Principal Designer / CDM Consultant

Principal Designer / CDM Consultant

Full-Time 60000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Construction Index Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design projects and ensure safety compliance throughout the construction process.
  • Company: Respected construction consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Opportunities for junior candidates to grow into the role.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on diverse, impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Principal Designer role and a relevant design background.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.

  • APPLY Job Description
  • CDM Principal Designer

Location

London (Office-based)

Salary

Construction Consultancy

We're a well‑established, highly respected construction consultancy looking to strengthen its growing London team with an experienced Principal Designer.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative business delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across both the public and private sectors, with genuine opportunities for career progression.

The Role

This is a dedicated Principal Designer (CDM) position, acting as the client's advisor throughout the design and construction process.

You'll take ownership of delivering the Principal Designer role from inception through to completion, working alongside multidisciplinary project teams on a wide variety of schemes.

  • Projects Include
  • Residential developments
  • Commercial offices
  • Retail
  • Education
  • Healthcare and hospitals
  • Infrastructure projects including lock enlargements, dam replacements, sea defence works and utility schemes

What We're Looking For

  • Proven experience delivering the Principal Designer (CDM) role on construction projects.
  • A design background or a relevant design degree (essential).
  • Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations and health & safety legislation.
  • Experience advising clients and managing design risk throughout project lifecycles.
  • Site inspection experience and a good understanding of construction site operations would be highly advantageous.
  • APS, NEBOSH or similar accreditations are welcomed but not essential; full support will be provided to obtain professional qualifications and memberships.

We would also consider someone more junior with the right design background and attitude who is looking to develop into a Principal Designer.

  • What's On Offer
  • Salary from £60,000 - £80,000+, depending on experience.
  • Clear progression pathway with opportunities to progress into senior leadership and future Partner-level positions.
  • Fully funded professional memberships and training.
  • Exposure to a diverse and high‑profile project portfolio.
  • Supportive and collaborative team environment.
  • Excellent long‑term career prospects within a growing national team.

The team currently operates across London, the Midlands and Scotland, with this position based in the London office.

Most projects are easily accessible via public transport across London, with occasional travel further afield.

This is an urgent requirement, and interviews are being arranged immediately.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, contact Andreea Hudson at Aldwych Consulting today or apply now by forwarding your CV.

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality.

No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.

We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

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The Construction Index Ltd

Contact Details:

The Construction Index Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Designer / CDM Consultant

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 The Construction Index Ltd, 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 Consultant at The Construction Index Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer / CDM Consultant

Principal Designer (CDM) experience
Design background
Knowledge of CDM Regulations
Health & Safety legislation knowledge
Client advisory skills
Design risk management
Site inspection experience

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 The Construction Index Ltd

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!