Principal Designer
Location: Birmingham / Hybrid
Purpose of the Role
The Principal Designer will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) throughout the pre‑construction and construction phases of projects. This role will lead the integration of health and safety into the design process, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and deliver a professional, billable service to clients.
Key Responsibilities
1. Act as Principal Designer in accordance with CDM 2015, ensuring legal compliance across all allocated projects.
2. Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety during the pre‑construction phase.
3. Identify, eliminate, or control foreseeable risks through effective design risk management.
4. Chair HAZID reviews and ensure appropriate actions are taken to mitigate identified risks.
5. Coordinate with the internal Principal Contractor representative to review work methods and support CDM compliance through the construction phase.
6. Ensure designers understand and fulfil their duties under CDM, promoting cooperation across the project team.
7. Advise clients on their legal duties and responsibilities under CDM legislation.
8. Collaborate with contractors, engineers, and wider stakeholders to embed health and safety considerations throughout design and delivery.
9. Maintain accurate and comprehensive records to demonstrate compliance.
10. Develop and maintain internal CDM procedures, tools, and templates.
11. Provide training, support, and guidance to design teams on safety‑in‑design best practices.
12. Act as a billable resource, ensuring services are accurately costed and charged.
13. Contribute to continuous improvement in safety culture, compliance standards, and operational efficiency.
Required Qualifications & Experience
14. Relevant degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Health & Safety, or equivalent experience.
15. Professional Health & Safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma, or equivalent).
16. Strong and demonstrable knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and related guidance.
17. Proven experience acting as Principal Designer or in a comparable CDM compliance role.
18. Solid understanding of design risk management and safety within the construction environment.
19. Experience working within multi‑disciplinary project teams.
Skills & Competencies
20. Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation.
21. Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
22. Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
23. Commercially aware, with experience delivering billable professional services.
24. Proactive problem‑solver with strong attention to detail.
25. Ability to influence others and promote a positive safety culture.
Desirable
26. Chartered membership of IOSH, ICE, RICS, RIBA, or equivalent.
27. Experience delivering training, mentoring, or workshops on safety in design.
28. Background in client‑facing consultancy environments.