Job Description

We're looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Basingstoke.
Within this role you can enjoy 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and even more https://jobs.kier.co.uk/benefits/
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, KME and we operate across all regions- London & Southern, Western & Wales, Eastern & Midlands and North & Scotland. https://www.kier.co.uk/who-we-are/our-business-divisions/
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: Basingstoke- 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 assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA 38k
Starting date: September 2026
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. During this period the focus is on ensuring you gain experience in both Pre-Construction and Construction and developing your technical knowledge. Understanding of the construction process and adding value through the understanding of sustainability matters, BIM modelling, off site manufacture techniques and programming.
Design Management is how we manage (enable and co-ordinate) the design process to achieve the required project outcomes, without carrying out (or assuming responsibility for) the design. Understanding and managing risk relating to design activity throughout the project lifecycle.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop a strong foundation in design management.
What will your day-to-day duties include?

• 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 those elements of the brief and bring fresh thinking, innovation and implement continuous improvement benefits to the 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 ensuring 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 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.
You can find more details about our schemes here.
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?
We're looking for people due to graduate in 2026, or have recently graduated within the past three years, with a degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
The role of Graduate Design Manager is great for you if:

• A good understanding of technical aspects of construction
• Knowledge of Building Regulations
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excels in working as part of a team and under own supervision
• Strong time management/ prioritisation skills
• Ability to self-motivate and work to deadlines
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
• Must hold Full Driving License

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. You can see more information of benefits here.
Diversity and inclusion
Making Kier a diverse and inclusive place to work is a high 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.
We look forward to seeing your application to #joinkier
Recruitment timeline
October 2025: Initial applications
November 2025: Application reviews
January 2026 onwards: Virtual and in-person assessment centres

Skills Required