At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in coordinating design processes for exciting new build education projects.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor known for quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured career progression, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make an impact on large-scale school projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or related field; eager to learn.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with long-term career opportunities in Design Management.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
Graduate or Assistant Design Manager in Derby employer: Parker Jones Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Parker Jones Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate or Assistant Design Manager in Derby
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your projects, experiences, and what you've learned. Make sure they see the value you can bring to their team.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially in design management. Practice common questions and have your own ready!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate or Assistant Design Manager in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate/Assistant Design Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in construction or design, and don’t forget to mention your degree and any software skills like AutoCAD or Revit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for design management and working on education projects. Mention why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to the team.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your communication and organisational skills. These are key for coordinating design processes and working with teams, so give examples of how you've demonstrated these in past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parker Jones Group Ltd
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, research the company's recent projects, especially in education and commercial sectors. Familiarise yourself with their approach to quality and health & safety, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you have a basic understanding of design software like AutoCAD or Revit. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have with these tools, as well as your ability to review drawings and technical information.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since the role involves working closely with design teams and site personnel, think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Express your motivation to develop within design management. Share specific areas you’re keen to learn more about, such as BIM coordination or value engineering, to demonstrate your proactive attitude and commitment to growth.