Building Regulations Principal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Building Regulations Principal Designer

Company: Hollis

Location: Manchester, GB / London, GB

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Building Safety & Regulatory Compliance Operations

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: Senior / Principal (Equivalent to 10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 2 Days Work From Home Per Week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic establishment and operationalization of a new Building Regulatory Compliance service line, focusing on Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) Advisor roles.

• Drive business development initiatives to secure new projects and expand the service offering within the residential and Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB) markets.

• Oversee the development and implementation of robust internal processes, best-practice templates, and quality assurance frameworks to ensure consistent regulatory compliance and client satisfaction.

• Foster a high-performing team through effective leadership, training, and mentorship, contributing to Hollis's reputation as a market leader in building safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity, focused on building and scaling a new service. The term "Principal Designer" in this context implies a significant operational and strategic component, akin to a Head of Department or Service Line Lead within a consultancy. The emphasis on "building something new" and "ownership" highlights the entrepreneurial aspect of the role, requiring strong process design and implementation skills rather than just execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end delivery of Principal Designer and BRPD Advisor services, ensuring adherence to all relevant building regulations and safety legislation, including the Building Safety Act.

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for compliance, plan checking, and site inspections, staying ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients, internal project teams (Project Management, Fire Safety, Building Defects), and external industry partners.

• Actively participate in business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and contributing to winning new work to drive service line growth.

• Design and deliver engaging Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions, seminars, and training programs, both internally for Hollis staff and externally for clients and industry professionals, to enhance awareness and elevate Hollis's profile.

• Refine and optimize internal operational processes, create standardized templates, and ensure the highest standards of client care and regulatory compliance are consistently met.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of building safety and regulatory professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture as the service line expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for strong operational leadership, including process design, team building, and business growth. The emphasis on "refining internal processes" and "developing templates" points to a requirement for structured operational development and standardization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A strong technical background is essential, ideally a Class 3 Registered Building Inspector or an individual with a robust Architectural background.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience as a Principal Designer or BRPD Advisor, with a proven track record in navigating the Gateway 2 process for projects.

• Significant experience within the residential sector and, crucially, with Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB) projects is a core requirement.

• Proven ability to lead and build a team, coupled with experience in business development and client relationship management.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in UK Building Regulations and associated legislation, particularly the Building Safety Act and its implications for HRBs.

• Proficiency in Principal Designer duties and responsibilities under CDM Regulations and the Building Regulations.

• Strong understanding of the Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 processes for HRBs.

• Exceptional client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Proven business development acumen and ability to drive commercial growth.

• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring capabilities.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of delivering complex technical information clearly and engagingly.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with various construction project management methodologies.

• Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and their integration with regulatory compliance.

• Knowledge of fire safety engineering principles.

• Experience in a consultancy environment with a focus on growth and service expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience with specific regulatory processes (Gateway 2, HRBs) and a blend of technical expertise with leadership and commercial acumen. The "10+ years" experience level implies a need for strategic thinking and operational design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successfully leading and managing complex construction projects from a regulatory compliance perspective, showcasing the implementation of Principal Designer duties.

• Provide evidence of developing and refining operational processes related to building regulations compliance, plan checking, and site inspections, ideally with measurable improvements in efficiency or compliance rates.

• Showcase experience in creating standardized documentation, templates, or frameworks for regulatory submissions and client reporting.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of workflow design and optimization for Principal Designer and BRPD advisory services, detailing how processes were structured, improved, and documented.

• Case studies demonstrating the implementation of new processes or systems to enhance regulatory compliance, particularly within the context of HRBs or residential projects.

• Evidence of establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the performance, efficiency, and success of building regulatory compliance operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a leadership role focused on building a new service, the portfolio should highlight strategic thinking, process design, and the ability to operationalize complex regulatory requirements. Emphasis should be on demonstrating leadership in process improvement and the creation of scalable service delivery models.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Life Assurance

• Private Medical Insurance

• Season Ticket Loan

• 5% Employer Pension Contribution

• 25 days of holiday plus an additional day off on your birthday

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Retail Vouchers

• Gym Discounts

• EV Car Scheme

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week. The company offers a hybrid working model with up to 2 days per week eligible for remote work, and encourages flexibility in working hours where the role and business needs allow, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior consultancy roles in the UK construction and building safety sector, considering the specific responsibilities of establishing and leading a new service line, and the dual locations in London and Manchester—major economic hubs with higher salary expectations. The benefits package is robust and aligns with standard offerings for senior professionals in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Consulting / Building Surveying / Property & Real Estate Services

Company Size: Hollis is a well-established, independent consultancy. While specific employee numbers for the entire firm aren't provided, the context of "expanding its presence" and seeking to "build and lead a team" suggests a substantial, growing organization with multiple offices and a significant client base. This size offers the stability of an established firm with the agility to foster new service lines.

Founded: Hollis was founded in 2001. This history provides a foundation of experience and market recognition, particularly relevant for a role focused on establishing new strategic services.

Team Structure:

• The role will be part of a broader consultancy framework, likely reporting into a senior director or partner responsible for a division that encompasses Project Management, Fire Safety, and Building Defects. The Principal Designer will lead a dedicated team focused on Building Regulatory Compliance.

• The reporting structure will be hierarchical, with the Principal Designer leading their team and collaborating with other service line leaders.

Methodology:

• A data-driven approach is implied, with an emphasis on understanding regulatory data, client project data, and performance metrics to inform service delivery and business development.

• The company values a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, encouraging innovation and the development of best-in-class processes to navigate complex challenges.

• Emphasis is placed on a "One Team" ethos, promoting collaboration, shared knowledge, and a unified approach to client service.

Company Website: https://www.hollis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as progressive, independent, and collaborative. For a new service line leader, this implies an environment where initiative is valued, and there's a strong emphasis on building relationships and delivering high-quality, integrated services. The "independent business" aspect suggests a potentially less bureaucratic structure compared to larger, publicly traded firms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Principal/Director level, focused on establishing and leading a new strategic service line. It goes beyond execution to encompass service design, process development, team building, and business growth. It represents a significant career progression into a leadership position with direct impact on business strategy and service offering.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer will likely report to a senior executive or divisional head within Hollis, such as a Director of Technical Services or Head of Building Consultancy. They will, in turn, lead and manage a team of Building Regulations specialists.

Operations Impact: The operations of this role will directly influence Hollis's ability to secure and deliver high-profile projects within the residential and HRB sectors, a market segment experiencing significant regulatory scrutiny and growth. Success in this role will drive revenue, enhance the company's reputation for building safety expertise, and contribute to the development of safer built environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Service Line Expansion: Lead the growth of the Building Regulatory Compliance service from its inception to a mature, profitable business unit, potentially expanding into new geographical markets or service specializations.

• Leadership Development: Develop and hone leadership skills by building and managing a team, influencing senior stakeholders, and shaping company strategy in a key growth area.

• Industry Influence: Become a recognized industry expert through leading CPD sessions, contributing to industry discussions, and shaping best practices in building safety and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging areas of building safety legislation and technology, becoming a go-to authority within Hollis and the wider industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a unique opportunity for a candidate to not just join a team but to build and define one. The growth potential is significant, tied directly to the success of the new service line and the candidate's ability to drive it forward. This is a high-impact role for those seeking to shape a business unit.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hollis operates a hybrid working model, indicating a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work. The offices are designed to foster collaboration and provide a professional environment for client meetings and team interactions.

Office Location(s): The role is based in either Manchester (M2 5NT) or London (EC2V 6BJ), both major UK cities with vibrant business districts. This offers access to a wide talent pool and proximity to key clients and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, supporting the "One Team" ethos and encouraging interaction between different service lines.

• As a Principal Designer, access to necessary technology, software (likely including design and project management tools), and resources for regulatory analysis and documentation will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with employees typically spending 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely. The company also encourages requests for flexible working hours where feasible, supporting a balanced approach to work and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering flexibility. The dual locations in major cities suggest a well-resourced firm. The emphasis on collaboration means that while remote work is an option, active engagement in office-based activities will be crucial for team building and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in Principal Designer roles, HRB projects, and leadership potential.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager (e.g., Head of Building Consultancy) and potentially a senior colleague from a related team (e.g., Fire Safety). This will focus on your experience, leadership style, understanding of the regulatory landscape, and initial thoughts on building the new service.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: A session dedicated to discussing your portfolio. Be prepared to present specific examples of projects where you acted as Principal Designer, detailing your approach to compliance, risk management, team leadership, and client engagement, especially concerning HRBs and Gateway 2. You may be asked to present a hypothetical strategy for establishing the service at Hollis.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior director or partner. This will assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and your long-term vision for the Building Regulatory Compliance service within Hollis.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced compliance issues by X% through improved process implementation," or "Secured Y new contracts through proactive business development."

• Showcase Process Design: Highlight instances where you designed, implemented, or significantly improved operational processes related to building regulations, compliance, or project delivery. Detail the challenges, your solution, and the outcomes.

• Focus on HRB & Gateway 2: Prepare detailed case studies demonstrating your expertise in navigating the complexities of Higher-Risk Buildings and the Gateway 2 process. Explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you ensured compliance and safety.

• Leadership Examples: Provide concrete examples of how you have led, mentored, and developed teams, and how you have driven business development initiatives.

• Tailor to Hollis: Research Hollis's current projects and values. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your experience directly addresses their needs and aligns with their "One Team" ethos.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your strategic vision for building a new service line from the ground up.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to managing regulatory change and ensuring continuous compliance in a dynamic environment.

• Think about how you would foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation within your new team.

• Consider how you would balance business development with operational delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate that into tangible results. A strong portfolio showcasing process design and leadership in building safety is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software: Proficiency with common BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design review, clash detection, and regulatory information management.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing project timelines, tasks, and team workflows.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and sharing project documentation and regulatory submissions.

• CAD Software: Foundational knowledge of CAD tools may be beneficial for reviewing architectural and engineering plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, reporting, and creating compliance tracking matrices.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be advantageous for creating dashboards to report on compliance metrics and service performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and sales pipeline management.

• Document Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that can streamline the creation of standard documents, reports, and templates.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's nature implies a need for proficiency in tools used for complex project management, design review, data analysis, and client relationship management within the construction and building safety sector. The ability to leverage technology for process efficiency and reporting is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to delivering exceptional client care and tailored solutions that meet regulatory requirements and project objectives.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards and providing honest, expert advice.

• Collaboration: Embracing the "One Team" ethos, working effectively across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking new approaches and refining processes to enhance service delivery and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

• Safety & Compliance: A paramount dedication to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with Project Management, Fire Safety, and Building Defects teams to provide holistic client solutions.

• Open Communication: Foster an environment where feedback is welcomed, and open dialogue is encouraged for problem-solving and process improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promote a culture of sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned, both within the Building Regulatory Compliance team and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and collaboration style are crucial for a leader establishing a new team. The ability to integrate with existing teams and embody the "One Team" ethos will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Service: The primary challenge is building a new service line from the ground up, requiring strategic planning, resource allocation, and overcoming initial inertia.

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: The evolving landscape of building safety legislation, particularly for HRBs, presents ongoing challenges in interpretation and implementation.

• Market Competition: Differentiating Hollis's new service in a competitive consultancy market and securing market share will require strong business development and service delivery.

• Team Development: Recruiting, training, and retaining skilled professionals in a specialized field can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop advanced strategic planning and business growth skills by leading the expansion of a new service.

• Industry Expertise: Become a leading voice in building safety and regulatory compliance, influencing industry standards and best practices.

• Team Building & Mentorship: Gain significant experience in recruiting, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and potentially pursue further certifications related to building safety and regulatory compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a leadership role focused on growth and innovation. The opportunities lie in shaping a significant part of Hollis's future business and becoming a recognized expert in a critical field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for establishing and growing a Building Regulatory Compliance service line within a consultancy like Hollis, focusing on Principal Designer and BRPD roles. What would be your first 90-day priorities?"

  • Preparation: Outline a phased approach (e.g., understanding current capabilities, defining service offering, building team, developing processes, business development). Focus on tangible actions and metrics.

• "How would you ensure Hollis remains at the forefront of evolving building safety regulations, particularly concerning Higher-Risk Buildings and the Building Safety Act? Provide examples of how you've managed regulatory change in the past."

  • Preparation: Discuss proactive monitoring, engagement with industry bodies, internal training strategies, and adapting service offerings. Use specific examples of regulatory shifts you've navigated.

• "What are the key operational differences and challenges between acting as a Principal Designer under CDM Regulations and a BRPD Advisor under the Building Regulations for HRBs? How would you ensure your team is proficient in both?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Hollis emphasizes a 'One Team' ethos and a collaborative approach. How would you foster this within your new service line and ensure effective integration with existing teams like Project Management and Fire Safety?"

  • Preparation: Discuss regular cross-team meetings, shared project planning sessions, joint training initiatives, and clear communication protocols.

• "What attracts you to Hollis, and how do you see your leadership style contributing to our culture of innovation and progressive thinking?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the client, project type (especially HRB/residential), your role (Principal Designer/BRPD), the challenges, your specific actions, and the measurable outcomes/impact.

• Highlight Process Design: When discussing your experience, explicitly detail any processes you designed, improved, or implemented. Explain why you made the changes and how they benefited the project or client.

• Focus on Leadership: Showcase instances where you led teams, managed stakeholders, and drove business development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

• Address the "Building Something New" Aspect: Be prepared to discuss your approach to building a service line, including defining scope, building a team, and establishing operational frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational leadership, deep regulatory knowledge, and the ability to build and grow a new business function within an established organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Building Regulations Principal Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Hollis's Teamtailor careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects demonstrating your Principal Designer and BRPD advisory experience, specifically highlighting work on residential and Higher-Risk Buildings. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your process design, leadership, and business development achievements.

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Emphasize your experience with the Gateway 2 process, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and business growth. Quantify achievements where possible and align your language with the job description's emphasis on building a new service.

• Prepare for Strategic Discussions: Anticipate questions about your vision for the new service line, your approach to regulatory change, and how you would foster collaboration within Hollis. Practice articulating your expertise and leadership style.

• Research Hollis Thoroughly: Understand their market position, project types, existing service offerings, and company culture. Prepare to explain why you are the ideal candidate to lead this new strategic initiative for them.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. Specific details regarding salary, benefits, and exact interview stages should be confirmed directly with Hollis during the application process.