Graduate or Assistant Design Manager

We are working with a well-established, Tier 1 main contractor with a strong track record delivering large-scale education and commercial projects across the UK. The business is known for delivering high-value, complex new build schemes, with a focus on quality, programme delivery, and health & safety. They have a strong pipeline of secured work and are now looking to appoint a Graduate / Assistant Design Manager for an upcoming education project based within commutable distance of Derby. This is a permanent opportunity offering long-term development within a structured environment, working on new build school projects from pre-construction through to delivery. The role will support experienced Design Managers on live projects, providing exposure to the full project lifecycle. This position is ideal for a recent graduate or someone with 1–2 years’ experience looking to progress into Design Management within a main contractor environment. Duties and responsibilities Assist in coordinating the design process across new build education projects Support the Design Manager in managing consultants, subcontractors, and design teams Attend design team meetings and contribute to technical discussions Review drawings and technical information to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations Assist with the management of RFIs, design changes, and document control processes Support the design programme to ensure information is issued in line with construction requirements Work closely with site teams to ensure design information is practical and buildable Assist with value engineering and buildability reviews Ensure designs comply with health & safety and CDM requirements Support BIM coordination and clash detection where applicable Tickets/Qualifications Degree qualified in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related discipline Basic understanding of construction processes and project delivery Strong communication and organisational skills Ability to work collaboratively within a project team Proactive, eager to learn, and motivated to develop within design management Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM (desirable) Experience Required Graduate or 1–2 years’ experience within construction, design, or a related field Exposure to construction projects (placement year, internship, or assistant role desirable) Understanding of drawings, technical information, or design coordination Experience working with design software such as AutoCAD or Revit is advantageous Strong interest in working on new build education projects Looking to progress into a long-term career within Design Management What’s in it for you? £20,000 – £25,000 Structured career progression into Design Management Opportunity to work on large-scale new build school projects Exposure to all stages of the project lifecycle Long-term pipeline with a major UK contractor Mentorship from experienced Design Managers If you are interested or know someone who is interested contact me below or email your CV to me