Principal Designer (PD)

Principal Designer (PD)

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

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

This role ensures that health and safety considerations are effectively planned, coordinated, and managed before projects are approved to proceed, providing assurance that all activities comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and industry best practice.

The Role

As the Principal Designer, you'll act as the subject matter expert for pre-construction health and safety, bringing together key project information and working closely with designers, contractors, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

You'll also provide strategic leadership across large, complex projects, ensuring delivery aligns 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 and manage pre-construction information, ensuring it is shared appropriately with designers and contractors.
• Ensure health and safety risks are identified, eliminated, or effectively controlled through design and planning.
• Lead and manage large-scale, cross-functional projects with multiple interconnected workstreams.
• Act as the subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and industry standards.
• Define project scope, secure appropriate resources, and manage stakeholder expectations throughout project delivery.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks that could impact project objectives and successful delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight, governance, and accountability to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• A Level 3 qualification (desirable).
• A FESS Certificate (essential).
• Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional projects.
• Proven experience managing project budgets exceeding £1 million.
• Good knowledge of PAS 8671.
• Experience working with NEC4 contracts.
• A strong understanding of relevant health and safety legislation.
• Good knowledge of construction processes, with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.