Senior Design Manager

Company Profile

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

Learn more about us: www.nlighten.com

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead technical design delivery of data centre projects across Southern Europe, primarily France, Spain and Switzerland.

The role manages multidisciplinary design teams and consultants from feasibility through to construction, ensuring projects meet nLighten's standards, operational requirements, budget and programme. Working closely with Engineering, Development, Construction and Operations, you will serve as technical lead, ensuring designs are robust, buildable and cost-effective, and aligned with nLighten's growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Design Management

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across multiple data centre projects.
• Manage design development from feasibility studies through construction issue documentation.
• Ensure design deliverables meet project objectives, operational requirements and nLighten standards.
• Drive design consistency, scalability and standardisation across Southern European projects.
• Coordinate design reviews and ensure timely resolution of technical comments and design queries.

Technical Leadership

• Review and validate electrical, mechanical, civil and architectural designs.
• Ensure designs are technically robust, cost-efficient and operationally maintainable.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of nLighten design standards, specifications and reference solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local regulations, industry standards and client requirements.
• Support innovation initiatives including high-density deployments, liquid cooling technologies and energy efficiency improvements.

Consultant & Stakeholder Management

• Select, appoint and manage external consultants, engineers and architects.
• Act as the primary technical interface between internal stakeholders and external design teams.
• Support procurement activities related to design and engineering services.
• Collaborate closely with Development, Construction, Operations, Procurement and Finance teams.

 

Program & Project Delivery

• Manage design programs and monitor design progress across multiple projects.
• Ensure timely delivery of design packages required for permitting, utility applications, tendering and construction.
• Maintain robust design documentation, approvals and change management processes.
• Support construction teams during project execution and technical issue resolution.
• Conduct site visits and participate in key project meetings throughout project delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in data center design, engineering or technical project delivery.
• Experience working for a developer, operator, consultant or contractor within mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of data center electrical and mechanical systems.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design consultants.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with French and Southern European regulatory and permitting processes.
• Fluent English and French required. Additional European languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or German) are considered a plus.
• Degree in Engineering or Architecture.

Why Join Us?

• High-growth European platform: Be part of an expanding team with opportunities to grow laterally and vertically at a pivotal stage of expansion.
• Impactful role: Help shape design management policies and processes for a rapidly scaling data center portfolio.
• Cutting-edge technology: Work and lead on AI-driven projects, liquid chip cooling solutions, and other innovative high-resolution designs.
• Strategic influence: Work directly with senior leadership, using design expertise to drive project efficiencies and scalability.
• Hybrid work flexibility: Work across offices in the UK, Netherlands, France, and Germany, with regular travel to project sites.

If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you!

Background Check & Screening
All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.