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For Companies Location - Birmingham / Hybrid (3 days on site per week)
Contract - 6 month initial contract with likelihood of turning permanent
Working Pattern - Monday - Friday, full time
Pay - Outside IR35. Negotiable day rate (DOE).
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Principal Designer (CDM) to join our clients Design Management team and take a lead role in delivering CDM 2015 compliance across a portfolio of complex engineering and construction projects. This is a senior, client-facing role where you will act as the appointed Principal Designer, embedding health and safety into the design process from pre-construction through construction, while providing a professional, billable consultancy service to clients. You’ll work closely with designers, engineers, contractors, and clients, influencing decisions early and ensuring that foreseeable risks are eliminated or reduced through effective design risk management.
Key responsibilities
- Act as Principal Designer in accordance with CDM Regulations 2015, ensuring full legal compliance.
- Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
- Support and coordinate CDM compliance through the construction phase, working closely with the Principal Contractor.
- Chair and facilitate HAZID / design risk workshops, ensuring actions are closed out.
- Coordinate and manage the duties of designers, ensuring cooperation and compliance.
- Advise clients on their CDM duties and responsibilities.
- Ensure robust CDM documentation, including PCI and design risk records.
- Maintain a clear audit trail to demonstrate compliance and support HSE scrutiny.
- Act as a billable consultancy resource, managing time and client expectations effectively.
- Contribute to the development of internal CDM procedures, templates, and best practice.
- Provide guidance and training to design teams on safety-in-design principles.
Essential
- Demonstrable experience working as a Senior or Principal Designer (CDM).
- Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 across both pre-construction and construction phases.
- Experience managing and leading design risk management activities.
- NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma (or equivalent).
- Background in engineering, construction, design management, or a related discipline.
- Comfortable chairing workshops and challenging designers, contractors, and clients.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Chartered membership (CMIOSH, CEng, MRICS, MICE, RIBA, or equivalent).
- Consultancy or client-facing experience.
- Experience delivering CDM or safety-in-design training.
The NRL Group connects global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future. We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.
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Principal Designer in Birmingham employer: NRL Ltd
Contact Detail:
NRL Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise as a Principal Designer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015. Be ready to discuss how you've managed design risk in past projects and how you can bring that experience to the table for your future employer.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence! Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences relevant to the Principal Designer role. Engage with content related to health and safety in design to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We’re all about connecting the right people with the right roles, so make sure your application stands out by highlighting your consultancy experience and client-facing skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Designer role. Highlight your experience with CDM Regulations 2015 and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed design risk and ensured compliance in past projects. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this is a client-facing role, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. In your application, mention experiences where you've successfully collaborated with designers, engineers, and clients. We want to know you can lead those HAZID workshops like a pro!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at NRL Ltd
✨Know Your CDM Regulations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the CDM Regulations 2015 before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these regulations in past projects, and think of specific examples where you ensured compliance during both pre-construction and construction phases.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Designer, you'll be leading workshops and managing teams. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully chaired meetings or facilitated design risk workshops. Highlight your ability to challenge designers and contractors while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Consultancy Experience
Since this role involves providing a billable consultancy service, be prepared to discuss your previous client-facing roles. Share how you've managed client expectations and delivered value through your expertise in design risk management and health and safety.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their current projects, team dynamics, and how they approach CDM compliance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
