Graduate Design Manager 2027

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

Location: Rushden, Northampton
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 a Graduate 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.

What will you be responsible for?

As a Graduate Construction Design Manager, you'll be working within the construction team, supporting them in coordinating and managing the design process.

Your day to day will include:

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

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 show strong attention to detail, 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

We're all about finding potential here at Kier, and transferrable skills are always welcome! So, even if you don't tick every box, please apply and we can have a chat.

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.

Application Timeline

October 2026: Initial applications
November 2026: Application reviews
December 2026 / January 2027: Virtual/in-person assessment centres

We look forward to seeing your application to #joinkier.

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