Principal Designer

Brandon James Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established national construction consultancy is seeking a Principal Designer to join their experienced CDM/PD team. The role involves overseeing CDM duties on various projects and managing both internal design teams and external consultants. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in similar roles, strong foundational knowledge in safety, and the ability to work autonomously while mentoring less experienced colleagues.

Benefits

Discretionary performance bonus

Chartership support

Enhanced pension contributions

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in a Principal Designer or CDM-focused role.
• Background in construction safety or a health and safety role.
• Confidence in producing and advising on CDM documentation.

Responsibilities

• Undertake full CDM duties including construction phase plan reviews.
• Coordinate health and safety documentation and site visits.
• Manage and support junior team members, ensuring autonomy.

Skills

Construction safety

CDM documentation expertise

Collaboration

Autonomy

Education

NEBOSH Construction Certificate

IMaPS / CMaPS or similar

Job description

A well-established national construction consultancy is seeking a Principal Designer to join their established, experienced CDM/PD team.

With over 250 employees nationally and around 80 technical professionals, the practice retains a traditional, quality-driven approach and offers a stable, long-term career for the right Principal Designer.

They are looking for a Principal Designer who can bring maturity, technical competence, and a steady hand to the role – someone who keen to progress, and deliver within a settled working environment with interesting project exposure.

The Principal Designer will work on a mix of internal and external projects, undertaking full CDM duties including pre-construction information, construction phase plan reviews, health and safety file coordination, and CDM advisor site visits. Collaboration with both internal design teams and external consultants will be required, with business travel reimbursed accordingly.

This is a role best suited to a Principal Designer who enjoys autonomy and has the confidence to manage duties independently while supporting junior team members. The team recently recruited a less experienced colleague, so a more senior presence is essential.

The ideal Principal Designer will have:

• Ideally 5-10 years’ experience in a similar Principal Designer or CDM-focused role
• A background in construction site safety or a health and safety role with a strong construction bias
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent), IMaPS / CMaPS or similar
• A steady employment history – not someone who frequently changes roles
• Confidence in producing, reviewing and advising on CDM documentation

In Return?

• £40,000 – £55,000
• Discretionary performance bonus
• Chartership support
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Private healthcare

If you’re a Principal Designer currently considering career opportunities, then please contact Bex Ellinger at Brandon James on the below details.

01628 334 718