At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design risk reviews and ensure safety across exciting projects.
- Company: Employee-owned architectural practice known for landmark projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, private health insurance, and enhanced pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team where your contributions directly impact award-winning designs.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a CDM Principal Designer with strong communication skills.
We are working with a well-established, employee-owned architectural practice renowned for delivering award-winning, landmark projects across the UK. This is a rare in-house opportunity to join a business where safety and design excellence sit side by side, and where, as an employee-owned practice, every member of the team has a genuine stake in its success.
As CDM Principal Designer, you will take ownership of Principal Designer duties in accordance with CDM Regulations 2015 across the practice's own live project portfolio, spanning sectors including commercial, residential, education, healthcare, industrial, infrastructure, and public sector. Day to day, you can expect to lead design risk reviews, conduct site visits, prepare and review pre-construction information and construction phase plans, and provide ongoing design safety support throughout each project lifecycle. You will work closely with internal design teams, clients, and contractors, acting as a trusted point of contact at every stage.
About You
To be considered, you will need a minimum of three years' experience working as a CDM Principal Designer, a thorough knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and current building safety legislation, and a solid understanding of design processes and risk management. You will be a confident, practical communicator who can engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. A NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent is required, and membership of APS, IOSH, or a similar professional body would be a welcome addition.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £55,000 depending on experience
- Manchester based with up to 3 days working from home
- Profit share as part of an employee-owned practice
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Private health insurance
- Access to an EV car scheme
- The opportunity to work on landmark, award-winning projects nationally
If this sounds like the right move for you, please apply or contact us for a confidential conversation.
CDM Principal Designer in Manchester employer: CDM Recruitment
Join a well-established, employee-owned architectural practice in Manchester, where your contributions directly impact the success of award-winning projects across various sectors. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and design excellence, alongside competitive benefits such as profit sharing, enhanced pension contributions, and private health insurance, all while benefiting from flexible hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CDM Principal Designer in Manchester
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from CDM Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace CDM Principal Designer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at CDM Recruitment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to CDM Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDM Recruitment
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at CDM Recruitment.
