Full job descriptionDesign Manager - Fire & Life Safety / Data CentresLocation: Oxfordshire / South East England
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Planet Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Design Manager to join an established and growing engineering business.
This is a key position within the organisation, responsible for leading the design and technical delivery of complex engineering projects from initial concept through to completion.
The successful candidate will manage the design function, oversee technical documentation, support project and site teams, and ensure all solutions meet the required technical, legislative, commercial and client standards.
The role would suit an experienced Design Manager, Senior Design Engineer or Design Lead with a strong background in fire detection, fire suppression and critical infrastructure, particularly within data centre environments.
Key Responsibilities*Lead and manage all design deliverables across projects, including calculations, drawings, method statements, HSE documentation, as-built information and O&M manuals.
*Prepare detailed technical designs and build budgets to support procurement and construction.
*Lead and develop the design team, ensuring technical outputs align with project objectives and client requirements.
*Produce, review and manage technical submissions and engineered system designs.
*Ensure designs comply with current legislation, relevant standards and client specifications.
*Maintain accurate records of design decisions, revisions and technical documentation.
*Provide technical support and guidance to site teams throughout project delivery.
*Support sales and estimating teams with technical input and design solutions.
*Monitor supplier technical developments and assess their impact on projects and the wider business.
*Work closely with project management, operations, commercial and site teams to ensure effective project delivery.
*Represent the company professionally when dealing with clients, consultants, suppliers and other stakeholders.
*Keep up to date with industry developments, competitor activity, legislation and emerging technologies.
About YouThe ideal candidate will have:
*Proven experience in Design Management or Senior Design Engineering within construction, engineering or building services.
*Extensive technical knowledge of fire detection and fire suppression systems.
*Experience working to relevant standards, including BS 5839 and BS 5306.
*Experience designing and delivering projects within data centres or other critical infrastructure environments.
*An understanding of redundancy, resilience and cooling requirements within critical environments.
*Strong experience producing and reviewing detailed engineering drawings and calculations.
*A good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements.
*Experience with budgeting, cost control and the wider project lifecycle.
*Strong leadership and team management skills.
*Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
*The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
*Strong commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-focused approach.
Qualifications & Technical Skills*Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Architecture or a related technical discipline.
*Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word and Excel.
*Experience with AutoCAD, Revit or similar design software is advantageous.
*Experience with fire safety design tools and/or data centre modelling software would be beneficial.
*Full UK driving licence where site travel is required.
*Commitment to continuous professional development.
The OpportunityThis is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering business and take a leading role in the delivery of high-value, technically complex projects where design quality, safety and technical performance are critical.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence engineering solutions, lead and develop the design function, and play a key role in the company’s continued growth.
To find out more, please call Adam on .
INDENG
Planet Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Planet Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience will be contacted after application, if you do not hear back from us within 7 days you have unfortunately been unsuccessful in your application.
Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.