Graduate Design Manager Review

My experience at GallifordTry as a Graduate Design Manager has been positive, challenging, and genuinely developmental both personally and professionally. I have been given exposure to real world tasks and responsibility early on in my career, a steep but rewarding learning curve, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to some major projects. GT has provided a strong support structure through my time: between Line managers who actively guide and challenge me. Access to experienced Design Managers, planners, engineers, and site teams and the GDP (Graduate Development Programme) which has helped shape my professional and personal development I’ve never felt on my own — there’s always someone willing to support, review, or guide.

Main Responsibilities
My role centres on coordinating design information, reviewing drawings for compliance and buildability, and managing the flow of technical information to meet programme needs. I lead subcontractor design meetings, review submissions, resolve RFIs, and support the site team with technical queries and sequencing. I also ensure designs meet relevant regulations and standards while maintaining clear records, trackers, and documentation.
What I Enjoy Most
I enjoy the technical problem-solving aspect of the role and working with subcontractors to develop practical, buildable solutions. I also value the variety of disciplines I get exposure to and the collaborative environment within Galliford Try. Seeing solutions taken from design through to installation on site is particularly rewarding and reinforces my development and confidence.

id say as a design manager, my role gives me significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully and feel valued within the team. I’m trusted with real responsibilities—such as leading subcontractor design coordination, resolving technical issues, and supporting key project deliverables—which shows that my input is relied upon and respected. The team regularly involves me in discussions, seeks my views on technical matters, and gives positive feedback on the work I produce.
Working closely with site, commercial, and planning teams also reinforces a strong sense of contribution, as I can see how my work directly influences progress on the project. This combination of trust, responsibility, and collaboration makes me feel both valued and integral to the team’s success.

Overall, I feel that my compensation package as a Graduate Design Manager fairly reflects the work I do and the stage I am at in my career. The base salary is competitive for the industry and location, and it has increased in line with my development, responsibility, and performance.
Beyond salary, the wider benefits package adds real value — including pension contributions, annual leave, professional development funding should this be something i would like to think about, training through the Graduate Development Programme, and access to wellbeing and employee support schemes. These perks help create a balanced overall package that supports both my professional growth and personal wellbeing. Not to mention the comapny car!!

The role is preparing me extremely well for my future career. I’ve gained strong technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and genuine responsibility early on, which has accelerated my development far beyond what I expected at graduate level. The exposure to multidisciplinary coordination, subcontractor management, standards, buildability, and live project problem-solving gives me a solid foundation for progressing as a Design Manager.
The support from my line manager, the Graduate Development Programme, and the wider team has helped me grow in confidence, capability, and professional judgement. Overall, the role is giving me the skills, experience, and mindset needed to take the next steps in my career.

5/5.. i have great support from peers. both on site and in the office. I have the oppertunity to sit with senior site managers and PM's to discuss any issues faced. I also have a regular tri-monthly review with our ops director. This is a great oppertunity to engage with the directors and SMT leading the team which is valued from my perspective as this shows they they are intrested and invested in their staff.

Overall, my work–life balance is good. There are naturally very busy periods where things can feel fast-paced — especially around key design deadlines, live sites or when multiple packages are active — but generally I’m able to manage my workload well and keep a good balance.
The team is supportive, there’s flexibility when needed, and I don’t feel pressured to work excessive hours. Most days, I’m able to switch off after work and keep a good separation between work and home life.
as with most if not every professional career - It’s a busy role at times, but a manageable one, and I feel I have a solid balance overall.

The overall culture at Galliford Try is very supportive, collaborative, and people-focused. The atmosphere is friendly and approachable — you never feel like you can’t ask a question or get help when you need it. There’s a genuine emphasis on teamwork, doing things the right way, and working together to solve problems rather than just passing them on.

I feel Galliford Try’s initiatives around equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are genuinely strong. There’s a clear effort to create a workplace where people feel respected and supported, regardless of background or experience. The company actively promotes awareness through training, internal communications, and policies that emphasise fairness and inclusivity.
From my own experience, the culture feels open and welcoming, and people are treated with respect. There’s also good flexibility and consideration for individual needs, which shows the company takes accessibility seriously in practice, not just on paper.

Yes

Yes, I 100% would. My experience has been really positive — the people are supportive, the work is interesting, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. It’s a good environment to develop in, especially early in your career, and I’ve felt genuinely valued as part of the team.