Graduate Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Birmingham seeks a Graduate Design Manager to support complex construction projects. The role involves design coordination, reviewing technical documents, and collaborating with project teams. Candidates should have a strong understanding of construction principles and excellent communication skills, alongside a desire for career progression. This position offers a structured graduate development program and mentoring opportunities within a successful team.

Benefits

Attractive overall package

Structured career development

Exposure to high-value projects

Qualifications

• A full driving licence is necessary due to site travel.
• Desire to develop into a fully qualified Design Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design coordination across multiple disciplines.
• Review and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Help ensure design outputs align with project timelines.
• Support bid submissions and design workshops.
• Collaborate with teams for innovation and cost control.
• Visit sites to maintain design intent.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Technical understanding of construction

Proactivity

Education

Completion of industry experience

Job description

Job Description

A privately owned contractor, delivering high-quality private sector schemes valued up to £100m, is seeking a Graduate Design Manager to join their growing team. The business is in a strong position, having recently secured £200m of new workload across the Midlands, offering exciting opportunities for career development.

Location: Birmingham, with travel to sites in the Midlands

Role Overview

As a Graduate Design Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of complex construction projects from design through to completion. You will work closely with experienced design and project teams to ensure that technical designs meet both client expectations and contractual requirements.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with design coordination across multiple disciplines to ensure seamless integration into project plans.
• Reviewing and understanding technical drawings, specifications, and design documentation to support project delivery.
• Helping to ensure that design outputs align with project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Supporting bid submissions, client presentations, and design workshops, contributing to the communication of our design strategy.
• Collaborating with preconstruction and live project teams to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and cost control.
• Visiting sites to understand construction constraints and ensure design intent is maintained.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and ambitious individual who has:

• Completed at least one year of industry experience as part of their studies (e.g., sandwich year or).
• A strong technical understanding of construction and design principles.
• A full driving licence, as travel to sites and offices across the Midlands is required.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the confidence to contribute in client-facing situations.
• A desire to develop into a fully qualified Design Manager, with structured mentoring and career progression opportunities.

Development & Support

You will be supported through a structured graduate development programme designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress quickly.

• Mentoring from experienced Design Managers and project leads.
• Exposure to both preconstruction and live projects, providing a rounded understanding of the full project lifecycle.
• Opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as your skills grow, with a clear path to Design Manager progression.

Package & Benefits

• Attractive overall package.
• Opportunity to grow within a successful and expanding Midlands-based business.
• Exposure to high-value projects and industry-leading practices.
• Structured career development and mentoring to accelerate your professional growth