Senior Principal Designer

Buro Happold; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior Principal Designer to lead health and safety initiatives in construction projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with CDM regulations, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to managing design risks. Responsibilities include mentoring junior team members, conducting site audits, and coordinating pre-construction information. This role requires a NEBOSH Construction Certificate and a solid understanding of UK construction legislation.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience delivering Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015 across project lifecycle.
• Embed health and safety in design and project planning.
• Conduct site visits and health and safety audits.

Skills

Design risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication

Project management

Education

NEBOSH Construction Certificate

Membership of a recognised professional body (APS, IOSH)

Job description

Overview

The Senior Principal Designer plays a pivotal role in ensuring health and safety is embedded throughout the design and delivery of construction projects, in line with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Acting as a key advisor to clients and design teams, the role ensures that foreseeable risks are identified, mitigated, and communicated effectively from concept through to completion. The successful candidate will lead design risk management activities, support the development of pre-construction information, and contribute to the preparation of health and safety files. The role also supports the wider team by mentoring junior staff, contributing to internal capability, and promoting best practice across projects. As a senior member of the team, the individual will be expected to represent the business professionally, build strong client relationships, and support the development of new opportunities. The role is ideal for someone ready to take ownership of complex projects and drive safe design outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Principal Designer duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, spanning the full project lifecycle from feasibility through handover.
• Embed health and safety in design decisions and project planning; identify, assess, and mitigate design-related health and safety risks; facilitate and document design risk workshops and coordination meetings.
• Review and challenge design proposals to eliminate or reduce foreseeable risks; maintain and develop Design Risk Registers and Risk Assessments.
• Advise clients on their duties under CDM 2015 and support them in fulfilling legal obligations; build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, and contractors; represent the business in meetings and negotiations.
• Prepare and coordinate Pre-Construction Information (PCI) with clients and design teams; compile and issue the Health and Safety File at project close-out; review operation and maintenance manuals for clarity and compliance.
• Conduct site visits and health and safety audits during pre-construction and construction phases; provide practical feedback to project teams based on site observations.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the CDM and design management team; share best practice and contribute to internal training and guidance materials.
• Support business development through fee proposals, bid submissions, client engagement, and identification of new opportunities; stay informed on industry developments and best practices.

Experience & Qualifications

• Substantial experience delivering Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015 across multiple sectors and project scales; strong understanding of design risk management and construction methodologies; ability to influence design outcomes to improve health and safety.
• Experience leading workshops, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and advising clients on complex regulatory matters; excellent written and verbal communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; track record of delivering high-quality, compliant outputs.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as APS, IOSH, or similar; demonstrable CPD in construction health and safety or design risk management.
• Evidence of training or certification in CDM 2015 compliance and design coordination.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and a solid understanding of UK construction legislation and standards.

Styles & Behaviours

• Ability to manage and prioritise a busy and varied workload across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Flexible and collaborative attitude with strong team-working skills.
• Diligent and detail-oriented in client-facing documentation and technical reports; excellent communication and organization; confident with presentations.
• Passionate about promoting safety and shaping the evolution of the Principal Designer role; skilled in influencing design teams and clients to adopt safe, compliant practices.
• Methodical and pragmatic problem-solving and decision-making; able to work independently and maintain high standards under pressure.

Inclusive Workplace and Adjustments

We value flexible working approaches and welcome applicants seeking balance. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups in the built environment to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process to support your application, please contact [e-mail].