Principal Designer - Health & Safety at Turner & Townsend

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Designer - Health & Safety Company: Turner & Townsend Location: Stevenage, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: Health & Safety Operations / Design Management Date Posted: August 15, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive and implement comprehensive health and safety strategies throughout the design and construction lifecycle, aligning with UK CDM 2015 regulations.
Proactively manage client needs and project challenges by identifying and delivering effective health and safety solutions.
Oversee critical design and safety documentation, including Design Risk Registers and Health and Safety Files, ensuring compliance and best practice.
Foster strong stakeholder engagement and provide expert advice on supplier competency and pre-construction information readiness.
Act as a key advisor to clients and principal contractors, ensuring a robust health and safety culture from inception through to project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal Designer, indicating a senior-level responsibility for strategic oversight and leadership in health and safety design, particularly within the context of UK construction regulations like CDM 2015. The emphasis on client needs and stakeholder engagement suggests a strong advisory and client-facing component, typical of senior operations or project management roles within professional services firms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Ensure clients are fully aware of and compliant with their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
Review existing health and safety information for projects, advising on any additional surveys or assessments required to establish a comprehensive pre-construction information baseline.
Engage effectively with all relevant stakeholders, including clients, design teams, principal contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure integrated health and safety management.
Oversee the meticulous creation and maintenance of the Design Risk Register, identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential health and safety hazards throughout the design process.
Assist the client in identifying and compiling all necessary project pre-construction information, ensuring it is accurate, complete, and fit for purpose.
Manage the compilation and delivery of the pre-construction information pack to all relevant parties.
Provide expert assurance and advice on the appointment of suppliers and contractors, verifying their competency and suitability for their respective roles in relation to health and safety.
Supply the Principal Contractor with all essential health and safety information to inform their planning and execution of construction works.
Liaise proactively and consistently with the Principal Contractor throughout the entire construction phase, providing ongoing guidance and oversight.
Compile and deliver the final Health and Safety File, documenting all relevant information for the safe management, maintenance, and future use of the constructed asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a proactive and comprehensive approach to health and safety management within the design and construction phases. The emphasis on regulatory compliance (CDM 2015), risk management, stakeholder liaison, and documentation (Design Risk Register, H&S File) points to a role that requires strong process orientation and a deep understanding of construction project lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
NVQ Level 6 in Health & Safety
NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety
NEBOSH Fire Certificate

Experience:

Extensive years of experience (10+ years suggested by AI analysis) working on similar projects and programmes, with a proven track record in health and safety design management.
Demonstrated experience in applying the principles of Design Risk Management effectively.
Proven ability to implement the Hierarchy of Controls to proposed designs across various project typologies.
Significant experience in managing the health and safety risks associated with the pre-construction and design stages of projects.

Required Skills:

CDM 2015 Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Health & Safety Design: Proficient in integrating health and safety considerations into the design process from concept to completion.
Risk Management: Strong capabilities in identifying, assessing, and mitigating health and safety risks, including proficiency in creating and managing Design Risk Registers.
Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
Documentation Management: Meticulous attention to detail in compiling and managing critical health and safety documentation (e.g., Pre-construction Information, Health and Safety Files).
Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of UK health and safety legislation relevant to construction projects.

Preferred Skills:

Professional Membership: Technical Member, Certified Member, or Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Principal Designer Accreditation: APS Principal Designer qualification or equivalent.
Project Management Acumen: Understanding of project management principles to effectively integrate H&S duties within broader project delivery.
Survey Analysis: Ability to review and interpret existing H&S information and advise on necessary survey requirements.
Competency Assurance: Experience in assessing the health and safety competency of suppliers and contractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications listed are highly specific to health and safety roles in the UK construction sector. The AI's inference of "10+ years" experience is a reasonable assumption for a "Principal" level role, especially given the "Extensive years + experience" requirement. The emphasis on IOSH membership and APS accreditation suggests a desire for chartered or equivalent professional status, reflecting the senior and expert nature of the position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrable examples of successfully managing health and safety throughout the design lifecycle of complex projects.
Case studies showcasing the implementation of Design Risk Management strategies and the application of the Hierarchy of Controls.
Evidence of creating and maintaining comprehensive Design Risk Registers and Health and Safety Files.
Documentation illustrating effective stakeholder engagement and communication strategies related to health and safety.
Examples of how you have advised clients on pre-construction information and contractor competency.

Process Documentation:

Workflows demonstrating your approach to reviewing existing H&S information and identifying additional survey needs.
Methodologies for compiling and assuring the quality of Pre-construction Information packs.
Processes for liaising with Principal Contractors during the construction phase, including reporting and issue resolution.
Examples of your process for compiling and delivering accurate and comprehensive Health and Safety Files.
Documentation outlining your approach to assessing and assuring the health and safety competency of suppliers and contractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Designer role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge. The requirements focus on showcasing end-to-end process management, regulatory adherence, and risk mitigation, all critical for a senior H&S professional. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests a need to illustrate systematic approaches rather than just outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Principal" title, extensive experience required (10+ years), specific high-level qualifications (NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH Chartered), and the location in the UK (Stevenage, England), a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Principal Health & Safety Designers or Senior CDM Consultants in the UK, the estimated salary range would be between £60,000 and £85,000 per annum.

Benefits:

Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous professional development, including further training, certifications, and conference attendance relevant to health and safety and design management.
Pension Scheme: A contributory pension scheme, typical of professional services firms in the UK.
Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, potentially including private medical insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.
Work-Life Balance: A commitment to promoting a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance, as stated in the additional information.
Employee Assistance Program: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
Potential for Bonuses: Performance-related bonus opportunities may be available.
Generous Annual Leave: A competitive annual leave allowance, typically starting above statutory minimums for senior roles.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be around 37.5 to 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role in the UK professional services sector. The company emphasizes a flexible working environment, which may offer some flexibility in start and end times, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on UK market data for senior H&S professionals in consultancy roles, considering the specific location and employer profile. The benefits are inferred from standard offerings by large, global professional services firms like Turner & Townsend, with a specific mention of work-life balance in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Energy, Natural Resources) Company Size: Over 22,000 people globally, indicating a large, established international firm. This size suggests robust internal processes, extensive resources, and a structured career path, but also potentially a more corporate environment. Founded: Turner & Townsend has a long history, providing a stable and experienced foundation. While the exact founding year isn't provided, their global presence and partnership with CBRE (a major player in commercial real estate) highlight their established position and scale.

Team Structure:

As a Principal Designer, you would likely be part of a dedicated Health & Safety or Design Management team within Turner & Townsend's project management or consultancy service lines.
The team structure would involve reporting to a senior leader (e.g., Head of H&S, Director of Design Management) and potentially managing or mentoring junior H&S professionals or designers.
Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of a consultancy like Turner & Townsend. You would work closely with project managers, cost consultants, engineers, architects, and client representatives across diverse projects.

Methodology:

Turner & Townsend emphasizes delivering outcomes that improve people's lives by transforming challenges into opportunities. This suggests a client-centric, solutions-oriented approach.
Their capabilities span program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, net zero, and digital solutions, indicating a broad service offering where integrated approaches are valued.
The partnership with CBRE suggests a strong focus on data-driven insights and leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Turner & Townsend as a global leader in professional services for the built environment. The role of a Principal Designer fits within a multidisciplinary service offering, requiring collaboration across various specialisms. The company's scale and partnership with CBRE imply a focus on professional standards, client service, and potentially leveraging technology and data analytics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Designer. This is a senior, expert-level position, signifying leadership in health and safety design management. It implies responsibility for strategic direction, complex problem-solving, and potentially client relationship management at a senior level.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer would likely report to a senior manager within the relevant service line (e.g., Head of Health & Safety, Director of Project Management, or a Regional Director). They would also be expected to liaise closely with project directors, project managers, and key client contacts on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and critical impact on operational safety, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance for projects. Effective health and safety design management is fundamental to successful project delivery, preventing accidents, minimizing delays, controlling costs associated with incidents, and ensuring the long-term safety and usability of assets. This role significantly contributes to Turner & Townsend's reputation for delivering safe and high-quality projects.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Progression: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles such as Head of Health & Safety, Director of Risk Management, or a senior project director with a strong H&S focus.
Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of health and safety design, such as fire safety, structural integrity, or sustainability-related safety aspects.
Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced client management skills, potentially leading to roles focused on business development or strategic client accounts.
Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of internal H&S training programs.
Broader Project Management: Transition into broader project or program management roles, leveraging the strong understanding of project lifecycle and risk management gained in this position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title clearly indicates a senior role with significant responsibility and impact. The growth opportunities are typical for a senior professional in a large consultancy, focusing on both increased responsibility within their specialization and potential diversification into broader management or client-facing roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Stevenage, England, indicating a physical office presence. Turner & Townsend, as a professional services firm, typically offers modern office environments designed to facilitate collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Stevenage, England. This location is likely to be a hub for their operations in the region, providing access to local talent and project opportunities. Specific details regarding the office amenities or accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative: The office environment will likely foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and project team areas.
Resource-Rich: Expect access to standard office technologies, IT support, and potentially specialized software for design and risk management.
Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse range of professionals across different disciplines within Turner & Townsend, promoting knowledge sharing and professional networking.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an emphasis on a healthy work-life balance. While core office hours will apply, the company's commitment to flexibility may allow for some adaptation of working patterns, subject to project needs and team requirements. This flexibility is crucial for professionals who need to balance site visits, client meetings, and office-based work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work arrangement in Stevenage suggests a traditional office-based role, common in the consultancy sector. The "work-life balance" mention implies a supportive employer culture, which is a key consideration for professionals seeking long-term employment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (likely a senior H&S or project lead) to delve deeper into experience, technical skills, and understanding of H&S regulations.
Technical/Case Study Assessment: A potential technical assessment or case study focusing on a health and safety design challenge, requiring the candidate to present their approach, risk mitigation strategies, and documentation. This is where portfolio evidence would be critical.
Panel Interview / Senior Stakeholder Interview: An interview with a panel of senior colleagues or a director to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company culture.
Final Offer: Following successful interviews and checks, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure Your Portfolio Logically: Organize your portfolio by project type, responsibility, or by the key requirements of the Principal Designer role (e.g., CDM 2015 compliance, Design Risk Management, H&S File compilation).
Highlight Key Deliverables: Showcase examples of Design Risk Registers, Pre-construction Information packs, and Health and Safety Files. Detail the specific processes you followed in their creation and management.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design-related safety incidents by X% through proactive risk mitigation," or "Ensured 100% compliance with CDM 2015 requirements on projects valued at over £Y million."
Demonstrate Process Excellence: Clearly articulate your methodologies for stakeholder engagement, competency assurance, and managing H&S risks throughout the project lifecycle. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.
Tailor to Turner & Townsend: Research Turner & Townsend's projects and values. If possible, include examples that align with their work in real estate, infrastructure, or energy.
Prepare a Presentation: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the outcomes achieved, with a specific focus on health and safety design.

Challenge Preparation:

CDM 2015 Scenarios: Prepare for scenarios involving complex design issues under CDM 2015, such as managing interfaces between different contractors, dealing with historical building constraints, or advising on contractor competency for high-risk activities.
Risk Assessment Methodologies: Be ready to discuss your approach to risk assessment, including specific techniques like HAZOP, FMEA, or qualitative/quantitative risk analysis, and how you apply the Hierarchy of Controls.
Client Communication: Practice how you would communicate complex health and safety information and recommendations to non-technical clients, focusing on clarity, impact, and actionable advice.
Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare for questions on how you would manage disagreements or conflicts with stakeholders regarding health and safety matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process described is standard for senior professional roles. The portfolio review tips are tailored to the specific needs of a Principal Designer, emphasizing the critical documentation and process-oriented aspects of the role. The challenge preparation focuses on the core technical and regulatory knowledge expected.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design Software Familiarity: While not a drafting role, understanding common design software suites (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360) is beneficial for interpreting designs and identifying risks within them.
Risk Management Software: Proficiency with specialized Health & Safety management software or platforms used for creating and managing Design Risk Registers, incident reporting, and compliance tracking.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Smartsheet) to understand project timelines and integration points for H&S activities.

Analytics & Reporting:

Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze safety data, incident trends, and performance metrics using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting).
Reporting Platforms: Experience in generating comprehensive H&S reports for clients and internal management, potentially using Business Intelligence tools for dashboard creation if the company employs them.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems: While not directly sales-focused, understanding CRM principles for managing client relationships and project data is helpful.
Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using digital document management systems for storing, versioning, and sharing project documentation, including H&S files.
Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for seamless communication and document sharing among project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed reflect the operational needs of a senior H&S professional in a consultancy environment. The emphasis is on managing information, analyzing data, and facilitating communication, rather than direct use of design software for creation. Proficiency in document management and collaboration tools is key for effective project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Safety First: A paramount commitment to health and safety, embedded in all decision-making and operational processes.
Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions.
Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering tailored, high-quality solutions.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively across teams and with clients to achieve shared goals.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging proactive problem-solving, embracing new ideas, and seeking opportunities to enhance processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out and engaging with project teams, clients, and contractors to ensure H&S is integrated from the outset.
Constructive Feedback: Providing clear, actionable, and constructive feedback on designs and safety practices.
Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned with colleagues and project teams.
Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating H&S considerations into the broader project management framework, working closely with project managers, commercial teams, and technical specialists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values listed are typical for a professional services firm that prioritizes client delivery and ethical conduct. The emphasis on "Safety First" is critical for this specific role, and the collaborative style reflects the multidisciplinary nature of construction projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique H&S requirements and timelines, while maintaining high standards.
Influencing Stakeholders: Persuading stakeholders who may prioritize cost or schedule over H&S considerations, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills.
Evolving Regulations: Staying abreast of changes in health and safety legislation and best practices and integrating them into project delivery.
Managing Diverse Risks: Addressing a wide spectrum of potential hazards across various project types, from traditional construction to infrastructure and energy sectors.
Remote/Site Coordination: Effectively overseeing H&S on sites that may be geographically dispersed or have limited connectivity, requiring robust remote management strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced H&S Certifications: Pursuing further specialized certifications in areas like fire safety engineering, occupational hygiene, or complex risk management.
Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending leading industry events to stay updated on best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship programs to develop leadership and coaching skills.
Project Diversity: Gaining exposure to a wide array of project types and complexities, broadening expertise across different sectors.
Leadership Training: Accessing leadership development programs offered by Turner & Townsend to enhance management and strategic planning capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of a senior H&S role in a consultancy. The learning opportunities are geared towards continuous professional growth and specialization, aligning with career progression in the field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex design risk you encountered on a project and how you managed it from a Principal Designer perspective. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, risk mitigation, and impact).
"How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 when working with clients who may have limited understanding of their duties?" (Focus on client education, stakeholder management, and communication strategy).
"Walk me through your process for creating a Design Risk Register and a Health and Safety File. What are the critical elements you ensure are included?" (Focus on documentation, detail orientation, and understanding of key deliverables).
"How do you assess the health and safety competency of contractors and suppliers? What criteria do you use?" (Focus on assurance processes and risk-based decision-making).
"How do you handle disagreements with a Principal Contractor or client regarding health and safety matters on site?" (Focus on conflict resolution, negotiation, and maintaining safety standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What do you know about Turner & Townsend and our work in the industry?" (Research their website, recent projects, and company values).
"How do you see your role contributing to our company's mission of 'transforming together'?" (Connect your H&S expertise to client outcomes and project success).
"Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams." (Highlight your teamwork, communication skills, and ability to integrate into different project structures).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

The STAR Method: For each project presented, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your narrative. Clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable results achieved.
Focus on Process and Impact: When discussing your portfolio pieces (e.g., DRRs, H&S Files), emphasize how you created them, the processes you followed, and the impact they had on project safety and compliance.
Visual Aids: Use visual aids sparingly but effectively. If presenting digital copies of documents, be prepared to guide the interviewer through them, highlighting key sections.
Conciseness: Be concise and to the point, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your experience that align with the Principal Designer role. Aim for 3 key projects, each taking 5-7 minutes to present.
Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your portfolio items and be prepared to elaborate on specific details, challenges, or decisions made.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, problem-solving skills, and experience with core H&S design management processes. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes clarity, impact, and alignment with the role's requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Designer - Health & Safety position:

Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
Portfolio Customization: Before applying, review your professional portfolio. Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that clearly demonstrate your experience in managing health and safety design, particularly under CDM 2015. Prepare to articulate your process, the challenges you overcame, and the positive outcomes achieved for each.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords found in the job description, such as "CDM 2015," "Principal Designer," "Design Risk Management," "Health and Safety File," "Stakeholder Engagement," and your specific qualifications (NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH). Quantify your achievements with data wherever possible.
Interview Preparation: Familiarize yourself with Turner & Townsend's company profile, recent projects, and their commitment to health and safety. Practice answering behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method, and prepare a concise overview of your most impactful projects for potential portfolio discussion.
Company Research: Understand Turner & Townsend's position in the market, their service offerings, and their company culture. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and values align with theirs, particularly their focus on "transforming together" and delivering outcomes that improve people's lives.

⚠️ 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.

Principal Designer - Health & Safety