Job Description

Junior Design Manager

With over 4 decades experience in the industry and enjoying continuous growth, J Dunton Associates Ltd are recruiting for a Junior Design Manager to work on infrastructure projects in the data centre industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to come and join our team of experts, working together to deliver excellent value for our clients whilst continuing your own professional development.

Company

JDA is a dynamic multi-disciplinary consultancy who provides innovative and specialist design engineering services in the UK & overseas.

We deliver an integrated consultancy service for the design and implementation of building mechanical, electrical and control systems. With over 40 years' experience, we offer impartial and objective advice from initial concept through to detailed design and supervision under construction.

We are experienced and trusted providers of innovative design ideas that support industry growth, encourage social responsibility, and deliver client satisfaction. We are committed to being industry experts, our enthusiasm for all aspects of engineering making us the team we are today and tomorrow.

We are:

Enthusiastic about all aspects of engineering. Dedicated to delivering innovative design ideas to our clients and the industry. Approachable, motivated, and trusted. Focused on our continuous professional development & knowledge sharing. Committed to our team having a good work-life balance. Passionate about creating a more sustainable future. Having fun along the way!

Job Role

The Junior Design Manager will play a key role in supporting the coordination and management of multi-disciplinary design teams across a variety of project types and RIBA Stages, from conception to construction and completion. The primary focus will be Mission Critical and Data Centre projects.

Key responsibilities:

The role will require the leading and managing of the design process for data centre projects, ensuring designs meet client requirements and industry standards. This will require close collaboration with other departments. The Junior Design Manager will participate in internal and external design coordination meetings and follow up on actions with stakeholders. The role will require close interfacing with client teams, project managers, tenants and contractors. Records of design decisions, changes and risks will be logged.

The Junior Design Manager will support in assessing project viability via budgeting, technical constraints and potential risk, while ensuring there is a strong commercial focus to ensure project profitability and scope alignment in parallel to maintaining quality standards.

Ensuring projects remain on track is key, therefore the Junior Design Manager will support in the development of design programmes and ensure timescales, dependencies and tasks are closely monitored to maintain on-time progress.

The role will require the establishing and maintaining of strong client relationships, ensuring there are effective communication channels to ensure client satisfaction. Building positive client relationships, addressing concerns, and communicating project progress are key objectives.

Close operation with the Document Controller and Commercial Manager will be required to implement quality and commercial control processes that will ensure technical and commercial accuracy of design deliverables. Collaborate with key personnel to monitor and control project budgets and resources, ensuring projects stay on track. Ensure regular reporting of progress against agreed plans to key stakeholders. Identify potential design risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimise project interruptions and delays. Support with the appointment, management and collaboration with external consultants to resolve engineering challenges including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, and public health. Champion new tools, processes, and procedures that enable design management effectiveness. Develop and manage long term relationships with key third party design and equipment vendors. Manage deliverables against design programme. Help with the leadership of the design team to ensure efficient design delivery.

Package

JDA recognises the importance of attracting talent by offering competitive salaries and flexible working in a friendly and supportive environment.

Salary: Competitive Location: Flexible working (working from home or office, periodic attendance at our Ingatestone office will be required for collaborative work, training, and socialising.) Hours: Full-time (JDA offers a 4-day week with compressed hours 8am-6pm) Paid authorised overtime 25 days annual leave (there is an additional discretionary Christmas & New Year "shutdown") 6% Employer pension contributions Wellness benefits - Private health insurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, Access to holistic financial planning advice Structured professional development with opportunities for career progression Electric car scheme
Key Skills / Experience

1-3 years' experience as a design manager or in engineering. Exposure to multi-disciplinary design processes. Experience working on data centre or similar projects is preferable. Familiarity with RIBA design Stages. Strong knowledge of MEP systems and infrastructure specific to data centre projects. Working knowledge of common design and coordination platforms. Excellent project management and team leadership skills. Adaptability to changing project needs. Confidence in communicating with exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and client engagement abilities. Good understanding of industry standards, codes, and regulations. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining a high level of diligence. Collaborative mindset. Proactive, pragmatic, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously and as part of a team. Willingness to support fellow JDA team members, regardless of role, level or discipline. Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines concurrently. Knowledge of other engineering disciplines is desirable. Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or related field is desirable. Desire to grow.

Travel

Willingness and ability to travel to EU, USA, and Asia. Full driving licence is required.
Please apply in strictest confidence with CV and covering letter by 28 November 2025 to recruitment@jduntonassociates.co.uk.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme On-site parking Private medical insurance Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ingatestone CM4 9ED

Application deadline: 28/11/2025
Reference ID: Junior Design Manager Nov25