Graduate Design Manager

Kier Group plc.; Byard's Leap; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction firm is seeking a Graduate Design Manager based at RAF Cranwell. This role offers recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in design management. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or Civil Engineering and proficiency in design software. Starting salary is £30,000 with potential for growth upon program completion.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme

Potential car allowance

Qualifications

• Graduation in 2026 or recently graduated within the past three years.
• Skilled at working as part of a team and independently.
• Must hold a Full Driving License.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the design process for construction projects.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers to meet design specifications.
• Support development of design solutions aligned with project objectives.

Skills

Technical understanding of construction

Knowledge of Building Regulations

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Strong time management skills

Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit)

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

As a Graduate Design Manager, you will be guided through the Design Management process. During this period the focus is on ensuring you gain experience in both Pre-Construction and Construction and developing your technical knowledge. Understanding of the construction process and adding value through the understanding of sustainability matters, BIM modelling, off site manufacture techniques and programming.

Design Management is how we manage (enable and co-ordinate) the design process to achieve the required project outcomes, without carrying out (or assuming responsibility for) the design. Understanding and managing risk relating to design activity throughout the project lifecycle.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop a strong foundation in design management.

To learn more about our business and divisions, visit here.

What will your day-to-day duties include?

• Assisting in the coordination and management of the design process for construction projects.
• Support given to lead and provide a professional, comprehensive and sustainable design service for the customer and key partners / suppliers at all delivery stages
• Collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure design specifications are met.
• Assist with reviewing design information and contractor's designed portion packages at all RIBA Stages. Challenge those elements of the brief and bring fresh thinking, innovation and implement continuous improvement benefits to the projects at bid and delivery stages
• Supporting the development of design solutions that align with project objectives, budget, and timeline.
• Identification, recording and mitigation of design and project Risks and Opportunities.
• Support the team ensuring pricing assumptions are consistent with the development of the design.
• Monitoring design progress and adjusting as necessary to meet project goals.

How does the graduate scheme work?

When you join, you will be enrolled onto our graduate scheme. The programme will take 2 years to complete and has been designed to equip you with the skills you need to excel in your chosen profession and help you achieve professional membership or chartership.

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 chosen industry and potential career paths.

What are we looking for?

We\'re looking for people due to graduate in 2026, or have recently graduated within the past three years, with a degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

The role of Graduate Design Manager is great for you if:

• A good understanding of technical aspects of construction
• Knowledge of Building Regulations
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excels in working as part of a team and under own supervision
• Strong time management/ prioritisation skills
• Ability to self-motivate and work to deadlines
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
• Must hold Full Driving License, Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .

We\'re looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based at RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, Lincolnshire,

Benefits and location

Within this role you can enjoy 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and even more at https://jobs.kier.co.uk/benefits/

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, KME and we operate across all regions- London & Southern, Western & Wales, Eastern & Midlands and North & Scotland. https://www.kier.co.uk/who-we-are/our-business-divisions/

About Kier and our programme

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our structured graduate development programme. These programmes have been designed to provide you with the experiences and tools needed for progression within your chosen career., Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high priority for us. We\'re proud of the steps we\'ve taken so far, but we know we must always do more. Our employees are key in shaping Kier\'s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and our people have made a huge impact on how we work, by using their experiences to shape our policies. You can see our D\&I action plan here.

Disability Confident commitment

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.

Salary and start date

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

Starting date: September 2026

We are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

What will you be responsible for?

What will you be responsible for?