At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage CDM Principal Designer services, ensuring safety and compliance in construction projects.
- Company: Award-winning consultancy focused on construction safety with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, private health, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction safety while advancing your career to Director-level.
- Qualifications: Experience in CDM 2015 regulations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with clear growth opportunities and impactful projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
An award-winning consultancy dedicated exclusively to the construction safety sector is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join their growing team. With a business unit turnover exceeding £3m and a strong team of 12+ CDM Principal Designers as part of the larger business, this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping the business.
The company specialises in:
- Construction Health & Safety
- CDM 2015 Principal Designer Services
- Building Regulations Principal Designer
- Related advisory services
The Role
As Associate Director, you will report directly to the Board and take full leadership of a dedicated business unit, overseeing project delivery, team performance, and client relationships. You will lead the delivery of CDM Principal Designer services across a broad and varied project portfolio—ensuring safety and compliance are embedded throughout the design and construction process. This is a senior leadership position, requiring strategic insight, operational excellence, and a strong technical background in CDM 2015 regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Principal Designer function across all projects, ensuring full compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant legislation.
- Act as the key contact and advisor for CDM-related guidance to clients, designers, contractors, and internal teams.
- Develop and implement CDM strategies and risk management procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversee the preparation and review of Pre-Construction Information and Health and Safety Files.
- Chair design risk reviews and workshops—championing a safety-first approach throughout project development.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of CDM professionals, promoting excellence and consistency.
- Support business growth by preparing and delivering impactful sales presentations, bids, and fee proposals. This is supported by the Bid, tech and marketing team.
- Enhance company visibility by delivering training sessions and engaging with third-party stakeholders.
- Attend and represent the business at face-to-face client and supplier meetings.
- Continuously improve the delivery and efficiency of CDM and Principal Designer services.
Experience & Background
- Proven experience as a Principal Designer under CDM 2015, ideally from a consultancy or client-side environment.
- In-depth knowledge of health & safety legislation across the construction and development sectors.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and client-facing skills.
Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in a relevant field such as Health & Safety, Construction, or Design (preferred).
- Chartered or Incorporated membership of a professional body such as IOSH, APS, RICS, or CIOB (preferred).
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary of £80,000–£90,000
- £8,500 car allowance
- Pension, Private Healthcare, Life Insurance, and additional benefits
- Flexible hybrid working model (2 days per week in North West HQ)
- A clear and supported development pathway to Director-level
This is a rare opportunity to join a respected, specialist consultancy where your leadership will shape the future of CDM and construction safety delivery across the UK.
Associate Director. CDM Principal Designer Services employer: The Health and Safety Partnership Limited
Contact Detail:
The Health and Safety Partnership Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director. CDM Principal Designer Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Associate Director role. We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so take advantage of it!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director. CDM Principal Designer Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about construction safety and how your background aligns with our mission. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can see your enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; tell us about your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Health and Safety Partnership Limited
✨Know Your CDM Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past projects and how you would ensure compliance in your new role. This shows you're not just familiar with the regulations, but that you can lead others in adhering to them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to share how you motivate your team, handle conflicts, and ensure everyone is aligned with safety-first principles.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since you'll be acting as a key contact for clients, prepare for questions about how you would handle client relationships. Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders, and be ready to discuss your approach to building trust and rapport.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires strategic insight, so be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement CDM strategies. Think about how you can contribute to business growth and efficiency in service delivery, and be ready to share your vision for the future of CDM services.