Principal Designer EDM

Principal Designer (CDM) 

Internal Job Title Engineering Project Manager

Birmingham / Hybrid/UK

Our team are searching for the right candidate for our client who are among the largest Engineering/Architecture companies in the US and a prominent contributor to US market for electrical designs. It is active in the construction of military facilities, wind and solar energy installations, aviation, health care, and in the oil and chemical industry.

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 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.