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- Tasks: Lead CDM and construction safety services on high-value projects, ensuring health and safety compliance.
- Company: Join WSP, a forward-thinking company that values inclusivity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health programmes, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that encourages diversity and personal authenticity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction safety while shaping industry standards and practices.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in CDM roles and strong knowledge of CDM Regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
What’s in it for you?
- Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy allowing work from home two days a week and collaboration in modern offices across the UK.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: culture of inclusion and belonging, employee resource groups, support for authentic selves.
- Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
- Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” each day for personal activities with flexible time compounding.
- Part‑time and flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave, use of bank holiday entitlement.
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East) employer: WSP USA
Contact Detail:
WSP USA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so come armed with questions about their CDM practices and how they manage health and safety risks. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to clearly articulate your experience in leading Principal Designer duties and managing design risk. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in CDM and construction safety, especially any leadership roles you've had. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led projects and managed risks in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act in your application. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied this knowledge practically in your previous roles. It’ll set you apart from the crowd!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP USA
✨Know Your CDM Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act. Brush up on how these regulations apply practically in construction projects, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading design risk workshops and managing multiple projects. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced design teams and driven risk reduction in past roles.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles related to health and safety risk management. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these situations and what outcomes you achieved, as this will show your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, you're not just being assessed on your qualifications but also on your ability to build relationships. Approach the interview as a conversation, and be personable while discussing your experiences and insights into CDM and construction safety.