Associate Director CDM Principal Designer Services
| Job Type | Permanent Full Time |
| Location | Flexible Hybrid (North West HQ 2 days/week) |
| Area | Hybrid, United Kingdom |
| Sector | CDM and Principal Designer |
| Salary | £80k-£90k plus car allowance, pension, private healthcare, life |
| Currency | GBP |
| Start Date | asap |
| Job Ref | 2710 |
- Description
An award-winning consultancy dedicated exclusively to the construction safety sector is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join their growing team. With a business unit turnover exceeding £3m and a strong team of 12+ CDM Principal Designers as part of the larger business, this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping the business.
The company specialises in:
- Construction Health & Safety
- CDM 2015 Principal Designer Services
- Building Regulations Principal Designer
- Related advisory services
The Role
As Associate Director, you will report directly to the Board and take full leadership of a dedicated business unit, overseeing project delivery, team performance, and client relationships. You will lead the delivery of CDM Principal Designer services across a broad and varied project portfolio—ensuring safety and compliance are embedded throughout the design and construction process.
This is a senior leadership position, requiring strategic insight, operational excellence, and a strong technical background in CDM 2015 regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Principal Designer function across all projects, ensuring full compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant legislation.
- Act as the key contact and advisor for CDM-related guidance to clients, designers, contractors, and internal teams.
- Develop and implement CDM strategies and risk management procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversee the preparation and review of Pre-Construction Information and Health and Safety Files.
- Chair design risk reviews and workshops—championing a safety-first approach throughout project development.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of CDM professionals, promoting excellence and consistency.
- Support business growth by preparing and delivering impactful sales presentations, bids, and fee proposals. This is supported by the Bid, tech and marketing team.
- Enhance company visibility by delivering training sessions and engaging with third-party stakeholders.
- Attend and represent the business at face-to-face client and supplier meetings.
- Continuously improve the delivery and efficiency of CDM and Principal Designer services.
- Experience
- Proven experience as a Principal Designer under CDM 2015, ideally from a consultancy or client-side environment.
- In-depth knowledge of health & safety legislation across the construction and development sectors.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and client-facing skills.
- Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in a relevant field such as Health & Safety, Construction, or Design (preferred).
- Chartered or Incorporated membership of a professional body such as IOSH, APS, RICS, or CIOB (preferred).
This is a rare opportunity to join a respected, specialist consultancy where your leadership will shape the future of CDM and construction safety delivery across the UK.
