Principal Designer (CDM) – Transmission & Distribution (Birmingham, UK)
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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 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, coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders, and provide a professional, billable service to clients.
Responsibilities
- 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 hazard identification reviews (HazID) 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 and 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 will remain open until the position is filled.
Job: Engineering
Primary Location: GB‑Birmingham, UK‑Birmingham
Schedule: Full‑time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the time
Required ID: 254227
Job Hire Type: Experienced #UKO
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