Job Description: Principal Designer (CDM)
Internal Job Title Engineering Project Manager
Reporting To
Department Manager – Design Management
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.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications & Experience
– Relevant degree (e.g. Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Health & Safety) or equivalent 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.
Skills & Competencies
– 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.
Desirable
– 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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