Graduate Design Manager

Kier Group; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national contractor in the UK is seeking a Graduate Design Manager in Basingstoke. This role offers a structured graduate development programme, hands-on experience, and a starting salary of £30,000 per annum. Ideal candidates are recent graduates in relevant fields. Skills in design software and effective communication are essential. Join us to contribute to key infrastructure projects while gaining valuable career insights.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme

Potential car allowance

Qualifications

• Graduates due in 2026 or recent graduates within the past three years.
• Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing contractual and financial aspects of construction projects.
• Gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Coordinate and manage the design process for construction projects.

Skills

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Basingstoke. This role offers 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and more..

Company

We are a leading UK national contractor delivering projects of all sizes and complexities in the public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, defence and justice and borders. We design and deliver buildings that are key to the UK’s infrastructure—from hospitals and treatment centres to schools, leisure centres and prisons. Construction comprises our Regional Building, Strategic Projects, Kier Places; we operate across London & Southern, Western & Wales, Eastern & Midlands and North & Scotland.

Programme

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our structured graduate development programme. The programmes provide experiences and tools needed for progression within your chosen career.

Details

Starting Salary: £30,000 per annum, with potential £4,750 car allowance depending on eligibility
Pathway: Permanent, Full-time 2-year programme, leading to assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA £38k
Location: Basingstoke – with flexibility to travel across the region
Starting date: September 2026
Note: We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

Responsibilities

• As a Graduate Design Manager, assist in managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects.
• Gain hands‑on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop a foundation in quantity surveying.

Day-to-day duties

• Assisting in the coordination and management of the design process for construction projects.
• Collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure design specifications are met.
• Reviewing and analysing project drawings, plans, and specifications for accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Supporting the development of design solutions that align with project objectives, budget, and timeline.
• Monitoring design progress and adjusting as necessary to meet project goals.

Graduate scheme

When you join, you will be enrolled onto our graduate scheme. The programme will take 2 years to complete and is designed to equip you with the skills to excel in your profession and help you achieve professional membership or chartership. You can find more details about our schemes here.

Benefits

• Practical experience: gain valuable hands-on experience in your field.
• Skill improvement: develop technical and professional skills.
• Networking: build professional relationships and expand your network.
• Career insight: gain insights into your industry and potential career paths.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for graduates due in 2026, or recent graduates within the past three years, with a degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

Candidate profile

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Rewards and diversity

We offer flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs. Details of benefits are available here. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and have a Disability Confident stance. Our D&I action plan is available here.

Application notes

We look forward to receiving your application to #joinkier.

Recruitment timeline

• October 2025: Initial applications
• November 2025: Application reviews
• January 2026 onwards: Virtual and in-person assessment centres