Principal Designer (CDM 2015)

We are looking for a Principal Designer to support the planning, management and coordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase of projects.

The role will primarily focus on the technical coordination and administration of CDM documentation, supporting project teams and clients through the preparation, review and management of key project information.

You will work closely with clients, designers, contractors and project managers to identify and communicate foreseeable risks, maintain accurate records and support effective coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
• Support clients in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities under CDM 2015.
• Identify, collate and review pre-construction information, highlighting gaps and coordinating additional information where required.
• Coordinate design risk reviews, working with designers to eliminate foreseeable risks or reduce and control those that cannot be eliminated.
• Maintain design risk registers and communicate significant residual risks to relevant project stakeholders.
• Prepare, review and manage CDM documentation, ensuring information is accurate, current and accessible.
• Coordinate the preparation, review and updating of health and safety files.
• Liaise with Principal Contractors to share relevant information and support the planning and management of the construction phase.
• Review construction phase plans and associated documentation, providing comments within the agreed scope of the role.
• Facilitate design coordination meetings and record decisions, responsibilities and outstanding actions.
• Monitor design changes and ensure relevant risk information is reviewed and communicated.
• Attend project meetings and undertake site visits where required.
• Maintain clear document control, audit trails and project records.
• Escalate significant risks, missing information or unresolved design issues to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement in CDM processes, templates and reporting.

About You

Essential

• Relevant experience undertaking Principal Designer duties or coordinating CDM activities within construction or building-services projects.
• A sound understanding of CDM 2015 and the responsibilities of clients, designers and contractors.
• Relevant construction, engineering, architectural or building-services knowledge, with the skills and experience to assess design risks.
• Experience preparing and reviewing pre-construction information, design risk registers and health and safety files.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and project documentation.
• Strong document management skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence coordinating multidisciplinary teams and communicating technical risks clearly.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications and electronic document management systems.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.

Desirable

• A relevant qualification in construction, engineering, architecture, surveying or occupational health and safety.
• Recognised Principal Designer or CDM training.
• NEBOSH Construction qualification or equivalent.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as APS or IOSH.
• Experience within refurbishment, maintenance, M&E or building-services projects.

Personal Attributes

• Methodical, organised and proactive.
• Confident challenging incomplete information and raising concerns.
• Collaborative and comfortable working with clients and technical teams.
• Able to explain complex requirements clearly and practically.
• Committed to improving design coordination and project safety.

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

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