Design Manager

About the Role

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) powers the backbone of Microsoft’s cloud services. Within CO&I, the Datacenter Engineering (DCE) team leads the design and delivery of essential datacenter infrastructure supporting Microsoft’s cloud portfolio, involving complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year construction and lease projects. We seek a dynamic and energetic Design Manager to help build and evolve our cloud datacenters, specifically supporting our network and regional expansion in the North-East Asia region, mainly the APAC area.

In line with Microsoft's commitment to inclusivity, we foster a work culture where every employee positively contributes to our values.

Job Summary

The Design Manager will oversee the engineering scope, scheduling, and budgeting of greenfield, brownfield, and retrofit datacenter projects. This position manages both internal teams and external partners, delivering key datacenter infrastructure components including building, power, cooling, telecom, and control systems, aligned with Microsoft's APAC capacity roadmap.

The role includes leadership and direction in innovative datacenter designs, from site due diligence through design development, permitting, construction, and handover to operations. Managing multiple concurrent full design solutions within scope, budget, and timelines, the Design Manager liaises closely with stakeholders inside Microsoft and external vendors specializing in datacenter architecture and engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate network growth and upgrade projects across APAC, particularly through investigation and project scoping phases.
• Conduct feasibility studies with internal and external stakeholders and provide detailed reporting, recommendations, and program proposals.
• Manage implementation processes, ensuring compliance with execution standards.
• Oversee and coordinate architects, engineers, and designers delivering projects matching defined scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with on-site operations teams to assess feasibility and identify gaps for converting existing datacenter spaces to new or upgraded uses.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Exhibit strong proficiency in commercial and industrial architecture and engineering focusing on datacenter design.
• Effectively interact with diverse technical and non-technical groups in a fast-paced setting with professionalism and composure.
• Maintain high integrity, methodical attention to detail, and a robust work ethic.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related disciplines such as Project or Programme Management.
• Technical familiarity with mission-critical environments across multiple disciplines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience leading teams of architects and engineers through advanced engineering and operational processes in large data center contexts.
• Knowledgeable in design and construction procurement and contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in engineering, equipment, or construction within mission-critical or high-tech industries.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a project or team manager.

Additional Information

To work in this role, candidates must comply with Microsoft and related government security screening standards, including a specialized Microsoft Cloud Background Check to be passed upon hiring and recurring every two years thereafter.

This position is open for a minimum of 5 days, with ongoing applications accepted until filled.

Microsoft is dedicated to equal opportunity employment, ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration without discrimination based on many protected characteristics. Accommodation requests during hiring processes for religious or disability needs are supported.