Principal Designer (CDM) / Engineering Project Manager
đź“Ť Location: Birmingham or Glasgow, UK (Hybrid)
📅 Contract Duration: January 2026 – July 2026
đź•’ Contract: Outside IR35
đź‘Ą Recruitment Company: Spencer Ogden
🏢 Business Group: UK Transmission & Distribution
Spencer Ogden is recruiting on behalf of a leading engineering consultancy for an experienced Principal Designer (CDM) to support major UK infrastructure projects. This role plays a critical part in ensuring full compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, embedding health and safety into the design and delivery process.
This is a client-facing, billable role suited to professionals with a strong background in design risk management and multidisciplinary project environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as Principal Designer in accordance with CDM Regulations 2015
* Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health & safety during the pre-construction phase
* Identify, eliminate, or reduce foreseeable design risks
* Chair HAZID reviews and ensure actions are implemented effectively
* Coordinate with Principal Contractors to ensure CDM compliance through construction
* Ensure designers meet their CDM duties and collaborate effectively
* Advise clients on their legal duties and responsibilities under CDM
* Maintain robust records and documentation to demonstrate compliance
* Develop and improve internal CDM procedures, tools, and templates
* Provide guidance and training to design teams on safety-in-design best practice
* Promote a positive and proactive safety culture across projects
Required Qualifications & Experience
* Relevant degree (Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Health & Safety) or equivalent experience
* Professional Health & Safety qualification (NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma or equivalent)
* In-depth knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015
* Proven experience acting as a Principal Designer or in a similar CDM role
* Strong understanding of design risk management
* Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams
Skills & Competencies
* Excellent knowledge of UK health & safety legislation
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
* Commercial awareness and experience in delivering billable services
* Proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
Desirable
* Chartered membership (IOSH, ICE, RICS, RIBA, or equivalent)
* Experience delivering H&S training or mentoring
* Background in client-facing consultancy environments