Principal Designer

  • Michael Page
  • Woolston, Warrington
  • Oct 27, 2025
Full time Real Estate

Job Description

This role leads the implementation of CDM regulations and health, safety, and environmental standards across construction projects, ensuring compliance and risk management from design through to completion. It involves strategic oversight, stakeholder coordination, regulatory liaison, and the development of safety culture and training within the organisation.

Client Details

The client is a large housing and regeneration group operating across multiple regions, with a strong focus on delivering safe, compliant, and high-quality construction and investment projects. They are committed to fostering a positive health, safety, and environmental culture while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and continuous improvement across their operations.

Description

  • Lead and manage health & safety during the pre-construction phase of development projects.
  • Act as Principal Designer under CDM 2015 regulations.
  • Coordinate and communicate with designers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure safety compliance.
  • Conduct site visits and assess existing hazards and restrictions.
  • Review and advise on construction phase plans and safety documentation.
  • Compile and hand over health & safety files at project completion.
  • Maintain and audit health, safety & environmental (HS&E) systems in line with ISO standards.
  • Liaise with regulatory bodies (e.g. HSE, Environment Agency, Fire Authorities).
  • Investigate incidents, analyse trends, and implement corrective actions.
  • Deliver CDM and HS&E training to staff and managers.
  • Support contractor selection and procurement processes with safety assessments.
  • Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all construction activities.
  • Promote a positive safety culture and ensure continuous improvement in HS&E practices.

Profile

  • Strong working knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and experience acting as a Principal Designer.
  • Proven background in health, safety, and environmental management within construction or development projects.
  • Experience conducting site visits, risk assessments, and safety audits.
  • Ability to coordinate design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure safety compliance.
  • Familiarity with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards and maintaining accredited systems.
  • Skilled in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
  • Confident in liaising with regulatory bodies such as HSE, Environment Agency, and Fire Authorities.
  • Capable of delivering training and guidance on CDM and HSE topics to staff and managers.
  • Strong understanding of legal and regulatory compliance in construction health & safety.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience supporting procurement processes and contractor evaluations from a safety perspective.
  • A proactive approach to promoting a positive safety culture across teams and projects.

Job Offer

  • Company pension
  • Private medical insurance
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Employee discounts
  • Car scheme
  • Sick pay
  • Good transport link