Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. 

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to lead the delivery of CDM and construction safety services across complex and high-value projects.

This role is suited to an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of Principal Designer (PD) duties, leading engagement with clients and design teams, and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk throughout the project lifecycle.

You will play a key role in shaping how CDM and construction safety is delivered across projects, with influence spanning RIBA Stages 2–5, and will contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service offering.

In a typical week, you may be involved in:

• Lead delivery of CDM Principal Designer duties across multiple projects
• Take ownership of design risk management strategy, ensuring risks are identified, challenged and reduced through design
• Chair and lead design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews
• Provide clear, authoritative advice to clients on their statutory duties under CDM and the Building Safety Act
• Oversee and assure quality of key CDM deliverables, including:
  • Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
  • Design Risk Registers / Hazard Logs
  • Health and Safety Files (HSF)
• Act as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act where required
• Influence design teams to drive practical and proportionate risk reduction
• Manage project delivery in line with agreed scope, programme and commercial expectations
• Support preparation of proposals, scopes and fee submissions
• Contribute to development of internal standards, tools and best practice

Leadership & Responsibility

You will be responsible for:

• Leading CDM / PD delivery on projects or programmes
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, building and maintaining trusted relationships
• Providing technical oversight and quality assurance across project outputs
• Supporting and mentoring junior and senior consultants
• Driving consistency and improvement in how services are delivered
• Identifying opportunities for repeat work and service expansion

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in a CDM / construction safety role, including leading PD appointments
• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and their practical application
• Experience undertaking or leading Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act
• Strong understanding of design processes and RIBA stages, with the ability to influence design development
• Proven ability to lead risk management discussions and challenge design decisions effectively
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and client relationships
• Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery expectations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

• Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, health & safety or related field
  (or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience)
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent) expected
• Chartered or working towards Chartered membership of IOSH, APS or IIRSM

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. 

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. 

With us, you can. Apply today. 

#LI-AH1

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.