At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead CDM and construction safety services on high-value projects, ensuring health and safety compliance.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm focused on innovative construction safety solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor others and drive service improvement in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction safety while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in CDM roles and strong knowledge of safety regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
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)
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
Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction 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 - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Consultant gig.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you’re chatting with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience with CDM regulations and risk management. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve influenced design processes in past projects. This is your chance to shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the company’s projects and their approach to construction safety. We recommend preparing some insightful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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. Let’s get you that Principal Consultant role!
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 reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience with CDM regulations and any leadership roles you've held in construction safety projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed design risk and led teams in previous positions, showing us your passion for construction safety.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with clients and design teams, make sure your written application demonstrates your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don't shy away from showcasing your ability to influence and lead discussions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your CDM Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in leading Principal Designer duties. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple projects and client relationships effectively. Highlight specific instances where you’ve led risk management discussions or influenced design decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of a few real-life scenarios where you faced challenges in construction safety. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, what strategies you employed, and the outcomes. This will help interviewers see your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are as much about fit as they are about skills. Take the time to connect with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their projects, and show genuine interest in their work. This can set you apart and leave a lasting impression.