Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East) in Basingstoke

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. We are seeking a

Principal Consultant

to lead the delivery of CDM and construction safety services across complex and high-value projects. This role is suited to an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of

Principal Designer (PD) duties

, leading engagement with clients and design teams, and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk throughout the project lifecycle. You will play a key role in shaping how CDM and construction safety is delivered across projects, with influence spanning

RIBA Stages 2–5

, and will contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service offering. In a typical week, you may be involved in:

Lead delivery of

CDM Principal Designer duties

across multiple projects

Take ownership of

design risk management strategy

, ensuring risks are identified, challenged and reduced through design

Chair and lead

design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews

Provide clear, authoritative advice to clients on their

statutory duties under CDM and the Building Safety Act

Oversee and assure quality of key CDM deliverables, including:

Pre-Construction Information (PCI)

Design Risk Registers / Hazard Logs

Health and Safety Files (HSF)

Act as

Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act

where required

Influence design teams to drive practical and proportionate risk reduction

Manage project delivery in line with

agreed scope, programme and commercial expectations

Support preparation of

proposals, scopes and fee submissions

Contribute to development of internal standards, tools and best practice

Leadership & Responsibility

You will be responsible for: Leading CDM / PD delivery on projects or programmes

Acting as a

key point of contact for clients

, building and maintaining trusted relationships

Providing

technical oversight and quality assurance

across project outputs

Supporting and mentoring

junior and senior consultants

Driving consistency and improvement in how services are delivered

Identifying opportunities for

repeat work and service expansion

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

Extensive experience in a

CDM / construction safety role

, including leading PD appointments

Strong, demonstrable knowledge of

CDM Regulations 2015

and their practical application

Experience undertaking or leading

Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act

Strong understanding of

design processes and RIBA stages

, with the ability to influence design development

Proven ability to lead

risk management discussions and challenge design decisions effectively

Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and client relationships

Commercial awareness, including understanding of

scope, fees and delivery expectations

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, health & safety or related field (or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience)

NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent) expected

Chartered or working towards Chartered membership of

IOSH, APS or IIRSM

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. #LI-KC1 We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK. Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity. Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package. Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your