Design Manager

SLS Consultants is one of the fastest growing real estate development and construction consulting firms in the industry today. We are embedded in the ever-expanding Data Center market, as well as Advanced Manufacturing, Life Science, and Healthcare asset classes. As we enter the next phase of our growth journey, we are hyper focused on providing career opportunities for our employees, maintaining our quality and culture, and consistently delivering excellence for our clients. Join SLS to fast-track your career, maximize your industry impact, and partner with iconic brands to build the digital infrastructure of tomorrow!

We are currently looking for a Design Manager in Indianapolis, IN to support the development of a 1.5 GW hyperscale data center campus, one of the most significant digital infrastructure programs in North America. This role will serve as the owner's representative, leading design execution across a network of engineering, architectural, and specialty consulting partners while driving critical milestones from concept through construction.

The successful candidate will oversee complex design packages including site/civil, utility infrastructure, core & shell, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, low-voltage, and issued-for-construction deliverables. This is an opportunity to shape a campus-scale program from the ground up, influence key technical decisions, and work alongside industry leaders delivering the next generation of digital infrastructure. Candidates must bring proven data center design management experience and the ability to navigate multiple engineering firms, stakeholders, and overlapping design schedules.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead design delivery for a 1.5 GW hyperscale data center campus.

• Manage architecture, engineering, and specialty consultants across all disciplines.

• Drive design schedules, milestone planning, and package releases.

• Coordinate site, utility, infrastructure, and building design interfaces.

• Oversee design packages including civil, utility, core & shell, structural, MEP, low-voltage, and IFC deliverables.

• Ensure owner requirements and operational standards are incorporated throughout design.

• Facilitate technical reviews, design workshops, and stakeholder alignment meetings.

• Identify and mitigate design, schedule, and execution risks.

• Monitor consultant performance, quality, and deliverable compliance.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years of design management experience within the data center, mission-critical, or hyperscale sector.

• Proven experience managing external architecture and engineering firms.

• Strong understanding of civil, utility, structural, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure design packages.

• Experience delivering large-scale data center projects from design through construction.

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders while driving schedule, quality, and business objectives.

What SLS Offers You

• A premier compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier industry talent.

• Participation in incentive programs tied to firm growth and milestones.

• Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance coverage options.

• 401(k) retirement plan with an immediate corporate matching contribution.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Monthly structured learning opportunities and professional development.