At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safe and compliant construction projects as Principal Designer under CDM regulations.
- Company: Join Fairhurst LLP, a top UK multidisciplinary engineering consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusivity and continuous growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the engineering industry while promoting health and safety.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH certification and experience in design risk management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Fairhurst LLP – 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 stating the role and office you are applying to. For more information on Fairhurst please visit our website.
Principal Designer (CDM) in Sunderland employer: Fairhurst
Fairhurst LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to sustainable engineering practices, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to high-profile projects across the UK. The firm’s dedication to fostering lasting relationships and continuous learning makes it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer (CDM) in Sunderland
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Fairhurst, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Designer (CDM) at Fairhurst.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer (CDM) in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairhurst
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
