EMEA Critical Site Operations Design Manager, Associate

About this role

About Workplace Operations

Workplace Operations oversees the firm’s Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Critical Site Operations functions. The team includes BlackRock employees and outsourced professionals across the globe, all focused on delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for BlackRock employees and visitors.

The EMEA Critical Site Operations Design Manager supports the real estate team with site selection, critical systems design, and commissioning for offices and data centers across the region. Because these facilities operate around the clock, the role is responsible for helping manage risk and maintain continuous uptime. This position also coordinates with design and construction, facilities management, engineering operations, and IT operations, to ensure the readiness, reliability, and integrity of mission-critical infrastructure designs throughout EMEA. In addition, the successful candidate should be able to apply AI to strengthen and enhance BlackRock’s design standards.

This role requires a strong understanding of how mission critical systems operate and the ability to work closely with consulting engineers on mission-critical design. This includes knowledge of electrical switchgear, transfer switches, backup power systems, and HVAC operations. The successful candidate will also help oversee BlackRock’s IFM provider, JLL, along with other critical service providers supporting data center and facility infrastructure systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the engineering design and operation of mission critical infrastructure systems and equipment across offices and data centers.

• Manage critical systems throughout the EMEA region.

• Lead MEP design, construction, and operational budget management.

• Ensure compliance with BlackRock design standards, operating procedures, methods of procedure, and emergency response protocols for mission-critical environments.

• Use AI-assisted design tools, such as generative layout engines, to develop and assess optimized HVAC, piping, and lighting layouts based on building geometry and space constraints.

• Apply predictive AI simulations to evaluate energy use, optimize equipment sizing, and assess system performance under multiple scenarios.

• Leverage AI-powered models to check designs against current building codes and standards, including Building Code, ASHRAE, and NEC, and identify non-compliance automatically.

• Manage site-based MEP and IT Life Cycle Management (LCM) projects.

• Perform ongoing assessments of infrastructure system operational readiness.

• Review and enhance preventive and predictive maintenance procedures for all critical infrastructure systems.

• Ensure 24/7/365 coverage and effective emergency response for infrastructure and IT equipment failures.

• Partner with Global Critical Engineering and Global Technology teams to provide expertise on design objectives, operational performance, and infrastructure systems that support efficient and maintainable operations.

• Provide remote technical support for EMEA facility operations.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Facilities Engineering, Data Center Operations, Military, or other equivalent related life experience preferred.

• Five to Ten years of building engineering design management, facilities management, data center management, or related experience.

• Strong knowledge of mission critical cooling systems, power systems, mechanical systems, and fire suppression systems.

• Familiarity with AI-driven MEP plugins or generative design workflows.

• Project management skills.

• Knowledge of Electrical/Arc Flash Safety (NFPA 70E)

• Electrical or HVAC licenses would be a plus.

• Working familiarity with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Cad/BIM Platforms, and Integrated Work Maintenance Management System (IWMS) software.

• The candidate must be available for travel, weekend work, and available for emergency problems on a 24/7/365 basis.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

Guidance on AI use for candidates

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.