Principal Designer Consultancy in Newcastle upon Tyne

Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview – The Principal Designer (CDM) will support the delivery of safe, compliant, and well‑designed construction projects across our multi‑disciplinary consultancy services. The successful candidate will act as the Principal Designer under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, providing leadership, coordination, and assurance on health and safety matters during the pre‑construction phase. Working closely with internal design teams and external stakeholders, the role is key to embedding risk‑led design practices and ensuring statutory compliance across a broad portfolio of projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design & Technical Delivery
• Undertake the role of Principal Designer in line with CDM 2015, ensuring duties are fulfilled throughout the pre‑construction phase.
• Identify, eliminate, and reduce foreseeable health and safety risks through coordinated design solutions.
• Review and challenge design information to ensure risks are appropriately managed.
• Prepare, review, and maintain project‑specific Pre‑Construction Information (PCI).
• Project Management
• Plan and manage the Principal Designer service across multiple projects and sectors.
• Coordinate design risk management activities and ensure design programmes allow adequate time for safe design.
• Monitor compliance with CDM processes and Fairhurst internal procedures.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as the primary CDM contact for clients, designers, and contractors.
• Provide clear, proportionate advice to clients on their CDM duties.
• Chair and contribute to design risk and health & safety meetings.
• Quality & Compliance
• Ensure projects comply with CDM 2015 and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Support internal audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of company CDM guidance, templates, and best practice.
• Leadership & Mentoring
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior staff and design teams.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture across the business.
• Support training and awareness of CDM responsibilities within Fairhurst.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Qualifications
• NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (or equivalent).
• Member or working towards membership of IOSH, APS, ICE H&S Register, RICS, or other relevant professional body CDM PD registers.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a construction, engineering, or design‑related discipline (desirable).
• Experience
• Proven experience operating in a Principal Designer (CDM) or similar advisory role.
• Strong background in design risk management within the UK construction industry.
• Experience working on multi‑disciplinary projects across varying construction sectors.
• Other Requirements
• In‑depth knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and associated H&S legislation.
• Ability to travel occasionally to project sites and Fairhurst offices.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Technical & Professional Skills
• Excellent understanding of design risk management and CDM compliance.
• Ability to interpret complex design and construction information.
• Strong report‑writing, documentation, and organisational skills.
• Behavioural & Personal Attributes
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused, and detail‑oriented.
• Collaborative team player with a professional and ethical approach.

Alignment with Fairhurst Group Values

• Excellence: Committed to delivering high quality, technically robust work.
• Lasting Relationships: Builds trust with colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Pure Thought: Applies clear, transparent reasoning and maintains professional integrity.
• Continuous Development: Engages in continual learning and development for personal and organisational growth.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme.
• Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus, introducer fee and qualifications award.
• Access to Staff Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme including a 24-hour advice line.
• BUPA Company Care Scheme.
• Life Insurance, Personal Accident and a generous Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Interest-free travel loan, Cycle to Work Scheme and Arnold Clark Affinity Scheme.
• Payment of professional fees.
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
• A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
• Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
• A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding Engineering.

You can learn more about our staff benefits here.

ETHOS

We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry. We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fairhurst.co.uk stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.