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.