Principal Designer (PD)
Contract: Government
Location: Birmingham, B37 7ES – hybrid role
Hours of work: 40
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Designer (PD) to take legal responsibility for overseeing health and safety during the pre‑construction phase of projects. The role ensures that all health and safety considerations are properly planned, coordinated, and addressed before any project is approved to proceed, providing assurance that projects meet procedural and regulatory requirements. The Principal Designer will act as the subject‑matter expert, bringing together pre‑construction information and working closely with designers, contractors, internal teams, and external partners. The role also provides strategic leadership across large, complex projects, ensuring delivery aligns with business objectives, legal obligations, budgets, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, manage, and coordinate all health and safety activities during the pre‑construction phase.
- Collate and manage pre‑construction information and ensure it is shared appropriately with designers and contractors.
- Ensure health and safety risks are identified, eliminated, or controlled through design and planning.
- Lead and manage large‑scale, cross‑functional projects with multiple linked workstreams.
- Act as the subject‑matter expert, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and company standards.
- Define project scope, secure resources, and manage stakeholder expectations.
- Identify, assess, and manage risks that could impact project delivery.
- Provide strategic oversight, governance, and accountability for successful project outcomes.
Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications
- Level 3 qualification – desirable.
- FESS Certificate – required.
- Experience leading large‑scale, cross‑functional projects.
- Proven experience managing budgets exceeding £1 m.
- Good knowledge of PAS 8671.
- Conversant with NEC4 contracts.
- Strong understanding of relevant health and safety legislation.
- Good knowledge of construction processes, with the ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Project, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- UK driving licence required, with flexibility to travel as needed.
ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
ISS is proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. We are also a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme.
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