Design Manager

KGO is hiring an Owner’s Representative to support data center projects from pre-design through construction and closeout. The role coordinates design and construction teams, oversees project performance, and helps protect the owner’s interests by keeping scope, budget, and schedule on track.

Responsibilities:

• Represent the owner in coordinating architects, engineers, general contractors, vendors, and owner-furnished equipment suppliers
• Oversee design consultant performance and monitor compliance with contractual requirements, drawings, and specifications
• Review change orders, payment applications, and RFIs, providing recommendations for the owner’s review and approval
• Track design deliverables, identify schedule risks, and coordinate corrective actions with the project team
• Evaluate the schedule implications of design changes and communicate decisions needed to avoid delays
• Lead coordination efforts to resolve design and construction issues and maintain timely responses to contractor questions
• Participate in design meetings, construction meetings, and site walks; maintain clear reporting and action-item tracking
• Review due diligence findings and coordinate mitigation of project risks
• Track permitting and required approvals with the responsible project team members
• Maintain closeout and outstanding-issue logs, including warranty items and regular status updates

Requirements:

• Data center or mission-critical design and construction experience
• Prior experience representing an owner and coordinating multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong understanding of design management, construction documentation, contract administration, and change management
• Ability to assess schedule impacts, identify risks early, and drive issues toward resolution
• Familiarity with permitting, building codes, and approval processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through
• Ability to work effectively with design, construction, and operations teams while respecting the owner's approval authority