Design Project Manager – Heat Exports (Temporary Contract)

This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a high‑profile area of data‑centre sustainability with the market‑leading digital infrastructure company. The Heat Export Programme has generated several exciting opportunities that now require dedicated support to convert them into live projects and scale the programme further.

Contract: 12 months

Work Pattern: Hybrid

Role Overview

The Design Project Manager will work closely with the Heat Export Senior Manager to support the delivery of at least five contracted heat‑export projects in 2026, while also helping build a robust pipeline of new opportunities.

Reporting to the Heat Export Senior Manager, the role involves programme‑managing and tracking multiple heat‑export projects across the EMEA region, collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders across various disciplines.

Key Internal Stakeholders:

• Design Managers / Project Leads developing heat‑export projects across different cities and countries

Key External Stakeholders:

• Heat network operators

This role is well‑suited to someone who enjoys working with people, is passionate about sustainability, highly organised, comfortable working with ambiguity, and proactive in using their initiative.

Scope of Work

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage heat‑export projects across EMEA (including the UK, Sweden, France, Poland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain)
• Manage agreed project plans and update/adjust them in alignment with key stakeholders
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to anticipate and mitigate risks
• Oversee both new‑build and retrofit data‑centre sites

Early‑Stage Project Tracking

• Track new‑build design projects from early due diligence/site selection through later design stages
• Hold weekly check‑ins with the master‑planning team and review master‑planning trackers
• Notify the Heat Export Lead of emerging sites for early assessment of heat‑export feasibility

Governance & Administration

• Arrange meetings, issue meeting notes/actions, and follow up on progress
• Set up internal project‑governance meetings in alignment with the heat‑export governance process
• Attend meetings with, and eventually on behalf of, the Heat Export Senior Manager
• Provide project leads with tools and templates required to advance heat‑export work

Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain the heat‑export project tracker, updating progress at least monthly
• Capture key project information from early‑stage development through detailed design
• Support preparation of the quarterly Heat Export Business Update (PowerPoint), pulling data from trackers and additional content from the Heat Export Lead
• Conduct weekly updates with the Heat Export Lead to discuss new and ongoing projects, risks, opportunities, and mitigations

Required Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in technical design management or a related field
• Engineering background
• Experience with RIBA Stage 3 or above, or equivalent
• Experience managing client or partner relationships
• Strong ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders across disciplines and seniority levels