CDM Principal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CDM Principal Designer Company: AECOM Location: Primarily London and the Southeast, UK (with flexibility across primary UK offices) Job Type: Full-time Category: Health & Safety Operations / Design Compliance Date Posted: August 21, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a key leadership position within AECOM's Environment & Energy SH&E Team, focusing on ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance throughout the pre-construction phase of significant energy projects.
• The CDM Principal Designer will be responsible for the strategic planning, management, and coordination of projects, ensuring adherence to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
• This position involves significant collaboration with internal design teams, external duty holders, principal contractors, and clients to foster a culture of safety and operational excellence.
• The role requires a proactive approach to disseminating CDM knowledge, advocating best practices, and contributing to the professional development of the Principal Designer function within the UK&I region.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "CDM Principal Designer," the responsibilities clearly align with a specialized Health & Safety Operations role focused on regulatory compliance and design safety management within the infrastructure and energy sectors. The "Designer" aspect refers to the design phase of projects and the associated safety responsibilities, rather than a traditional design engineering role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate the pre-construction phase of energy projects, ensuring all health and safety aspects are addressed in line with CDM 2015.
• Ensure the general principles of prevention are applied effectively during the pre-construction phase, collaborating with design teams and other stakeholders.
• Verify and ensure that AECOM's design teams comply with their specific duties and responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Coordinate with all appointed duty holders on projects during the pre-construction phase to ensure seamless cooperation and information exchange.
• Assist clients in the accurate and comprehensive provision of pre-construction information, a critical component for project safety planning.
• Liaise effectively with appointed principal contractors, sharing all relevant information pertinent to the construction phase.
• Prepare and deliver a comprehensive Health and Safety File to the client upon project handover, documenting all safety-related aspects of the project.
• Foster positive engagement, provide expert advice, and disseminate Construction (Design and Management) Regulations knowledge across project teams and to clients.
• Advocate for and reinforce AECOM's commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing in all project activities.
• Support the development of AECOM's Principal Designer resources and contribute to a culture of continuous professional growth within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong focus on regulatory compliance (CDM 2015), project lifecycle management (pre-construction to handover), and stakeholder coordination, which are core functions within operations roles that manage risk and ensure compliance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degrees are not mandated, a strong understanding of engineering, construction management, or a related technical field is implied by the nature of the projects and regulatory requirements. Professional certifications related to health and safety in construction (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH) would be highly advantageous.

Experience:

• Proven experience in fulfilling the Principal Designer role on projects, particularly within the energy sector or on geographically extensive infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, pipelines).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver Principal Designer duties effectively and efficiently under CDM regulations.
• Experience in managing multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• CDM Regulations Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical application experience of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Project Management: Ability to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate project phases, particularly the pre-construction stage.
• Health & Safety Management: Strong understanding of health and safety principles and their integration into design and construction processes.
• Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for clear and precise articulation of requirements and information.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, clients, and duty holders.
• Energy Sector Familiarity: Understanding of the unique safety and design considerations within the energy industry.
• Quality Commitment: High level of dedication to delivering quality work and ensuring compliance standards are met.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with geographically long projects (roads, pipelines) that require complex safety coordination.
• Proficiency in risk assessment and mitigation strategies specific to infrastructure and energy projects.
• Experience in developing and managing Health and Safety Files.
• Familiarity with AECOM's operational processes and project delivery frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CDM regulations, project coordination, and health & safety management strongly suggests that candidates with a background in construction project management, safety engineering, or regulatory compliance roles within large infrastructure firms will be well-suited. The "Designer" aspect implies a need for understanding design implications on safety, not necessarily hands-on design work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• CDM Compliance Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful Principal Designer roles on past projects, highlighting how CDM regulations were applied to manage risks during the pre-construction phase.
• Project Coordination Examples: Evidence of effective coordination with multiple stakeholders (design teams, contractors, clients, other duty holders) to ensure seamless project execution and safety.
• Health & Safety File Submissions: Examples or descriptions of Health and Safety Files prepared and delivered, showcasing attention to detail and comprehensive documentation of safety measures.
• Risk Management Documentation: Examples of how risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated through design and planning processes.

Process Documentation:

• Pre-construction Phase Management: Detailed documentation of processes used to plan, manage, and monitor the pre-construction phase, including risk registers and safety plans.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Protocols or methodologies for ensuring effective communication and cooperation between different project teams and external parties.
• Compliance Assurance Procedures: Processes for verifying that design teams and other parties adhere to CDM regulations and AECOM's internal safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific system requirements are not detailed, a strong portfolio demonstrating process management, regulatory adherence, and effective stakeholder coordination is crucial for this role, reflecting the operational rigor expected in compliance and safety management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a CDM Principal Designer with 5-10 years of experience in London, UK, the estimated salary range is £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact nature of the projects assigned.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to professional growth programs and advancement paths.
• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Options to balance work between office and remote locations, promoting work-life balance.
• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to engage with specialists across AECOM's technical disciplines.
• AECOM University: Access to learning and development resources for continuous skill enhancement.
• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives.
• Comprehensive health and well-being programs.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.

Working Hours: The role is presented as full-time, likely adhering to a standard 40-hour work week, though the hybrid model suggests flexibility in how these hours are managed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and experience level, drawing from industry salary data platforms. AECOM's listed benefits highlight a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which are attractive to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (a Fortune 500 firm) Company Size: Global, with over 50,000 employees worldwide. Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its current form established through various acquisitions and mergers, dating back to the mid-20th century, signifying stability and extensive industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Environment & Energy SH&E Team, a national team within AECOM.
• The position reports to the Environment & Energy Principal Designer Lead for the UK&I region.
• Collaboration is expected with internal design teams, project managers, and external stakeholders including clients, contractors, and other duty holders.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging technical and digital expertise, suggesting a reliance on data analysis for project planning and safety management.
• Process-Oriented Delivery: As a large infrastructure consulting firm, AECOM likely employs structured project delivery methodologies to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Safety Culture: A strong emphasis on health, safety, and wellbeing is a core value, driving the need for rigorous adherence to regulations like CDM.

Company Website: aecom.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and extensive history in infrastructure consulting indicate a mature, process-driven operational environment. The company's focus on "delivering a better world" and its commitment to ESG priorities suggest a culture that values impactful work and responsible practices, which is highly relevant for a safety and compliance role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Principal-level role, signifying a senior position with significant responsibility for technical leadership, regulatory compliance, and project oversight within the SH&E operations domain. It requires substantial experience and a high degree of autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The CDM Principal Designer reports to the Environment & Energy Principal Designer Lead for the UK&I region. This indicates a clear line of management and a structured team hierarchy.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and critical impact on AECOM's ability to deliver projects safely and compliantly, thereby protecting the company's reputation, mitigating legal risks, and ensuring client satisfaction. Effective CDM Principal Design contributes to cost control by preventing safety-related delays and incidents.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to influence and contribute to the development of AECOM's Principal Designer resources and methodologies.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in the energy sector and complex infrastructure projects.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior team members and contribute to talent development.
• Broader Project Exposure: Work on some of the largest and most complex projects within AECOM's Energy portfolio.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles within the SH&E or broader project management functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal Designer title suggests a career track focused on technical expertise and leadership within the SH&E operations field, with clear pathways for growth into management or more strategic advisory roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM emphasizes a "dynamic environment" and offers a "flexible hybrid working model," suggesting a modern office setup that supports collaboration and independent work.

Office Location(s): While the role can be based at any of AECOM's primary UK offices, there is a preference for London and the Southeast. This provides geographical flexibility for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Likely equipped with meeting rooms and open-plan areas to facilitate interaction with design teams and colleagues.
• Technology: Access to AECOM's technological resources, including communication platforms, project management software, and potentially specialized safety or design software.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a national team of SH&E professionals and participate in technical practice networks.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for flexibility, enabling professionals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project demands are met. This flexibility is crucial for roles that may require site visits or client meetings alongside office-based or remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect, indicating a modern workplace that values employee autonomy and work-life integration, common in forward-thinking operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of CV and cover letter by a recruiter (Melissa Moody) to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Technical Interview: May involve discussions with the Principal Designer Lead or senior SH&E professionals to assess in-depth knowledge of CDM regulations, project experience, and problem-solving skills.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates might be asked to present a case study from their portfolio demonstrating their Principal Designer capabilities, focusing on project management, safety coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members and assess alignment with AECOM's values and collaborative style.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• CDM Focus: Showcase specific examples of how you managed Principal Designer duties on energy or infrastructure projects, detailing your approach to risk management and compliance.
• Coordination Excellence: Highlight instances where you successfully coordinated with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Problem-Solving: Present a complex safety challenge encountered and how you effectively resolved it through design modifications or process improvements.
• Health & Safety File Quality: Include a sample or detailed description of a Health and Safety File you prepared, emphasizing its comprehensiveness and clarity.
• Quantifiable Results: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work, such as improvements in safety metrics or successful project deliveries without safety incidents.

Challenge Preparation:

• CDM Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to CDM compliance, risk assessment, and stakeholder conflict resolution.
• Regulatory Interpretation: Understand how to interpret and apply specific clauses of CDM 2015 in various project contexts.
• AECOM Context: Research AECOM's project portfolio, values, and approach to health and safety to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of CDM regulations, project management skills, and stakeholder engagement is critical. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience with specific examples and quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and monitoring project phases.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and team coordination.
• Document Management Systems: SharePoint or AECOM's internal systems for managing project documentation, including Health and Safety Files and pre-construction information.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially Excel for data manipulation and analysis of safety metrics.
• Reporting Tools: Tools that facilitate the creation of reports on project safety performance and compliance status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, CRM principles around client relationship management and data accuracy are relevant for managing client information and project data.
• Automation might be used in reporting or data compilation for safety compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency with project management, document control, and communication platforms is standard for operations roles in this sector. A keenness for data analysis to support safety reporting is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, driving a culture of vigilance, proactive risk management, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and delivering expert advice with precision.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve common goals and share knowledge.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance safety processes and project delivery efficiency.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with design engineers, project managers, and other specialists to embed safety into all stages of project planning.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication to address potential risks and challenges proactively.
• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and regulatory updates within the SH&E team and across project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, pioneering spirit, and collaboration are central to its operations. For this role, embodying a strong safety-first mindset and a collaborative approach to risk management will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Navigating the diverse interests and requirements of clients, designers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensuring Compliance Across Large-Scale Projects: Maintaining consistent application of CDM regulations across extensive and geographically dispersed energy infrastructure projects.
• Adapting to Evolving Regulations: Staying abreast of changes in health and safety legislation and implementing necessary updates to processes.
• Balancing Project Demands with Safety Rigor: Effectively integrating safety management into fast-paced project timelines without compromising standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CDM Updates & Best Practices: Access to training and resources for staying current with CDM regulations and industry best practices in safety management.
• Sector-Specific Knowledge: Deepening understanding of safety challenges and solutions within the energy sector.
• Leadership Skills: Opportunities to develop leadership capabilities through managing projects and potentially mentoring junior staff.
• Professional Networking: Engaging with industry peers through AECOM's networks and potentially external forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around regulatory complexity, stakeholder management, and maintaining high safety standards in demanding project environments. Growth opportunities are strongly tied to developing specialized expertise and leadership within the SH&E domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• CDM Application: "Describe a complex pre-construction phase you managed as a Principal Designer under CDM. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance and effective coordination?" (Focus on process, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement).
• Risk Management: "How do you identify and mitigate potential safety risks in the design phase of large energy infrastructure projects? Provide an example." (Highlight methodologies and proactive approaches).
• Stakeholder Communication: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, contractors, and clients regarding health and safety during the pre-construction phase?" (Emphasize clarity, transparency, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing, and how would your approach as a Principal Designer align with this?" (Research AECOM's ESG and SH&E policies).
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative and safety-conscious culture." (Focus on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and promoting safety).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly outlining your role, responsibilities, and the specific CDM duties performed.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story that highlights challenges faced, your strategic approach, the processes you implemented, and the positive outcomes achieved (e.g., successful safety file delivery, compliance maintained).
• Metrics: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., reduction in identified risks, successful coordination milestones).
• Regulatory Focus: Explicitly link your actions and decisions back to the requirements of CDM 2015.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with specific examples, demonstrating a deep understanding of CDM regulations and a proactive, collaborative approach to safety management. Your portfolio should serve as evidence of your operational capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any accompanying cover letter to highlight specific experience in CDM Principal Design, energy projects, and regulatory compliance, using keywords from the job description.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your achievements in managing project phases, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring health and safety compliance, using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience and case studies, focusing on demonstrating your understanding of CDM 2015, project management skills, and collaborative approach. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and company culture.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors, to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their operational context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.