Principal Designer

A leading facilities management organisation is seeking an experienced Principal Designer (CDM & Building Regulations) to support the delivery of high-profile construction and infrastructure projects across a central government portfolio.

This is a key role focused on ensuring compliance, driving best practice, and embedding a strong health and safety culture throughout the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure the effective implementation and compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, UK Building Regulations, and all relevant health and safety legislation across multiple projects.

Provide expert guidance and support to project teams across all RIBA stages, from initial briefing through to completion and handover.

Oversee the safe delivery of projects, ensuring all stakeholders including clients, designers, consultants, and contractors—understand and fulfil their statutory duties.

Promote a proactive health and safety culture across all phases of project delivery.

Facilitate clear communication and collaboration between stakeholders during both pre-construction and construction phases.

Undertake site visits to identify hazards, risks, and constraints, ensuring these are captured within pre-construction information.

Develop, maintain, and manage project risk registers, ensuring risks are effectively communicated and mitigated.

Compile and manage the Health and Safety File, ensuring accurate and timely handover documentation, including Operations & Maintenance manuals.

Conduct health and safety inspections and audits across live sites, identifying opportunities for improvement.

Support internal and external audit processes, working closely with project and compliance teams.

Deliver training sessions and workshops on CDM and Building Regulations to both internal teams and external stakeholders.

Provide specialist advice across areas such as fire safety, asbestos, hazardous materials, temporary works, working at height, confined spaces, and demolition.

Stay up to date with evolving legislation and industry best practice, maintaining a high level of technical expertise.

Requirements

Proven experience operating as a Principal Designer.

Strong working knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and UK Building Regulations.

Experience advising on compliance within complex construction projects.

NEBOSH Construction Certificate, General Certificate, or equivalent QHSE qualification.

Membership of the Association for Project Safety (APS) (IMaPS desirable or willingness to work towards).

Relevant qualification in a design or engineering discipline (desirable).

Experience across both public and private sector projects.

Strong understanding of risk management, prevention principles, and design risk reduction.

Ability to obtain (or currently hold) SC-level security clearance.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What’s on Offer

Opportunity to work on high-profile, complex projects within a secure and growing portfolio.

A role with genuine influence over safety, compliance, and project outcomes.

A collaborative and forward-thinking environment focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.

If you are an experienced Principal Designer looking to take on a strategic role within a dynamic facilities management environment, we would be keen to hear from you.