Senior Principal Consultant

Job Title: Senior Principal Designer
Location: Manchester and Leeds area’s
Salary: From £50,0000 to £60,000 per annum (can be negotiable depending on the candidate)
Contract Type: Permanent

About the company:

I am currently working with a global engineering, design, and consultancy firm that is renowned for creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment. Its multidisciplinary teams work across structural, environmental, and building services engineering, as well as sustainability, mobility, and urban design. With a portfolio that includes landmark buildings, infrastructure, and urban masterplans worldwide, the company is celebrated for its collaborative approach and dedication to designs.

Role:

I am currently looking for a Senior Principal Designer who will be responsible for embedding health and safety considerations throughout every stage of a construction project, in accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. They will work closely with both clients and the design teams, this role will focus on identifying, managing, and communicating foreseeable risks from initial concept through to project completion.

The successful candidate will lead on design risk management, coordinate the preparation of pre-construction information, and contribute to the development of health and safety files. In addition, they will mentor junior colleagues, strengthen internal capability, and promote best practice across all projects. As a senior team member, the individual will represent the business with professionalism, foster strong client relationships, and help identify and develop new opportunities. This position is well-suited to someone who thrives on taking ownership of complex projects and driving safe, effective design outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance with CDM 2015 regulations across all RIBA stages, fulfilling statutory responsibilities as Principal Designer.
• Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of design-related health and safety risks, ensuring the principles of prevention are embedded throughout design development.
• Facilitate and record design risk workshops, reviews, and coordination meetings, maintaining up-to-date Design Risk Registers and assessments.
• Critically review design proposals to eliminate or reduce foreseeable health and safety risks and challenge unsafe or non-compliant designs.
• Advise and support clients in understanding and fulfilling their CDM duties, providing clear, practical guidance on legal and safety obligations.
• Build strong, professional relationships with clients, designers, and contractors to ensure effective communication and collaboration on health and safety matters.
• Compile and coordinate key CDM documentation, including Pre-Construction Information (PCI) and the Health and Safety File, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Conduct site visits and audits to assess existing hazards, verify design compliance, and provide actionable feedback for improvement.
• Mentor junior team members, promote best practices, deliver training (e.g., Safe by Design), and contribute to continuous professional development.
• Support bids, proposals, and marketing efforts; identify new opportunities; and contribute to the evolution of services, keeping up to date with industry trends and regulatory changes.

Qualifications & Other Essentials:

• NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as the Association for Project Safety (APS), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), or similar.
• Demonstrable CPD in construction health and safety, design risk management, or related disciplines.
• Evidence of training or certification in CDM 2015 compliance and design coordination.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and a full understanding of UK construction legislation and standards.

 
If you are interested in finding out more, please apply or reach out to Mason.Buckby@hserecruitment.co.uk.