experience with critical infrastructure design, including electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems. Strong understanding of the operational and technical requirements of data centers, including power, cooling, redundancy, and security. Skills: Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, and other design software. Deep knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, and fire safety systems, as they apply to data centers. Exceptional project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management. Strong leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring and developing talent. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Design Industries Construction and IT Services and IT Consulting #J-18808-Ljbffr