CDM Principal Designer

Overview

Lead CDM 2015 compliance and design risk management across construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• pci management
• design review
• risk management
• safety audits
• site inspections
• principal designer

Tasks

As a Senior Principal Designer, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of Principal Designer duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Your role will span the full lifecycle of projects, from early feasibility through to handover, ensuring health and safety is embedded in design decisions and project planning. CDM Compliance and Design Risk Management -Mentor and support junior members of the CDM and design management team. -Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of design-related health and safety risks. -Provide practical, actionable feedback to project teams based on site observations. -Compile, manage, and issue Pre-Construction Information (PCI) in collaboration with clients and design teams. -Support the development of service offerings and continuous improvement initiatives. -Prepare and coordinate the Health and Safety File, ensuring completeness and accuracy at project close-out. -Maintain awareness of industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging best practice. -Review and challenge design proposals to eliminate or reduce foreseeable risks. -Facilitate and document design risk workshops, reviews, and coordination meetings. -Support the development and maintenance of Design Risk Registers and Risk Assessments. -Contribute to internal training programmes and development of guidance materials. -Ensure the principles of prevention are applied throughout the design process. -Maintain records of key health and safety decisions and design changes throughout the project lifecycle. -Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, contractors, and other stakeholders. -Where required, carry out health and safety audits during the pre-construction and construction phases. -Provide clear, concise guidance on health and safety matters to both technical and non-technical audiences. -Advise clients on their duties under CDM 2015 and support them in fulfilling their legal obligations. -Represent the business professionally in meetings, correspondence, and negotiations. -Assist in the preparation of fee proposals, bid submissions, and marketing materials. -Conduct site inspections to identify existing hazards and assess compliance with design intent. -Share best practice and lessons learned across projects to improve team capability. -Support the delivery of Safe by Design training sessions where appropriate. -Identify opportunities for new work and contribute to client engagement strategies. -Fulfil the statutory duties of the Principal Designer under CDM 2015, ensuring legal compliance across all RIBA stages. -Review operation and maintenance manuals for compliance and clarity.

Requirements

• uk legislation
• cdm 2015
• nebosh
• principal designer
• stakeholder engagement
• design risk

What You Bring

-Eligibility to work in the UK and a full understanding of UK construction legislation and standards. -Evidence of training or certification in CDM 2015 compliance and design coordination. -You’ll be confident leading workshops, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and advising clients on complex regulatory matters. Strong communication, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement skills are key. -Demonstrable CPD in construction health and safety, design risk management, or related disciplines. -NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification. -You’ll be highly organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, compliant outputs in a fast-paced environment. -Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Safety (APS), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), or similar. -You will have substantial experience delivering Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015 across a range of sectors and project scales. A strong understanding of design risk management and construction methodologies is essential, along with the ability to influence design outcomes to improve health and safety.

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Benefits

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers. Internal Development and Mentorship

About Buro Happold

- excels in providing creative and sustainable solutions for complex projects. - serves a diverse range of sectors. - projects include large-scale infrastructure, high-end residential, and innovative commercial buildings. - recognized for its expertise in structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. - portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Sydney Opera House renewal and London's Crossrail. - innovative, sustainable design is central to the company’s approach, incorporating cutting-edge technologies. - delivers solutions that enhance the built environment.

Sector Specialisms