Principal Designer (CDM) - Transmission & Distribution (Birmingham, UK)

Burns & McDonnell; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Birmingham seeks a Principal Designer to ensure compliance with CDM regulations during project phases. The role involves managing health and safety, advising clients, and maintaining compliance records. Successful candidates will have a relevant degree and professional qualifications in health and safety. Competitive full-time position with opportunities for professional development and influence over safety culture.

Qualifications

• In‑depth knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015.
• Demonstrable experience as Principal Designer or similar.
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as Principal Designer ensuring compliance with CDM regulations.
• Manage health and safety coordination throughout projects.
• Advise clients on their CDM duties and responsibilities.

Skills

Health and safety legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Health & Safety

Professional qualification in Health & Safety (e.g. NEBOSH)

Job description

Description

Chart your own course and change the world — with the support of people whose interests are aligned with yours. At Burns & McDonnell, opportunity is waiting. We’re looking for people with big ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset. It’s those kinds of people who’ve helped us grow from a small consulting business back in 1898 to a global leader in engineering, construction and consulting solutions. Today, we’re a thriving company with more than 10,000 professionals working in 75 offices worldwide and recognised as the global leader in Transmission & Distribution.

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, coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders, and provide a professional, billable service to clients.

• 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 Hazid 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.

Qualifications

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.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Job Engineering

Primary Location GB-Birmingham UK-Birmingham

Schedule: Full‑time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req ID: 254227

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JA #UKO