At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design risk coordination and ensure safety during pre-construction phases.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovative design and engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to travel and work on diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while enhancing your expertise in design risk management.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification and experience in CDM 2015 and Principal Designer duties.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is looking for a Principal Designer with practical CDM 2015 experience to work across design, engineering and construction projects.
The focus is on the pre-construction phase: bringing clients, designers and contractors together, identifying design risks early and making sure the right information is available at the right time.
This is not a general site health and safety role.
We are looking for someone who has previously undertaken Principal Designer duties on live projects and can manage the routine CDM responsibilities of an assigned project with a reasonable degree of independence, while recognising when to seek guidance on more complex issues.
The role offers an opportunity to build on your existing experience, take responsibility for a variety of projects and contribute to developing the client's Principal Designer services.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pre-construction and design risk coordination
- Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase in line with CDM 2015.
- Work with clients, designers, engineers and project teams to identify foreseeable risks, challenge design decisions where appropriate and promote the elimination or reduction of risks through design.
- Review drawings, specifications, design changes and project information, considering buildability, access, construction sequencing, maintenance and future use.
- Coordinate design risk reviews and workshops, keep design risk registers and action records up to date, and make sure significant residual risks are communicated clearly.
- Gather, review and coordinate pre-construction information, including site constraints, existing structures, services, access restrictions, surveys and other information needed by designers and contractors.
- Client, contractor and project support
- Liaise with clients, designers, Principal Contractors and other dutyholders to clarify CDM responsibilities and support an effective handover into the construction phase.
- Coordinate the preparation, review and handover of Health and Safety File information relevant to future work on the completed project.
- Advise clients on practical CDM requirements, including supporting F10 notifications or reviews of construction phase arrangements where required by the project brief.
- Support the delivery of CDM site audits and compliance reviews as an additional service offered to clients.
Training, existing templates and guidance will be provided where required.
- Maintain clear records of decisions and advice, and contribute to improving CDM processes, templates and consistency across projects.
- WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Essential
- A relevant qualification in construction, engineering, architecture, design, health and safety or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable knowledge of CDM 2015, including the responsibilities of clients, designers, Principal Designers and Principal Contractors, and the competence to undertake Principal Designer duties appropriate to the project.
- Previous experience formally undertaking Principal Designer duties on live construction or engineering projects.
- Practical experience of design risk management, multidisciplinary coordination, reviewing technical information, pre-construction information and Health and Safety File requirements.
- A good understanding of construction methods, sequencing, access requirements, and the risks associated with construction, maintenance and demolition.
- The ability to identify significant design risks, recommend appropriate control measures and communicate residual risks effectively.
- Confidence working directly with clients and project teams, constructively challenging issues, managing routine responsibilities independently and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and maintain accurate records.
- Evidence of relevant CDM/design risk training and a commitment to continuing professional development.
- A full UK driving licence, eligibility to work in the UK and willingness to travel to project locations (approximately 25%).
Desirable
- Experience in a dedicated Principal Designer role.
- Previous experience conducting CDM site audits, compliance reviews or construction health and safety assurance activities.
- Experience of complex or higher-risk construction projects, particularly within engineering, infrastructure, utilities, or consultancy environments.
- Further relevant qualifications, training or professional membership (for example APS, NEBOSH, IOSH, CIOB or ICE).
- EUSR accreditation or relevant training.
- Experience improving design risk procedures, leading risk workshops or strengthening CDM compliance processes
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Designer (CDM Coordinator) in Widnes employer: Matchtech Group
Matchtech is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong focus on the rail sector in Winnersh, employees benefit from comprehensive support, flexible working options, and exciting team incentives, all while contributing to significant infrastructure developments in Ireland. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a dynamic environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer (CDM Coordinator) in Widnes
✨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 Matchtech Group, 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 Coordinator) at Matchtech Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer (CDM Coordinator) in Widnes
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 Matchtech Group
✨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!
