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- Tasks: Lead Principal Designer services and ensure health & safety compliance on diverse projects.
- Company: Established RIBA-chartered architectural practice with a strong design and technical focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development support, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected practice while working on varied and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Principal Designer and knowledge of CDM Regulations and UK Building Regulations.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Chester
Salary: In the region of ÂŁ45-55,000 DOE
About the company: This well‑established RIBA‑chartered architectural practice based in near Chester, Tarporley and Northwich has been delivering high‑quality design, technical services, and project delivery for over four decades. It works across residential, rural estate, commercial, educational and specialist sectors, offering a comprehensive range of services from conceptual design through planning and detailed technical delivery to construction oversight. The practice combines strong design capability with robust technical delivery and provides in‑house Principal Designer services as part of its end‑to‑end offering.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Opportunity to lead Principal Designer services in a respected design practice
- Collaborative team environment with experienced architects, technologists, and designers
- Exposure to diverse project types- from residential and rural estates to commercial and educational sectors
- Support for professional development and industry membership progression
- Workplace pension and standard holiday entitlement
Key Responsibilities / Daily Duties:
- Act as Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015, ensuring statutory compliance and coordination of health & safety through all pre‑construction stages
- Work closely with design teams, clients, consultants, and contractors to integrate risk management into project workflows
- Review design information to identify, assess and mitigate design risks, ensuring safe outcomes
- Prepare and maintain pre‑construction information, risk assessments, method statements and other CDM‑related documentation
- Visit sites regularly to advise on design‑related safety matters and ensure compliance with agreed standards
- Provide guidance to project teams on CDM and Building Regulations implications
- Support continuous improvement of design processes and contribute to quality assurance systems
Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience delivering Principal Designer duties in architectural or construction design environments
- Accredited Principal Designer (e.g., APS membership) with solid experience interpreting and applying CDM Regulations
- Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations, health & safety legislation and CDM compliance
- Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary design teams
- Proactive, well‑organised and capable of managing multiple concurrent projects
- Confident working independently and as part of small, collaborative teams
- Experience in a practice environment or consultancies handling a broad variety of projects is highly desirable
Pricipal Designer in England employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pricipal Designer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work as a Principal Designer. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate, so potential employers can see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around CDM Regulations and risk management. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Pricipal Designer in England
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 and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about design and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Designer, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively liaised with clients and teams in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and problem-solving!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your CDM Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the CDM Regulations 2015 before your interview. Being able to discuss how you've applied these regulations in past projects will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare to talk about specific projects where you acted as Principal Designer. Highlight your role in risk management and how you ensured compliance with health and safety standards. Real-life examples will make your experience more relatable and impressive.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex design concepts or safety measures, so being concise and clear will help you stand out.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the types of projects they’re currently working on or how they approach collaboration within their teams. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.