Principal Consultant
We are seeking a Principal Consultant to lead the delivery of CDM and construction safety services across complex and high-value projects.
This role is suited to an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of Principal Designer (PD) duties, leading engagement with clients and design teams, and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk throughout the project lifecycle.
You will play a key role in shaping how CDM and construction safety is delivered across projects, with influence spanning RIBA Stages 2–5, and will contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service offering.
Responsibilities
- Lead delivery of CDM Principal Designer duties across multiple projects
- Take ownership of design risk management strategy, ensuring risks are identified, challenged and reduced through design
- Chair and lead design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews
- Provide clear, authoritative advice to clients on their statutory duties under CDM and the Building Safety Act
- Oversee and assure quality of key CDM deliverables, including:
- Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
- Design Risk Registers / Hazard Logs
- Health and Safety Files (HSF)
- Act as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act where required
- Influence design teams to drive practical and proportionate risk reduction
- Manage project delivery in line with agreed scope, programme and commercial expectations
- Support preparation of proposals, scopes and fee submissions
- Contribute to development of internal standards, tools and best practice
Leadership & Responsibility
- Leading CDM / PD delivery on projects or programmes
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, building and maintaining trusted relationships
- Providing technical oversight and quality assurance across project outputs
- Supporting and mentoring junior and senior consultants
- Driving consistency and improvement in how services are delivered
- Identifying opportunities for repeat work and service expansion
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in a CDM / construction safety role, including leading PD appointments
- Strong, demonstrable knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and their practical application
- Experience undertaking or leading Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act
- Strong understanding of design processes and RIBA stages, with the ability to influence design development
- Proven ability to lead risk management discussions and challenge design decisions effectively
- Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and client relationships
- Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery expectations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, health & safety or related field (or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience)
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent) expected
- Chartered or working towards Chartered membership of IOSH, APS or IIRSM
What’s in it for you?
- Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy allowing work from home two days a week and collaboration in modern offices across the UK.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: culture of inclusion and belonging, employee resource groups, support for authentic selves.
- Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
- Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” each day for personal activities with flexible time compounding.
- Part‑time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave, use of bank holiday entitlement.
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
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