Design Director (Dundalk)

Role is generally based in Dundalk, Louth - New green field site

Design Director - Data Centre experience preferred but similar relatable industries will also be strongly considered
Full time permanent position
Ref: HN12038

On Offer - Design Director

A very rounded, senior executive level base, plus a very competitive package with full 360 benefits

The Company - Design Director

• Leading the design and development for a modular manufacturing organisation delivering complex Data Centre projects across data centre and mission-critical sectors
• Known for technical innovation, operational excellence, and customer-focused delivery
• Employee-focused culture with strong collaboration and career development opportunities
• Operates in a fast-growing, highly specialised sector with a scalable delivery model

The Role - Design Director

• Executive accountability for full design lifecycle across projects: concept → detailed design → digital coordination → manufacture → installation → commissioning support (Supported by Manufacturing Director and Project Director and their teams)
• Develop and implement design strategy supporting modular, scalable solutions
• Ensure designs meet technical, commercial, safety, and client governance standards
• Lead multidisciplinary building services design teams (MEP, mechanical, electrical, public health)
• Oversee digital engineering strategy, BIM integration, and SolidWorks-led design for manufacture
• Align design outputs with manufacturing capabilities and production constraints
• Lead value engineering, risk mitigation, and commercial optimisation across projects
• Provide senior technical authority and direction across all design disciplines
• Manage design resourcing, workload forecasting, and succession planning
• Act as senior design representative in client, consultant, and contractor meetings
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and adoption of digital tools and automation

Essential Criteria - Design Director

• Extensive senior design leadership experience in data centre, mission-critical, modular, or complex MEP environments
• Strong building services engineering background with multidisciplinary leadership experience
• Experienced in BIM-led delivery, SolidWorks integration, and design for manufacture principles
• Commercially aware, technically authoritative, and credible with clients and boards
• Proven ability to scale design functions while maintaining quality, programme, and margin

Key Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Client relationship management
• Operational and production leadership
• Financial and commercial management
• Team leadership and development
• Quality and safety compliance
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Excellent written and verbal communication

Please note: sponsorship is not available for this role. Applications are only considered from candidates eligible to work permanently in Louth, Ireland.

If this Design Director role is of interest, or if you have a related skillset that could suit other senior design/engineering roles, please apply via the link or contact Hugh Nugent in confidence.

Hugh has 13+ years' experience in Engineering & Manufacturing Recruitment across Northern Ireland and Ireland, specialising in Senior Design, Project Management, Continuous Improvement, Quality, Operations, and Engineering leadership roles.

Keywords for SEO
Design Director, Design Manager, Head of Design, Modular Manufacturing Design, Data Centre Design Leader, MEP Design Director, SolidWorks Design Lead, BIM Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, Engineering Design Director, Technical Design Director, Modular Design Lead

Candidates may come from areas such as: Dundalk, Louth, Newry, Armagh, Belfast, Lisburn, Monaghan, Dublin, Ardee, Ashbourne, Balbriggan, Ballybay, Banbridge, Bettystown, Blackrock, Carlingford, Carrickmacross, Castlebellingham, Castleblayney, Clogherhead, Collon, Crossmaglen, Drogheda, Dromiskin, Duleek, Dunleer, Inniskeen, Kells, Knockbridge, Laytown, Lurgan, Navan, Omeath, Portadown, Rostrevor, Slane, Tallanstown, Termonfeckin, Trim, Tullyallen, Warrenpoint and surrounding counties within commuting distance