Design Director (Innovation & Engineering)

Company Description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. 

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Director of Design Management to support innovation initiatives, campus master planning, and the ongoing evolution of design standards to ensure cost‑effective, energy‑efficient, and future‑ready data centre facilities across the Americas. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert within the Innovation & Engineering team, partnering closely with the Vice President of Architecture to guide BOD and BTS design activities, oversee third‑party consultants, and ensure project documentation is accurate, timely, and within budget.

The successful candidate will be a driven leader with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence design strategy across a complex and fast‑growing portfolio.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide subject matter expertise in design management, supporting innovation, master planning, and design standardization across the Americas region.
• Partner closely with the Vice President of Architecture to guide Basis of Design (BOD) and Build‑to‑Suit (BTS) design activities.
• Oversee and coordinate third‑party design consultants, ensuring high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective deliverables.
• Support the training and mentorship of staff, promoting a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Design Standards, Tools & Documentation

• Maintain, enhance, and govern the company’s Basis of Design, ensuring alignment with innovation goals and operational requirements.
• Manage digital design tools including Revit models, BIM standards, Test Fit playbooks, and other design documentation systems.
• Support the implementation and adoption of digital technologies and data platforms such as Power BI.
• Lead design deviation tracking and ensure corrective actions are documented and communicated.
• Provide design expertise for existing facilities and support Critical Operations with digital documentation needs.
• Ensure effective document management throughout the design lifecycle.

Innovation, Strategy & Market Awareness

• Monitor emerging technologies and identify opportunities to improve facility efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
• Contribute to long‑term strategic initiatives, including Digital Twin development and advanced data‑driven design methodologies.
• Act as a design ambassador within the organization, communicating design policies, standards, and updates across teams.
• Support the development of thought leadership and contribute to internal and external presentations.

Project & Program Support

• Ensure project documentation is accurate, timely, and within budget.
• Provide design oversight and technical guidance during planning, design, and execution phases.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment between design intent, operational needs, and business objectives.

Business & Operational Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to enhance design processes, workflows, and digital tools.
• Support internal audits, quality control processes, and compliance with internal standards.
• Partner with talent acquisition to attract top design and engineering talent and plan for future resource needs.
• Promote a one‑business culture that balances the needs of people, clients, stakeholders, and society.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role and must be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Graduate degree in a