Graduate Design Manager

Kier Group; Cheswick Green; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and infrastructure services company is seeking a Graduate Design Manager to join their Construction team in Coventry. This role involves managing the design process for construction projects in collaboration with various stakeholders. The company offers a structured graduate development programme lasting 2 years, tailored benefits, and a starting salary of £30,000 per annum.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme

Potential car allowance of £4,750

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Must hold full driving license.
• Graduating in 2026 or recently graduated within the past three years.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects.
• Coordinate and manage the design process for construction projects.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.

Skills

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit)

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Coventry. Location: Coventry – with flexibility to travel across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on a structured graduate development programme designed to provide experiences and tools for progression within your chosen career.

Responsibilities

As a Graduate Design Manager, you will assist in managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects. You will work within the construction team on our University of Warwick STEM contract. This role offers hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a solid foundation in quantity surveying.

What you will be responsible for

• 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.

The graduate scheme

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. You can find more details about our schemes here.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and additional benefits.
• Starting Salary: £30,000 per annum, with potential £4,750 car allowance depending on eligibility.
• Permanent, Full-time 2-year programme, leading to an assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA £38k.
• Starting date: September 2026.

What we are 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.

• 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 full driving license.

Rewards and benefits

We offer a variety of flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs. See more information on benefits here.

Diversity and inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high priority. Our employees shape Kier’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and our people have influenced our policies. Our D&I action plan can be viewed here. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria are offered an interview.

Recruitment timeline

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

We look forward to seeing your application to #joinkier.