Job description

Market
Cities & Places

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Design Manager within our data center practice, you will lead the delivery of complex data center projects based from our office in Dubai. You will oversee multidisciplinary design teams across all project stages, ensuring that mechanical, electrical, ICT, architectural, and civil solutions integrate seamlessly to meet the stringent performance, resilience, and scalability requirements of modern data centers. Your leadership will drive alignment with Jacobs’ global design standards, digital delivery frameworks, and sustainability commitments, ensuring our solutions support energy efficiency, operational continuity, and long‑term adaptability. Working closely with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders, you will guide the design vision, manage interfaces, mitigate risks, and champion innovation across every phase of delivery.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the end‑to‑end design management process across concept, schematic, and detailed design stages.
• Develop and manage design execution plans, schedules, and delivery strategies.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, civil, structural, MEP, ICT, and specialist disciplines to ensure integrated and aligned design outputs.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical workshops, and interface coordination meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary design interface with clients, contractors, and authorities, and other stake holders representing Jacobs with clarity, confidence, and technical authority.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, Jacobs’ governance frameworks, and relevant international standards.
• Identify design risks, manage change, and drive proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support digital delivery, BIM integration, and continuous improvement initiatives across the design function.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in design management for data center projects within the region.
• Proven ability to deliver projects in line with timelines specific to the data center market.
• Capable of developing innovative design solutions and out-of-the-box strategies to resolve challenges.
• Strong understanding of hyperscaler requirements and industry standards.
• Experience leading design discussions with end users, data center providers, hyperscalers, and other stakeholders.
• Solid expertise in design coordination, interface management, and integrated project delivery workflows.
• Experience working in the UAE or the wider GCC region.
• Proficiency in digital design tools and BIM workflows.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines, budgets, and competing priorities in fast-paced environments.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.