Graduate Design Manager

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

Job summary

A leading UK national contractor is seeking a Graduate Design Manager to join their construction team in Sheffield. This full-time, 2-year programme aims to develop skills in design management through hands-on projects and experience. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate in Construction Management or a related field, proficient in design software, and possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role offers a starting salary of £30,000 plus potential car allowance and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

26 days annual leave

Well-being support programme

Skill improvement opportunities

Qualifications

• Recent graduate (or within three years) in a relevant field.
• Good understanding of technical construction aspects and Building Regulations.
• Proficiency in design software and Microsoft Office.
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination and management of the design process.
• Support and provide comprehensive design service.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.
• Review design information and contractor-designed packages.
• Develop design solutions aligned with project objectives.
• Identify and mitigate design risks and opportunities.
• Monitor design progress and adjust as necessary.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Team working

Time-management

Prioritization

Self-motivation

AutoCAD proficiency

Revit proficiency

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in Construction Management or related field

Job description

Graduate Design Manager – Construction Graduate Scheme

We're looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Sheffield.

We are a leading UK national contractor delivering projects in public and private sectors, including education, healthcare, defence, justice and borders.

Location & Salary

Sheffield – flexible travel across the region.

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

Route: Permanent, Full-time 2‑year programme leading to assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of circa £38k.

Starting date September 2026.

Please note: we are unable to offer certificates of sponsorship to any candidates in this role.

What will you be responsible for?

As a Graduate Design Manager you will be guided through the Design Management process, gaining experience in both Pre‑Construction and Construction and developing your technical knowledge.

Design Management involves coordinating the design process to achieve required outcomes without assuming responsibility for the design. You will manage risk relating to design activity throughout the project lifecycle.

Day‑to‑day duties include

• Assist in the coordination and management of the design process for construction projects.
• Support and provide a professional, comprehensive and sustainable design service for customers and key partners/suppliers at all delivery stages.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors and clients to ensure design specifications are met.
• Review design information and contractor‑designed packages at all RIBA stages, challenge elements of the brief and introduce innovation.
• Develop design solutions that align with project objectives, budget and timeline.
• Identify, record and mitigate design and project risks and opportunities.
• Support pricing assumptions consistent with design development.
• Monitor design progress and adjust as necessary to meet project goals.

Requirements

• Recent graduate (or within three years) in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Good understanding of technical construction aspects and Building Regulations.
• Effective communication, interpersonal and team working skills.
• Strong time‑management, prioritisation and self‑motivation.
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Graduate Scheme

Our 2‑year programme equips you with the skills to excel in your chosen profession and achieve professional membership or chartership.

Benefits

• Practical experience and hands‑on projects.
• Skill improvement and professional development.
• Networking and career insight.
• Competitive salary and car allowance.
• Well‑being support programme and 26 days annual leave.

Recruitment timeline

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

We look forward to receiving your application

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