Principal Designer (CDM

Principal Designer (CDM Consultant)

Location:

Birmingham | Industry: Construction & Civil Trades | Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 |

Start Date:

03 August 2026

Our client, a respected property and construction consultancy, is expanding its Professional Services team and is looking for an experienced Principal Designer / CDM Consultant to support a significant portfolio of refurbishment, planned maintenance, compliance, building safety and M&E projects for Housing Associations.

• Deliver the statutory duties of Principal Designer in accordance with CDM 2015.
• Plan, manage and coordinate health and safety throughout the pre‑construction phase.
• Lead design risk management workshops and facilitate collaborative design reviews.
• Advise clients on their duties under CDM Regulations and industry best practice.
• Prepare and review Pre‑Construction Information and Health & Safety documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across refurbishment, compliance and M&E projects.
• Build strong relationships with Housing Association clients, consultants and contractors.
• Act as a trusted advisor, ensuring design risks are identified, managed and reduced throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the successful delivery of a substantial programme of concurrent projects while maintaining the highest professional standards.

We are keen to speak with experienced Principal Designers or CDM Consultants who can demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• Proven experience delivering Principal Designer services under CDM 2015.
• Previous experience within social housing, residential, local authority or wider public sector projects.
• Strong knowledge of refurbishment, planned maintenance, compliance and building services projects.
• Excellent understanding of design risk management and current health and safety legislation.
• Ability to confidently manage multiple projects and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A collaborative, pragmatic and client‑focused approach.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Building Surveying, Construction, Architecture, Engineering, Building Services or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution such as APS, RICS, CIOB, ICE, CIBSE or IET.
• Demonstrable competence to undertake the Principal Designer role in accordance with CDM 2015 and PAS 8670 principles.
• A full UK Driving Licence.

The following would be advantageous:

• APS Registered Principal Designer.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate.
• Chartered status (MRICS, MCIOB, CEng, MCIBSE, MIET or equivalent).
• Experience delivering building safety, compliance or decarbonisation programmes within the housing sector.

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• Exposure to a major Housing Association programme.
• A diverse portfolio of technically interesting projects.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression.
• A people‑first culture with strong leadership and ongoing investment in staff development.
• The opportunity to make a genuine contribution to improving homes and communities across the UK.

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