Graduate Design Manager

Tilbury Douglas; Livingston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK construction firm is seeking a Graduate Design Manager in Livingston. This role involves assisting with innovative design solutions, developing relationships with clients and subcontractors, and supporting project handovers. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset. This position offers a structured graduate development programme aligned to professional membership and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Two days volunteering opportunities per year

Private medical insurance

Company pension scheme matched up to 8%

Flexible Benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Passion for construction and built environment.
• Expected to graduate in 2026.
• Full UK driving license or working towards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing innovative design solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and subcontractors.
• Support project handover and document control activities.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Written and verbal communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field (2:1 or above)

Job description

Start your career where it matters most – building a better future together

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit‑out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water, defence, justice and civic and civil estate. Our schemes improve lives and strengthen communities. We’re now looking for ambitious Graduate Design Managers to join our team and help us shape the future.

Location

This role will be based in Livingston part of our Tilbury Douglas Construction division. Flexibility to travel across sites in the region will be required as part of your development.

What you’ll be doing

As a Graduate Design Manager, you’ll rotate across key areas to develop your skills and gain the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.

No two days are the same and with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Assist in developing innovative design solutions to client briefs, working collaboratively with the professional design team and subcontractors
• Develop strong relationships with clients from early concept stages, managing expectations through regular discussions about requirements and specifications
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with subcontractors and the design team, helping resolve technical queries promptly
• Support the review of design information including drawings, specifications and technical submissions, assessing buildability, compliance and coordination
• Assist in checking and compiling Contractor’s Proposals, qualifications lists, design information and supporting documentation for tender submissions
• Support ongoing design reviews, identifying potential interface issues and practical construction challenges, helping resolve them where appropriate
• Contribute to smooth project handover by supporting the transfer of design information to the project delivery team and assisting throughout operational stages
• Support document control activities, helping prepare and manage information schedules and ensuring accurate records are maintained
• Attend contractor selection interviews, assisting with preparation and contributing to discussions
• Assist in reviewing bid documentation to identify risks, opportunities, design gaps and compliance issues
• Assist in producing monthly reports and updates as required by the Regional Design & Planning Manager

Why this role?

This is the perfect launchpad into site leadership. You’ll rotate across different functions, gaining the experience and confidence to work towards CIOB accreditation. Supported by mentors and a graduate development programme, you’ll be prepared to step up as the next generation of construction leaders.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and built environment. You’ll will bring:

• A degree (or expected in 2026) in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Design Engineering, Construction Management (2:1 or above)
• A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start)
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with a practical and logical approach
• Good written and verbal communication, able to engage with a wide range of people
• A collaborative mindset, with the enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
• Previous placement or site experience (desirable but not essential)

What we offer

• A structured two‑year graduate development programme aligned to professional membership
• Support towards professional accreditation (ICE, IStructE, CIOB or equivalent)
• Mentoring and support from experienced engineers and supervisors
• Two days volunteering opportunities per year
• Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects across the UK
• An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference
• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance
• Performance Related Pay (PRP)
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• Private medical insurance and 24/7 access to health and wellbeing experts via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Company pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
• Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
• Dental Insurance
• Travel insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Perks at Work employee discount scheme offering discounts and savings portal for hundreds of retailers, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, travel, payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions and a range of other benefits

Recruitment Timeline

• Stage 1 – Online Applications:
  You can apply up until 5 December 2025. We recommend getting your application in early!
• Stage 2 – Shortlisting:
  We’ll review all applications during December 2025 and get in touch to invite successful candidates to interview.
• Stage 3 – Interviews:
  Interviews will take place during the week commencing 5 January 2026. We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare in advance.
• Stage 4 – Offers:
  Offers will be made in February 2026. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you know what to expect.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

We’re more than just a construction company; we’re a community of people working together to deliver projects that matter. We value diversity, innovation and wellbeing and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Our values form a core part of our company and our mission to build a better future together. They underpin everything we do and set out what is expected from all of us:

• Everyone has a voice
• Do the right thing
• Take pride in what you do
• Bring better to life

Join us and take your first step towards an exciting career in engineering.