Graduate Design Manager 2027

Kier Group; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Practical experience

Skill improvement

Networking

Career insight

Job summary

Kier Group is seeking a Graduate Construction Design Manager in the Gloucester region. The role offers hands-on design management experience within a supportive team, starting at £31,000 per year with a car allowance on some contracts.

It is a permanent, full-time 2-year pathway leading toward an assistant-level role with salary potential around £38k. The position starts in September 2027, with 40-hour weeks, and a focus on coordinating design for construction projects from inception to

Qualifications

• Degree in Architectural Technology, Construction Project Management, Civil Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in design management and construction industry.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to prioritise multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
• Team player with reliability and respect for others.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the design process for construction projects.
• Review drawings, plans and specifications for accuracy and compliance.
• Develop design solutions aligned with project objectives, budget and timelines.
• Conduct site visits to understand project requirements and gather data.
• Prepare design documentation and use design software to manage plans.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Architectural Technology, Construction Project Management, Civil Engineering or related

Job description

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

Location: Gloucester
Hours: 40 hours per week
Starting Salary: £31,000 per annum + Car Allowance (on some contracts)
Pathway: Permanent, Full-time 2-year programme, leading to assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA £38k
Starting date: September 2027

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

As aGraduate Construction Design Manager you will assist in coordinating and managing the design aspects of construction projects from inception to completion. This role is ideal for a recent graduate eager to start a career in construction design management, offering hands‑on experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and opportunities for professional growth. You'll be working in a supportive environment where your ideas are valued and your development is a priority.

What will you be responsible for?

As a Graduate Construction Design Manager, you'll be working within the design team, supporting them in delivering high-quality design solutions for construction projects.

Your day to day will include:

• Coordinating and managing the design process for construction projects, working collaboratively with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients


• Reviewing project drawings, plans, and specifications to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards


• Supporting the development of design solutions that align with project objectives, budget, and timelines


• Conducting site visits to understand project requirements and gather relevant data


• Preparing design documentation and utilising design software to create and manage design plans

What are the benefits for you?

• 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?

This role of Graduate Construction Design Manager is great for you if:

• You hold a degree in Architectural Technology, Construction Project Management, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline


• You demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing a career in design management and the construction industry, with clear motivation to learn and develop professionally


• You have strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and manage time effectively whilst maintaining high standards


• You work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating collaboration, reliability, and respect for others


• You hold a full UK driving licence

Rewards and benefits

We're proud to be able to offer our brilliant people a wide variety of benefits that you can tailor to your needs. You can see more information of benefits here.

Diversity and inclusion

Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a huge 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.

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.

Due to the nature of this role, you will also be required to complete a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (applicants with convictions will be treated on a case‑by‑case basis. We do not discriminate based on an applicant's conviction history or the details of any convictions disclosed to us). Some roles may also be subject to further pre‑employment checks.

Application Timeline

October 2026: Initialapplications

November 2026: Application reviews

January 2027: Virtual/in-person assessment centres

It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations we reserve the right to close adverts early

• Graduate Design Management JD.docx