Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.
Vantage is seeking an experienced Director, Design Management, APAC to lead and oversee engineering design and design management across regional APAC development projects. This role is responsible for the end-to-end design lifecycle, ensuring high-quality, coordinated, and buildable data center designs that align with project cost, schedule, safety, and operational requirements.
The Director will drive regional design standards, oversee engineering teams & specialists and consultants, and establish consistent design management processes across projects. Working closely with Development, Construction, Procurement, Commercial and Operations, this role will support project delivery, improve design performance, and drive continuous improvement in engineering and design execution.
The role will also support sales and development initiatives by representing the design function in client engagements, bid processes, and technical discussions.
Lead the development, review, and continuous improvement of regional design packages, standards, and engineering specifications to ensure consistent and high-quality project delivery.
Oversee the full design lifecycle from Feasibility, Concept through IFC, ensuring designs are coordinated, complete, and aligned with project cost plans, schedules, and operational requirements.
Establish and maintain regional design management processes, including design deliverables tracking, IFT and IFC documentation, and KPI monitoring to ensure consistency across projects.
Support sales and development teams during client meetings, technical presentations, and project interviews. Provide clear updates on design progress, risks, and priorities to senior leadership.
Support procurement and regional project teams in the selection and management of consultants and engineering partners. Maintain strong relationships with design consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
Monitor design quality and proactively identify gaps, inconsistencies, and risks within design documentation. Ensure compliance with Vantage safety, quality, and operational standards.
Coordinate design changes across internal teams and external consultants to ensure alignment across CSA, MEP, and ICT systems. Support delivery teams in resolving design-related issues during construction.
Promote innovation in design delivery, including the use of BIM, prefabrication, modularisation, and low-carbon design approaches. Drive continuous improvement across design, procurement, and construction processes.
Lead and mentor regional design and engineering teams, fostering collaboration, performance, and knowledge sharing through regular reviews and lessons learned.
Provide input on cost implications arising from design development and support value engineering and change management processes.
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, building services engineering, architecture, structural engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
Minimum 15+ years of experience in design engineering, design management, or related leadership roles within data center or highly serviced building environments.
Strong understanding of data center mechanical, electrical, and ICT infrastructure, including critical power and cooling systems.
Proven experience managing the full design lifecycle across complex construction projects.
Experience working with consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary design teams across large-scale developments.
Strong knowledge of design coordination, change management, and construction delivery processes.
Commercial awareness with the ability to assess design impacts on cost, schedule, and project performance.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with experience working across regional and cross-cultural teams.
Familiarity with APAC construction markets, and applicable building codes. Experience in working in Johor Bahru, Malaysia is preferred.
Expected travel is 25% of the time, but may grow and evolve over time.
As the Director, Design Management, APAC you will be instrumental in advancing the design and engineering excellence of Vantage's data center projects, contributing to the growth and success of our organization. Your technical acumen, leadership skills, and dedication to innovation will shape the future of data center development in the region.
We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.
Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.
Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.