Principal Designer - Architecture Job in South East London, London - 65,000

Principal Designer Job South East London offers a leadership role within the architecture sector. This position is based in South East London and focuses on health and safety within design. You will lead Principal Designer duties across heritage and conservation projects.

The role involves advising on CDM regulations and managing pre-construction health and safety processes. You will work with multidisciplinary teams across varied project types. This Principal Designer Job South East London provides exposure to complex and high-profile schemes. You will support consistency in safety standards across project delivery. The position combines technical advisory responsibilities with team leadership. It suits candidates seeking progression within a design-focused consultancy environment.

About the Company

This established practice operates within the architecture and built environment sector. The organisation has delivered projects across the UK and internationally for several decades. Their portfolio spans heritage, conservation, and contemporary architecture projects. The team includes specialists across planning, surveying, and design disciplines. The practice is recognised for its expertise in heritage and conservation work. They maintain long-term relationships with public and private sector clients. The company promotes professional development and structured career progression. Employees benefit from a collaborative and technically focused working culture.

Role & Responsibilities

• Advise design teams and clients on health and safety risk management in line with CDM regulations
• Lead and develop the Principal Designer function across projects within the organisation
• Review designs and projects to ensure consistent pre-construction health and safety standards
• Coordinate and manage pre-construction information and client documentation requirements
• Oversee health and safety aspects during pre-construction phases across multiple projects
• Prepare and issue health and safety files upon project completion in line with regulations
• Develop internal guidance materials and deliver training across design disciplines
• Critically review design risk assessments and support teams in improving safety compliance

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong understanding of design and construction management methodologies within consultancy environments
• Proven experience delivering CDM and health and safety consultancy services across projects
• Background within architecture, construction, or related consultancy disciplines
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent IOSH membership with APS affiliation
• Experience leading Principal Designer or CDM teams within project environments
• Degree qualified in architecture, architectural technology, construction, or engineering
• Strong communication skills to engage with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders
• Experience working on heritage or conservation projects is advantageous

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to 65,000 depending on experience and level
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service up to 30 days
• Hybrid working arrangement to support flexible working patterns
• Life assurance and additional employee wellbeing benefits
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan options available
• Eyecare vouchers and optional healthcare cashback scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay provisions

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role suits a Principal Designer seeking leadership within a design-focused practice. It is ideal for candidates with strong CDM and health and safety experience. Individuals who enjoy working on heritage and conservation projects will benefit from this role. The position suits professionals confident advising design teams and managing compliance processes. Candidates should be comfortable leading teams and developing internal standards. Strong organisational skills are essential for managing multiple project requirements. The role also suits individuals seeking hybrid working within a collaborative environment. This Principal Designer Job South East London supports long-term career progression within consultancy practice.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

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