Principal Designer

Excellent opportunity for a Principal to join my clients in their West Sussex based practice as they look to expand their team with the addition of a Principal Designer to help develop their practice

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Designer with the skillset to ensure that projects meet client expectations, comply with regulations, and are delivered on time and to project budgets. My clients are seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to join their team and lead multiple projects, ensuring full compliance with CDM regulations and health & safety standards.

About the Role:
The successful Principal Designer will be responsible for managing all aspects of projects across a broad range from inception to completion. You will become the key professional for CDM compliance across the practice and play a crucial role in ensuring project success through effective leadership, teamwork, and maintaining high standards of health & safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead multiple projects and ensure they are completed in line within regulations, client expectations, time, and budget constraints.
• Manage and mentor teams to ensure projects meet quality, health & safety, and regulatory standards.
• Act as the principal designer across architectural projects, reviewing designs, identifying risks, and providing solutions.
• Ensure thorough preparation of health & safety documentation and compliance with pre-construction information.
• Develop and deliver training and design reviews as necessary.
• Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and offer thorough solutions.
• Attend project meetings, liaise with external teams, and foster strong relationships with industry contacts to generate new business.
• Provide advice and guidance on health & safety matters, including the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Support with preconstruction risk assessments, design reviews, and the collation of competence declarations.
• Continuously improve processes and ensure compliance with ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards.
• Mentor junior staff, contributing to their professional growth and learning.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in the role of Principal Designer.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD & Revit.
• Strong understanding of UK building regulations and industry standards.
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing teams and proven project success.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise with clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to critique design risk assessments and lead design teams.
• In-depth knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and further legislation.
• Commitment to health & safety and pre-construction health & safety management.
• Proven portfolio of managing projects from conception to completion.

Qualifications & Memberships:

• RIBA or APS Principal Designer
• NEBOSH Qualification or working towards
• Chartership/ Membership of IOSH or APS - Working towards
• ARB/RIBA Membership (Desirable)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in design and construction roles.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership skills with a proactive and driven approach to project management.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Creative, solution-oriented, and open to new ideas.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD).

Salary and remuneration package will be dependent on experience, likely to be in the region of 45,000 - 55,000 with a benefits package and opportunity for personal growth and career development.

If you are a Principal Designer or working towards becoming a principal designer this is an opportunity to join an established multi award winning practice to help develop and grow the business whilst implementing important legislation across the board.

Click to apply or don't hesitate to contact Jimmy Penrose at Conrad Consulting for a confidential chat!