CDM - Principal Design Engineer

Jacobs; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative and supportive team

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Jacobs, based in Exeter, is seeking a CDM expert to guide safety design in major infrastructure projects across the UK. This role involves acting as a trusted advisor, integrating safety and compliance into project phases, and driving improvement in CDM practices.

The ideal candidate will have established knowledge of CDM 2015, experience in a Principal Designer role, and a background in construction or engineering. Flexible working arrangements are part of Jacobs' commitment to an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of CDM 2015 essential.
• Experience as a Principal Designer or in a CDM advisory role.
• Background in construction, engineering, or health & safety required.

Responsibilities

• Act as the CDM expert across projects, guiding teams from concept to delivery.
• Create a culture of safer design by identifying risks early.
• Lead governance and compliance integration through audits.
• Support project teams in their CDM roles.
• Build strong relationships and advise clients.
• Drive continuous improvement of CDM practices.

Skills

CDM 2015 knowledge

Principal Designer role experience

Construction background

Health & safety expertise

Confidence to influence

Education

NEBOSH certification or equivalent

Job description

Role Overview

At Jacobs, we challenge today to reinvent tomorrow by solving critical problems for cities, environments, and infrastructure. This role offers real influence on safety design in major infrastructure projects across the UK.

What You'll Get

• Real influence – help remove risk at design stage, not just report it
• High‑impact projects – work across water, infrastructure, and environmental programmes
• Autonomy & trust – be the expert people turn to
• Career growth – build your profile as a go‑to CDM specialist
• A collaborative and supportive team

Your Remit

• Act as the CDM expert across multiple projects, guiding teams from concept to delivery
• Create and embed a culture of safer design, identifying risks early and addressing them as standard practice
• Lead integration of governance and compliance into every phase of CDM through robust audits and reviews
• Support and develop project teams in fulfilling their CDM roles, building capability and confidence
• Build strong relationships and become a trusted advisor to clients
• Drive continuous improvement using insights from audits and project experience to strengthen CDM practices across the business
• Strengthen client maturity in CDM, supporting them to move beyond compliance toward best‑in‑class safety leadership

Requirements

• Established practical knowledge of CDM 2015
• Experience in a Principal Designer / CDM advisory role
• Confidence to challenge, influence, and collaborate
• Background in construction, engineering, or health & safety
• NEBOSH (or equivalent) certification

Benefits and Work Environment

Flexible working arrangements are available. We value safety, flexibility, and inclusive culture. As a disability‑confident employer, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working, with reasonable adjustments available throughout the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Jacobs is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. We commit to providing a fair hiring process irrespective of disability, age, gender, race, religion, or other protected characteristics.