Design Project Manager (Pre - Construction)

About Ethos

Ethos is a collaborative team of engineers, consultants, and creative thinkers designing and delivering data centre and energy infrastructure across the world's most dynamic markets. As a multidisciplinary consultancy, we combine technical expertise, creativity, and integrated delivery to lead complex, mission-critical projects.

Built on strong relationships, clear leadership, and a can-do mindset, Ethos is entering an exciting phase of growth, expanding our capabilities and taking on increasingly high-impact projects across EMEA and beyond.

Sustainability guides how we design, collaborate, and deliver, creating innovative solutions and lasting value for our clients and communities — making Performance Made Possible.

About the Job

As a Design Project Manager you will manage a portfolio of projects simultaneously, ensuring that the Design Management Group meets project requirements within the set time constraints. As the Client’s representative, you will protect their interests throughout various procurement and contracting strategies. This position requires a strong leader capable of developing and executing project plans, overseeing design processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Responsibilities:

• Provide professional Project and Design Management services internally and externally, ensuring high standards are maintained across all projects.

• Manage a portfolio of projects concurrently, overseeing the Design Team to ensure compliance with their appointed brief and adherence to project timelines.

• Develop, plan, coordinate, and monitor the Design Team, providing direction and guidance to overcome roadblocks and maintain project momentum.

• Act as the Client’s representative, protecting their interests under various procurement and contracting strategies, and developing client briefs, design strategies, and project execution plans.

• Establish and revise project execution plans as needed to meet project objectives, organise and chair design reviews, and facilitate the value engineering of design consultant solutions.

• Ensure a cohesive design management process is adhered to throughout all stages of the project, monitoring compliance with the project brief and progress against the project scope.

• Conduct project file audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and schedule design reviews at all gateways and control points.

• Organize and manage technical review team resources, addressing RFI’s for technical queries and drawings, and liaise with internal teams to ensure seamless input into design and programs.

• Assist in the preparation of bid documents for the Design Management element of tenders.

• Oversee the close-out of projects, ensuring practical completion, post-occupation evaluations, final account settlements, and comprehensive project file documentation and data protection.

About You

Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum of 9 years in project and design management, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects concurrently. Strong experience in leading design teams and managing complex design processes.

• Extensive experience acting as the Client’s representative, with the ability to develop client briefs, and design strategies, and manage the procurement and execution of design schemes.

Technical Skills

• Ability to develop, plan, coordinate, and guide design teams to ensure compliance with project briefs and timelines. Skilled in providing regular direction and support to resolve roadblocks and keep projects on track.

• Expertise in establishing and revising project execution plans to meet evolving project objectives. Strong ability to organize and lead design reviews, facilitate value engineering, and ensure a cohesive design management process throughout all project stages.

• Thorough understanding of monitoring project compliance with briefs and scopes, conducting project file audits, and managing risks associated with the design process. Experience in handling RFI’s for technical queries and drawings.

• Strong background in managing technical reviews, preparing bid documents for Design Management elements of tenders, and ensuring successful project close-out, including documentation and data loss protection.

• Adept at identifying and mitigating bottlenecks in design development, implementing strategies to overcome these challenges, and driving continuous improvement in project delivery.

Why Join Us?

• Join collaborative leaders – Work alongside experienced, approachable professionals who combine technical excellence with calm, supportive leadership.

• Make a real impact – Contribute to mission-critical infrastructure projects that support the digital and energy transition across EMEA and beyond.

• Grow with us – As a rapidly growing consultancy, we offer opportunities to develop your skills, broaden your experience, and build your career.

• Shape a more sustainable future – Sustainability isn't an initiative—it's embedded in every project, every discipline, and every decision we make.

We offer:

• Flexible Fridays and a 9-day fortnight working schedule — enjoy every second Friday off to maintain work–life balance.

• A culture that values flexibility, learning, and teamwork, with clear progression pathways and support toward professional accreditation.

• Opportunities to work alongside some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, within a forward-thinking, technology-driven consultancy.

Benefits:

• Flexible working times

• 20 Days holidays up to 25 days

• Pension Scheme

• Refer a Friend scheme

• Gym / Fitness membership Allowance

• Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance

• Healthcare check-ups and flu vaccinations

• Working travel out-of-pocket expenses

• Travel tax scheme or bike-to-work scheme

• Regular training/mentoring / further college support

• Support for Chartership

• A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company

• Paid Statutory Leaves

• Heavily subsidised social committee