At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Principal Designer role on exciting construction projects across various sectors.
- Company: Join Wood, a global leader in engineering and consultancy with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in health and safety while shaping the future of construction.
- Qualifications: Degree in construction or engineering, with relevant experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Wood is currently recruiting for a CDM Principal Designer in our London or Leamington office. You will contribute to / be responsible for the delivery of the Principal Designer role across all phases of the Design and Construction lifecycle on a range of challenging projects across various sectors including Education, Defence, Energy (incl Renewables), Commercial, Industrial, Transport and Utilities. You will have the ability to undertake the Principal Designer role on complex multidiscipline construction projects, have an understanding of the key hazards typical to building and engineering projects with relevant sector experience and be able to work as an individual or to lead / work as part of a wider team. You must be able to work with both internal and external project stakeholders to ensure Health and Safety issues are properly addressed and managed during the project lifecycle including working with the Principal Contractor to ensure temporary works designs align with the permanent design intent.
The role requires an in depth understanding of design and construction processes and the ability to communicate effectively. You will have a clear understanding of the legal requirements of CDM and other legislation relevant to design and construction activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake the role of Principal Designer on assigned projects and undertake the duties as defined in the CDM Regs 2015 including:
- Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
- Help and advise the client in bringing together pre-construction information, and provide the information designers and contractors need to carry out their duties.
- Work with any other designers on the project to eliminate foreseeable health and safety risks to anyone affected by the work and, where that is not possible, take steps to reduce or control those risks.
- Ensure that everyone involved in the pre-construction phase communicates and cooperates, coordinating their work wherever required.
- Liaise with the principal contractor, keeping them informed of any risks that need to be controlled during the construction phase.
Qualifications
Skills / Experience
- Essential:
- A high degree of understanding and knowledge on the application of the CDM Regulations to building / infrastructure project, specifically as a CDM Advisor / Principal Designer.
- Significant post qualification experience in either design or construction management including experience of leading design teams.
- Experience working in a consultancy environment and operating as advisor to the project client.
- Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to actively step in and coordinate the resolution of Health and Safety issues across multiple organisations.
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to work collaboratively across design organisations and mediate issues to ensure full consideration of H&S in design and appropriate exchange of information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint is required.
- Experience in the full project life cycle through detailed design and into construction.
- Desirable:
- Experience of Design Management in an infrastructure sector.
- Experience of designing in BIM and use of design technologies for exchange of information.
- Understanding of appropriate design standards applicable to buildings / infrastructure design and construction.
- Knowledge of contract management under NEC forms of contract, particularly the contract roles.
- Understanding of temporary works design and associated risks.
- Experience in project management including management of consultancy services contracts.
Qualifications
- Essential:
- Qualified to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant construction or engineering related discipline.
- Professionally qualified in a construction related discipline (MRICS, MICE, MCIOB, RIBA or equivalent).
- Health and Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH Construction Certificate, MSc qualification, Certified Membership of APS or ICE H&S Register).
- Chartered Engineer status and membership of relevant professional body.
- Desirable:
- Masters Degree in Engineering Related Subject or appropriate Post graduate qualification.
Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world’s most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people.
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
CDM Principal Designer in London employer: Wood
Wood is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring legal professionals. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and opportunities for growth in the dynamic energy sector. The hybrid work model in vibrant locations like Aberdeen or Reading further enhances work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CDM Principal Designer in London
✨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 Wood, 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 CDM Principal Designer at Wood.
We think you need these skills to ace CDM Principal Designer in London
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 Wood
✨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!