Principal Designer CDM

Job Description: Principal Designer (CDM)

Internal Job Title Engineering Project Manager

Reporting To

Location

Birmingham/Hybrid

Purpose of the Role

The Principal Designer will take responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM) during the pre-construction and construction phases of projects. The role will lead on integrating health and safety into the design process, coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders, and provide a professional, billable service to clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Principal Designer in accordance with CDM regulations, ensuring legal compliance across all relevant projects.
• Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
• Identify, eliminate, or control foreseeable risks through effective design risk management.
• Chair Hazid reviews and ensure appropriate actions are taken to manage and mitigate all risk identified.
• Coordinate with the Principal Contractor representative (internal) to review methods of work and ensure wider CDM compliance through the construction phase.
• Ensure designers comply with their duties and co-operate with the project team.
• Advise clients on their CDM duties and responsibilities.
• Coordinate and communicate with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to embed health and safety throughout design and delivery.
• Maintain robust records and documentation to demonstrate compliance.
• Develop and maintain internal procedures, tools, and templates for CDM and safety compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to design teams on safety‑in‑design best practice.
• Act as a billable resource, ensuring services are charged appropriately to clients.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in safety culture, compliance standards, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Professional qualification in Health & Safety (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and associated guidance.
• Demonstrable experience acting as Principal Designer or in a similar CDM compliance role.
• Strong understanding of design risk management and safety in construction.
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to deliver billable services.
• Proactive problem‑solver with attention to detail.
• Ability to influence and promote a positive safety culture.
• Chartered membership of IOSH, ICE, RICS, RIBA, or equivalent professional body.
• Experience in delivering training or mentoring in health and safety in design.
• Previous experience in client‑facing consultancy environments.

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