Principal Designer (PD)

Principal Designer (PD)

Permanent | Government Contract
Location: Birmingham, B37 7ES (Hybrid)
Hours: 40 hours per week

Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking a Principal Designer (PD) to take legal responsibility for overseeing health and safety during the pre-construction phase of projects.

Job Overview

The Principal Designer (PD) is responsible for ensuring that all health and safety considerations are effectively planned, coordinated, and addressed during the pre-construction phase of projects. The role provides assurance that projects meet all procedural, legal, and regulatory requirements before approval to proceed.

Acting as the subject matter expert, the Principal Designer will bring together pre-construction information and work collaboratively with designers, contractors, internal teams, and external partners. The role also delivers strategic leadership across large and complex projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, legal obligations, budgets, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and coordinate all health and safety activities during the pre-construction phase of projects.
• Collate, manage, and distribute pre-construction information to designers and contractors as appropriate.
• Ensure health and safety risks are identified, eliminated, or controlled through effective design and planning.
• Lead and manage large-scale, cross-functional projects with multiple, linked workstreams.
• Act as the subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and company standards.
• Define project scope, secure appropriate resources, and manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks that may impact project delivery, cost, or quality.
• Provide strategic oversight, governance, and accountability to ensure successful project outcomes.

Person Specification

• Level 3 qualification (desirable).
• FESS Certificate (required).
• Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-functional projects.
• Demonstrable experience managing project budgets in excess of £1m.
• Good knowledge of PAS 8671 and familiarity with NEC4 contracts.
• Strong understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and construction processes, including the ability to interpret drawings and specifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in MS Project, Excel, and PowerPoint, with a UK driving licence and flexibility to travel as required.