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Job Title: Freelance Principal Designer / CDM Advisor
Sector Focus: New Build Housing & Apartments
Minimum 2 days per week (with flexibility)
We are seeking an experienced Principal Designer / CDM Advisor to join the team at a SME QS and Construction Consultancy on a freelance basis, supporting projects primarily in the new-build housing and apartment sector. This role offers flexibility (minimum 2 days per week) and the opportunity to work closely with clients and design teams to ensure compliance with CDM 2015, embedding a proactive safety culture from project concept to completion.
The Role
- Act as the designated Principal Designer in accordance with CDM 2015, advising clients, designers, and contractors on compliance and safety matters.
- Engage with clients early to:
- Assist them in fulfilling their CDM duties.
- Provide advice on the appointment of competent designers and contractors.
- Develop and coordinate pre-construction information for distribution to the project team.
- Lead and participate in design review meetings, ensuring health and safety is considered at every design stage.
- Carry out initial site appraisals for new-build housing and apartment developments to identify hazards and constraints.
- Oversee preparation and completion of the Health & Safety File for handover.
- Provide ongoing advisory support via email/phone (typically within 24 hours).
- Conduct site inspections to review compliance with CDM duties.
- Support the team in identifying and managing design risks specific to residential schemes.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, promoting Browns Consultancy's expertise in housing and apartment safety compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrable experience as a Principal Designer or CDM Advisor in the new-build housing/apartment sector.
- Membership of the Association for Project Safety (CMaPS or IMaPS).
- Recognised health and safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of CDM 2015 and its application to residential projects.
- Proven track record of stakeholder engagement across multiple concurrent projects.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage workloads independently.
- Full UK driving licence (for site visits).
About you
- Experience working across different residential development scales, from small housing schemes to large apartment complexes.
- Strong technical report writing and risk assessment skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external teams.
Calibre Search promotes equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
We act as both an employment agency and an employment business.
