Design Lead

We're looking for a Graduate Design Manager to join our Construction team based in Loughton. Within this role you can enjoy 26 days annual leave, 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, and even more 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. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading construction and infrastructure services company on our structured graduate development programme. Loughton – With flexibility to travel across the region 
Starting Salary: £30,000 per annum, with potential £4,750 car allowance depending on eligibility
Permanent, Full-time 2-year programme, leading to assistant level role upon completion with salary potential of CIRCA £38k
As a Graduate Design Manager, you'll be working within the Construction team on live projects on site and in pre-construction in the office. You will assist the Design Manager/ Senior Design Manager in managing all aspects of design on projects, working alongside the project team, Architects, Engineers and other design team members on the projects. 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. 
Assisting in the coordination and management of the design process for construction projects.
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.
Working alongside the Kier Operational and Commercial teams to update them on design progress and look at project challenges and solutions.
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.
Practical experience: gain valuable hands-on experience in your field.
Networking: build professional relationships and expand your network.
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, Architectural Engineer/Technology, Interior Architecture or a related field.
The role of Graduate Design Manager is great for you if:
Interested in learning to plan and manage a project.
Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
Must hold Full UK Driving License
We are proud to be able to offer our brilliant people a variety of flexible benefits that you can tailor to your needs. Diversity and inclusion
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. 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.
January 2026 onwards: Virtual and in-person assessment centres