At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety advisory services in construction and workplace environments, ensuring compliance and risk management.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on landmark projects.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit community dedicated to making a positive difference globally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and health across diverse projects while shaping your unique career.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction safety and health & safety legislation; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 Safety Advisory services across both construction projects and operational environments. This role spans the full asset lifecycle — from design and construction (CDM / Principal Designer duties) through to occupied buildings (workplace safety, compliance and assurance). You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, leading delivery, influencing stakeholders and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk across both project and operational settings. This is a senior role requiring strong technical capability, leadership and the ability to operate across multiple service lines.
In a typical week, you may be involved in:
- Lead delivery of construction and workplace safety advisory services
- Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and wider UK health & safety legislation
- Provide strategic and practical advice across both project and operational environments
- Manage client relationships and project delivery to achieve commercial and quality outcomes
- Drive consistency and improvement across safety advisory services
Key Responsibilities
Construction Safety (CDM / Project Lifecycle)
- Lead delivery of CDM Principal Designer duties across projects and programmes
- Take ownership of design risk management strategies, ensuring risks are eliminated or reduced through design
- Chair and lead design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews
- Provide authoritative advice to clients on CDM duties and compliance
- Oversee production and quality of:
- Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
- Risk Registers / Hazard Logs
- Health and Safety Files (HSF)
Workplace & Operational Safety (Post-Occupancy)
- Lead delivery of health and safety advisory services across operational estates
- Provide strategic advice on H&S management systems, compliance and risk control
- Oversee and undertake audits, inspections and assurance activities
- Advise on risk assessments, safe systems of work and statutory compliance
- Support clients in managing FM providers, contractors and operational risks
- Drive improvements in safety culture and performance
Client Leadership & Project Delivery
- Act as a key client contact, building and maintaining strong relationships
- Lead delivery of projects in line with scope, programme and commercial expectations
- Support development of proposals, scopes and fee submissions
- Identify opportunities for repeat work and service growth
- Manage multiple projects and priorities across service lines
Assurance, Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Provide oversight and assurance across construction and operational safety activities
- Produce and review high-quality reports, audit findings and recommendations
- Support development of standards, tools and best practice
- Drive consistency in service delivery across projects and teams
- Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and capability development
Leadership & Influence
You will:
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients and senior stakeholders
- Lead multidisciplinary engagement across design, construction and operational teams
- Provide technical leadership across construction and workplace safety
- Mentor and support junior and senior team members
- Influence behaviours to drive improved safety outcomes and compliance
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience in construction safety / CDM advisory, including leading PD roles
- Experience in workplace or operational health & safety (e.g. audits, compliance, FM environments)
- Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and wider UK H&S legislation
- Ability to operate confidently across both project and operational environments
- Proven experience managing client relationships and project delivery
- Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery performance
- 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 General or Construction Certificate (or equivalent)
- Membership of a relevant professional body (IOSH, APS or similar)
- Strong technical expertise across construction and workplace safety
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. With us, you can. Apply today.
Principal Consultant – Safety Advisory (Construction & Workplace Safety) - London and South East employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant – Safety Advisory (Construction & Workplace 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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Consultant. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in construction safety and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant – Safety Advisory (Construction & Workplace Safety) - London and South East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in construction safety and CDM advisory, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've influenced teams or managed client relationships effectively. We love seeing candidates who can lead and inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your CDM Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the CDM Regulations 2015 and other relevant UK health and safety legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in construction safety or workplace environments. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive safety culture.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Questions
Expect questions about managing client relationships and project delivery. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully built rapport with clients or navigated challenging situations. This will help illustrate your commercial awareness and communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
WSP values innovation and improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to continuous improvement in safety practices or processes in previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led that resulted in better compliance or enhanced safety outcomes.