Overview
Join to apply for the Graduate Design Manager role at Kier Group.
Location: Basingstoke – with flexibility to travel across the region. Starting date: September 2026. Permanent, full-time 2-year graduate programme leading to an assistant level role with potential salary around £38k. We are a leading UK national contractor delivering projects across public and private sectors.
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. You will gain experience in both Pre-Construction and Construction and develop your technical knowledge, focusing on sustainability, BIM modelling, off-site manufacture techniques, and programming. Design Management involves enabling and coordinating the design process to achieve project outcomes while managing risk related to design activity throughout the project lifecycle.
This role offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and build a strong foundation in design management.
Day-to-day duties
* Assisting in the coordination and management of the design process for construction projects.
* Providing a professional, comprehensive and sustainable design service for the customer and key partners / suppliers at all delivery stages.
* Collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure design specifications are met.
* Assisting with reviewing design information and contractor's designed portion packages at all RIBA Stages. Challenge elements of the brief and bring fresh thinking, innovation and continuous improvement benefits to projects at bid and delivery stages.
* Supporting the development of design solutions that align with project objectives, budget, and timeline.
* Identification, recording and mitigation of design and project risks and opportunities.
* Supporting the team to ensure pricing assumptions are consistent with the development of the design.
* Monitoring design progress and adjusting as necessary to meet project goals.
How does the graduate scheme work?
When you join, you will be enrolled onto Kier’s graduate scheme. The programme lasts 2 years and is designed to equip you with skills to excel and pursue professional membership or chartership.
What we are looking for
* Graduating in 2026 or recently graduated within the past three years in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
* A good understanding of technical aspects of construction and knowledge of Building Regulations.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills; works well in a team and under supervision.
* Strong time management and prioritisation skills; self-motivated and able to meet deadlines.
* Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
* Full driving license.
Rewards and Benefits
* 26 days annual leave; 24/7 wellbeing support programme.
* Flexible benefits that can be tailored to your needs. See benefits information here.
Diversity and inclusion
Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a priority. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer interview consideration for disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for the role. See our D&I action plan for more details.
Recruitment timeline: October 2025 – initial applications; November 2025 – application reviews; January 2026 onwards – virtual and in-person assessment centres.
Seniority level
* Internship
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
* Industries: Construction
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