Building Safety / CDM Principal DesignerLocation: Nottingham based with some nationwide travel Salary: Competitive + Benefits Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and proactive Building Safety / CDM Principal Designer to join our growing consultancy team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of projects, supporting clients in meeting their obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, the Building Safety Act 2022, and wider UK health and safety legislation. The successful candidate will provide expert consultancy services, coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, and help clients effectively identify, reduce, manage, and communicate risk throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015.
Undertake Building Regulations Principal Designer duties where required.
Plan, manage, and monitor the pre-construction phase.
Coordinate design teams and ensure dutyholders fulfil their legal responsibilities.
Lead design risk management processes, ensuring risks are eliminated or reduced through design.
Support production and handover of Health & Safety Files.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Golden Thread of Information.
Client Advisory & Consultancy
Provide practical and commercially focused CDM and Building Safety advice.
Support clients in understanding and complying with CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act.
Deliver consultancy services across commercial, residential, high-risk building, industrial, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.
Build strong client relationships and contribute to repeat business opportunities.
Develop and maintain Design Risk Registers and residual risk information.
Ensure risks are clearly communicated and appropriately transferred through the project lifecycle.
Integrate fire safety considerations into design risk management activities.
Challenge design decisions where risks are not adequately controlled.
Building Safety & Compliance
Support projects subject to Building Safety Regulator requirements.
Assist with Gateway submissions and compliance evidence.
Ensure effective change control procedures are maintained.
Identify and manage fire and structural safety risks.
Produce audit-ready documentation and compliance records.
Project & Stakeholder Management
Attend and contribute to client meetings, design team meetings, and project reviews.
Coordinate effectively with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and project managers.
Communicate compliance requirements, responsibilities, and project risks clearly to all stakeholders.
Team Leadership & Business Support
Provide leadership, mentoring, and support to team members.
Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management activities.
Contribute to business development initiatives and client relationship management.
Support the development of templates, guidance documents, and best practice standards.
About You:You will be a confident and client-focused professional with strong technical knowledge and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects simultaneously. Essential Skills & Experience
Proven experience delivering CDM / Principal Designer services.
Experience within a consultancy or client-facing environment.
Strong understanding of:
CDM Regulations 2015
Building Safety Act requirements
Construction health and safety
Design risk management
Building regulations compliance
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Commercial awareness and ability to provide practical, proportionate advice.
Competent in Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Project.
Experience using reporting and inspection platforms such as Fulcrum, Bolster, PlanRadar, or similar.
Qualifications
GCSE / A-Level (or equivalent).
NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent).
Desirable
Membership of a professional body such as IOSH, APS, RICS, CIOB, RIBA, or IFE.
APS Principal Designer Register (IMaPS or CMaPS).
Knowledge of fire safety regulations, passive fire protection systems, and Building Regulations.
Minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar role.
What We're Looking For- We are looking for someone who:
Takes ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality outcomes.
Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement.
Builds positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
Is resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
Promotes safe working practices and continuous improvement.
Shares our values of Commitment, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
What We Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Diverse and challenging project portfolio.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Support towards professional memberships and accreditation.
Career progression within a growing consultancy.
A collaborative and supportive working environment.
If you're passionate about improving building safety and helping clients navigate complex regulatory requirements, we'd love to hear from you.