Graduate Design Manager

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

Job summary

A leading UK construction firm in Loughton is seeking a Graduate Design Manager to join their team. This role offers an annual salary of £30,000 with a potential car allowance, and a structured graduate development program lasting 2 years. The successful candidate will assist in managing design processes for diverse construction projects, working collaboratively with architects and engineers. Applicants should be recent graduates in relevant fields, with proficiency in design software and strong communication skills. The role includes benefits like 26 days annual leave and wellbeing support.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or graduating in 2026 with a relevant degree.
• Ability to plan and manage projects.
• Must hold a Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design process management for construction projects.
• Collaborate with teams to meet design specifications.
• Review project drawings for compliance.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficiency in Revit

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Degree in Construction Management

Degree in Architecture

Degree in Civil Engineering

Degree in Architectural Engineering/Technology

Degree in Interior Architecture

Job description

Graduate Design Manager

We're looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Loughton. You can enjoy 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and more.

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 and KME and we operate across all regions – London & Southern, Western & Wales, Eastern & Midlands and North & Scotland.

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.

Location

Loughton – with flexibility to travel across the region.

Starting Salary

£30,000 per annum, with potential £4,750 car allowance depending on eligibility.

Pathway

Permanent, Full‑time 2‑year programme, leading to an assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA £38,000.

Starting Date

September 2026.

Sponsorship

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

Responsibilities

As a Graduate Design Manager, you'll be working within the Construction team on live projects on site and in pre‑construction in the office. You will assist the Design Manager/Senior Design Manager in managing all aspects of design on projects, working alongside the project team, Architects, Engineers and other design team members.

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.
• Working alongside the Kier Operational and Commercial teams to update them on design progress and look at project challenges and solutions.

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.

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 chosen industry and potential career paths.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Graduate in 2026 or have recently graduated within the past three years, with a degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering/Technology, Interior Architecture or a related field.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Interested in learning to plan and manage a project.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Build relationships with people external to your company.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
• Must hold Full UK Driving Licence.

Rewards and Benefits

We are proud to be able to offer our brilliant people a variety of flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs.

Diversity and Inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high priority for us. We are a Disability Confident employer and will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.

Recruitment Timeline

• November 2025 – Initial applications.
• November 2025 – Application reviews.
• January 2026 onwards – Virtual and in‑person assessment centres.

We look forward to seeing your application. #joinkier