Lead Principal Designer for CDM & Construction Safety

WSP USA; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (2 days from home)

Gymflex benefit

Thrive wellbeing program

Disability Confident recruitment

Job summary

WSP UK seeks a Principal Consultant to lead CDM and construction safety services across complex projects. You will own Principal Designer duties, engage with clients and design teams, and manage health and safety risk throughout the lifecycle.

In this role you will shape how CDM and safety are delivered, influence design processes across RIBA Stages 2–5, and contribute to ongoing service growth. A strong background in CDM and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a CDM / construction safety role, including leading PD appointments
• Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and practical application
• Experience undertaking or leading Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act
• Strong understanding of design processes and RIBA stages, with ability to influence design development
• Proven ability to lead risk management discussions and challenge design decisions effectively
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and client relationships
• Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery expectations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Responsibilities

• Lead CDM / PD delivery on projects or programmes
• Act as a key point of contact for clients and build trusted relationships
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across outputs
• Support and mentor junior and senior consultants
• Drive consistency and improvement in service delivery
• Identify opportunities for repeat work and service expansion

Skills

CDM / PD delivery

PD appointments

CDM Regulations 2015

Principal Designer duties

Design processes & RIBA stages

risk management discussions

multi-project management

client relations

scope & fees awareness

communication & stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in construction/engineering/health & safety

NEBOSH Construction Certificate (expected)

Chartered/working towards IOSH/AP S/IIRSM

Job description

WSP UK seeks a Principal Consultant to lead CDM and construction safety services across complex projects. You will own Principal Designer duties, engage with clients and design teams, and manage health and safety risk throughout the lifecycle.

In this role you will shape how CDM and safety are delivered, influence design processes across RIBA Stages 2–5, and contribute to ongoing service growth. A strong background in CDM and leadership is essential.