Assistant Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations / Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-30

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the delivery of comprehensive and sustainable design services across all RIBA stages within the Kier Places team.

• Actively participate in reviewing design information and contractor-designed portion packages to ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Proactively identify, document, and mitigate design and project risks, contributing to proactive problem-solving.

• Assist in the establishment and alignment of the design team's scope, accountabilities, and overall strategy.

• Provide critical information and monitor construction activities to ensure adherence to approved design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Assistant Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into project and design operations within a construction context. The role requires a blend of technical understanding, risk management, and collaborative oversight, typical of mid-level operations roles in construction project delivery. The collaboration with "Jobs for Humanity" suggests a focus on inclusive hiring practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Review design information and contractor-designed portion packages at all RIBA stages, ensuring compliance and quality.

• Support the establishment and operationalization of the design team, clearly defining scope, roles, and accountabilities.

• Proactively identify, meticulously record, and effectively mitigate design and project risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Assist in developing and validating pricing assumptions to ensure they accurately reflect the evolving design development.

• Provide essential information and monitor construction activities to guarantee alignment with approved design specifications and project requirements.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, and site teams, to ensure seamless design integration into construction.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design documentation, ensuring it is up-to-date and accessible.

• Support the implementation of design management best practices and company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on design process management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration within a construction project environment. This role is critical for ensuring efficient and compliant project execution from a design perspective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• HND/HNC/T Level or equivalent qualification is desirable.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in a role involving design review, project support, or construction operations.

• Proven ability to understand and apply technical construction knowledge.

• Experience in reviewing design information and contractor packages.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of construction technical aspects and methodologies.

• Familiarity with the RIBA plan of work and current Building Regulations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

• Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently.

• Proficiency in identifying and mitigating design and project risks.

• Understanding of design development processes and their impact on pricing.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific construction design software or BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.

• Formal project management training or certification.

• Experience in a contractor or client-side design management role.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are flexible, emphasizing practical knowledge and transferable skills, aligning with the "Jobs for Humanity" ethos. The core technical skills are crucial for operations success in construction project delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in managing and reviewing construction design documentation across various project stages.

• Showcase examples of risk identification and mitigation strategies implemented on past projects.

• Include case studies illustrating successful collaboration with contractors and design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of workflow diagrams or process maps related to design review or information management.

• Illustrate how you have contributed to standardizing or improving design-related processes.

• Document instances where you have tracked and reported on design-related metrics or KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating practical application of design review, risk management, and process adherence within construction projects will be highly valued. Focus on tangible outcomes and operational efficiency improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for an Assistant Design Manager in Basingstoke, UK, with 2-5 years of experience, typically falls within the range of £30,000 to £45,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the construction sector in the South of England, considering the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and further training, including support for relevant certifications.

• Pension scheme with company contributions.

• Generous annual leave allowance.

• Access to employee assistance programs.

• Potential for internal mobility and career progression within Kier.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.

• Standard working days are typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility often available to accommodate project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry data for the specified location and experience level. Specific benefits may vary and should be confirmed with the hiring team. The mention of a driving licence suggests that out-of-office travel for site visits or client meetings may be a component of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Infrastructure. Kier is a leading UK construction and services company, involved in building, maintaining, and managing essential infrastructure.

Company Size: Kier is a large enterprise, employing a significant number of people across the UK and internationally. This size offers stability and numerous opportunities for career growth.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1899, bringing over a century of experience and expertise to the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The Assistant Design Manager will be part of the Kier Places team, which focuses on specific construction and development projects.

• This role likely involves working within a project-specific team structure, reporting to a Design Manager or Project Manager.

Methodology:

• Kier emphasizes a professional, comprehensive, and sustainable design service, integrating best practices across all delivery stages.

• The company promotes a culture of continuous improvement, risk management, and client-focused delivery.

• There is a stated commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives aimed at supporting individuals from all backgrounds.

Company Website: https://www.kier.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large scale indicate a structured, professional environment with established operational processes. The collaboration with "Jobs for Humanity" highlights a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is a key cultural element to consider.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Assistant" level, indicating a crucial developmental stage within the design and construction operations field. It's designed for individuals with foundational knowledge looking to gain hands-on experience and progress towards more senior management roles. The 2-5 year experience bracket supports this.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Design Manager will report to a more senior Design Manager or Project Manager within the Kier Places team. This mentorship structure is common for assistant roles, providing guidance and oversight.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, compliant, and effectively managed from inception through to construction. Efficient design operations are fundamental to controlling project costs, timelines, and quality, thereby contributing significantly to Kier's overall project delivery performance and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of design management, such as BIM coordination, sustainability integration, or specific construction typologies.

• Advancement: Progress to a Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, or Project Manager role within Kier Places or other Kier divisions.

• Skill Development: Gain comprehensive experience across the full project lifecycle, enhancing skills in risk management, stakeholder communication, and technical review.

• Leadership: With experience, transition into leading design teams and managing larger, more complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant" title signifies a clear pathway for growth. Demonstrating initiative, a strong grasp of operational processes, and a commitment to learning will be key for career progression within Kier.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and is described as "On-site." This implies a traditional office environment within a Kier office location, facilitating team collaboration and access to project resources.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with the Kier Places design and project management teams.

• Access to necessary operational tools, project documentation, and IT infrastructure will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.

• While a standard schedule is expected, flexibility may be required due to project timelines and site demands, a common aspect of operations roles in construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is critical. While there might be occasional flexibility, the primary expectation is for the Assistant Design Manager to be present in the office and potentially on project sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and CV, likely by a recruiter from Jobs for Humanity or Kier's HR team, focusing on matching your qualifications to the requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the Design Manager or Project Manager to assess your technical understanding of construction, RIBA stages, Building Regulations, and your experience with design review and risk mitigation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Team/Panel Interview: You may meet with other members of the design or project team to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within Kier.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions related to hypothetical design challenges, risk scenarios, or project coordination issues.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., Risk Management, Design Review, Contractor Liaison).

• Content Focus: Highlight projects where you played a key role in reviewing design information, managing contractor packages, or identifying/mitigating risks. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "identified X risks that led to Y cost savings").

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the processes you followed and the tools you used. For example, how did you review a contractor's design package? What steps did you take to mitigate a design conflict?

• Visuals: Include relevant drawings, diagrams, or photos if appropriate and permitted by confidentiality agreements.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples for this Assistant Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review key construction phases, particularly the RIBA plan of work.

• Refresh your knowledge of common Building Regulations and their implications.

• Practice articulating how you would approach a design review or risk assessment for a typical construction project.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of the relationship between design development and pricing assumptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio suggests a practical, results-oriented approach to assessment. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their operational capabilities through concrete examples of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely use of Kier's internal project management systems for task tracking, document control, and communication. Familiarity with common platforms like Asana, Monday.com, or similar can be beneficial.

• Design Review Tools: Software for annotating PDFs and design documents (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro, Bluebeam Revu).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing and retrieving project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with generating reports on design progress, risk status, and compliance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information interfaces with commercial and project management systems is important.

• Basic understanding of workflow automation in project management or document control could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a strong foundation in common project management, document handling, and collaborative software is expected. The ability to adapt to Kier's proprietary systems will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism and Diligence: Upholding high standards in design review, documentation, and communication.

• Safety and Compliance: Prioritizing adherence to Building Regulations and safety standards in all design aspects.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Innovation and Sustainability: Contributing to the development of comprehensive and sustainable design solutions.

• Client Focus: Ensuring that design operations meet client needs and project objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, construction teams, commercial departments, and external consultants.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback constructively to improve design quality and process efficiency.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication to anticipate and resolve issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices and lessons learned are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, coupled with their industry standing, suggests a culture that values both professional rigor and inclusive collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design with Project Constraints: Effectively managing design development while adhering to strict project timelines, budgets, and site conditions.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Requirements: Coordinating diverse needs and expectations from clients, design teams, and construction personnel.

• Keeping Abreast of Regulations: Staying current with evolving Building Regulations and construction standards.

• Managing Information Flow: Ensuring accurate and timely distribution of design information across multiple parties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to Kier's training programs, potentially including courses on advanced design management, BIM, or project management methodologies.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Design Managers and Project Managers within the Kier Places team.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on varied construction projects, gaining exposure to different building types and challenges.

• Professional Qualifications: Support for pursuing further qualifications or certifications relevant to construction and design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents ample opportunities for learning and professional development in a structured corporate environment, with a clear path for advancement within the construction operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a situation where you had to review a complex contractor design package. What was your process, and what were the key considerations?"

• "How would you identify and mitigate a potential design risk that could impact project timelines or costs?"

• "Imagine a conflict arises between the architectural design and the structural engineering requirements. How would you approach resolving this?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier and the Kier Places team?"

• "How do you contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment?"

• "Can you describe your ideal team collaboration style?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience in design review, risk management, and contractor liaison.

• Problem-Solution-Result: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge (problem), your actions (solution), and the outcome (result), focusing on operational efficiency and compliance.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your contributions (e.g., "reduced design queries by 15%," "identified risks saving £X").

• Process Focus: Be ready to explain the specific processes you followed and the tools you utilized for design review and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate a solid understanding of construction operations, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and strong communication skills, backed by tangible evidence in their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience relevant to design management, construction technical knowledge, risk mitigation, and collaboration within a project environment. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate examples of your work that showcase your ability to review design information, manage contractor packages, and identify/mitigate project risks. Focus on demonstrating your operational process and impact.

• Research Kier: Familiarize yourself with Kier's projects, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understand the Kier Places division if possible.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience with RIBA stages, Building Regulations, and common construction project challenges. Be ready to articulate your problem-solving approach and collaborate effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---