Our client is looking for a Principal Designer with practical CDM 2015 experience to work across design, engineering and construction projects. The focus is on the pre-construction phase: bringing clients, designers and contractors together, identifying design risks early and making sure the right information is available at the right time.
This is not a general site health and safety role. We are looking for someone who has previously undertaken Principal Designer duties on live projects and can manage the routine CDM responsibilities of an assigned project with a reasonable degree of independence, while recognising when to seek guidance on more complex issues.
The role offers an opportunity to build on your existing experience, take responsibility for a variety of projects and contribute to developing the client's Principal Designer services.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-construction and design risk coordination
- Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase in line with CDM 2015.
- Work with clients, designers, engineers and project teams to identify foreseeable risks, challenge design decisions where appropriate and promote the elimination or reduction of risks through design.
- Review drawings, specifications, design changes and project information, considering buildability, access, construction sequencing, maintenance and future use.
- Coordinate design risk reviews and workshops, keep design risk registers and action records up to date, and make sure significant residual risks are communicated clearly.
- Gather, review and coordinate pre-construction information, including site constraints, existing structures, services, access restrictions, surveys and other information needed by designers and contractors.
Client, contractor and project support
- Liaise with clients, designers, Principal Contractors and other dutyholders to clarify CDM responsibilities and support an effective handover into the construction phase.
- Coordinate the preparation, review and handover of Health and Safety File information relevant to future work on the completed project.
- Advise clients on practical CDM requirements, including supporting F10 notifications or reviews of construction phase arrangements where required by the project brief.
- Support the delivery of CDM site audits and compliance reviews as an additional service offered to clients. Training, existing templates and guidance will be provided where required.
- Maintain clear records of decisions and advice, and contribute to improving CDM processes, templates and consistency across projects.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Essential
- A relevant qualification in construction, engineering, architecture, design, health and safety or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable knowledge of CDM 2015, including the responsibilities of clients, designers, Principal Designers and Principal Contractors, and the competence to undertake Principal Designer duties appropriate to the project.
- Previous experience formally undertaking Principal Designer duties on live construction or engineering projects.
- Practical experience of design risk management, multidisciplinary coordination, reviewing technical information, pre-construction information and Health and Safety File requirements.
- A good understanding of construction methods, sequencing, access requirements, and the risks associated with construction, maintenance and demolition.
- The ability to identify significant design risks, recommend appropriate control measures and communicate residual risks effectively.
- Confidence working directly with clients and project teams, constructively challenging issues, managing routine responsibilities independently and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and maintain accurate records.
- Evidence of relevant CDM/design risk training and a commitment to continuing professional development.
- A full UK driving licence, eligibility to work in the UK and willingness to travel to project locations (approximately 25%).
Desirable
- Experience in a dedicated Principal Designer role.
- Previous experience conducting CDM site audits, compliance reviews or construction health and safety assurance activities.
- Experience of complex or higher-risk construction projects, particularly within engineering, infrastructure, utilities, or consultancy environments.
- Further relevant qualifications, training or professional membership (for example APS, NEBOSH, IOSH, CIOB or ICE).
- EUSR accreditation or relevant training.
- Experience improving design risk procedures, leading risk workshops or strengthening CDM compliance processes.
