Associate Director. CDM Principal Designer Services

Associate Director – CDM / Construction Safety

Location: Flexible Hybrid (North West HQ 2 days/week)
Salary: £80,000–£90,000 + £8,500 Car Allowance + Pension + Private Health + Life Insurance
Progression: Clear path to Director-level

An award-winning consultancy dedicated exclusively to the construction safety sector is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join their growing team. With a business unit turnover exceeding £3m and a strong team of  12+ CDM Principal Designers as part of the larger business, this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping the business.

The company specialises in:

• Construction Health & Safety

• CDM 2015 Principal Designer Services

• Building Regulations Principal Designer

• Related advisory services

The Role

As Associate Director, you will report directly to the Board and take full leadership of a dedicated business unit, overseeing project delivery, team performance, and client relationships. You will lead the delivery of CDM Principal Designer services across a broad and varied project portfolio—ensuring safety and compliance are embedded throughout the design and construction process.

This is a senior leadership position, requiring strategic insight, operational excellence, and a strong technical background in CDM 2015 regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Principal Designer function across all projects, ensuring full compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant legislation.

• Act as the key contact and advisor for CDM-related guidance to clients, designers, contractors, and internal teams.

• Develop and implement CDM strategies and risk management procedures throughout the project lifecycle.

• Oversee the preparation and review of Pre-Construction Information and Health and Safety Files.

• Chair design risk reviews and workshops—championing a safety-first approach throughout project development.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of CDM professionals, promoting excellence and consistency.

• Support business growth by preparing and delivering impactful sales presentations, bids, and fee proposals.  This is supported by the Bid, tech and marketing team.

• Enhance company visibility by delivering training sessions and engaging with third-party stakeholders.

• Attend and represent the business at face-to-face client and supplier meetings.

• Continuously improve the delivery and efficiency of CDM and Principal Designer services.

Experience & Background

• Proven experience as a Principal Designer under CDM 2015, ideally from a consultancy or client-side environment.

• In-depth knowledge of health & safety legislation across the construction and development sectors.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and client-facing skills.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in a relevant field such as Health & Safety, Construction, or Design (preferred).

• Chartered or Incorporated membership of a professional body such as IOSH, APS, RICS, or CIOB (preferred).

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £80,000–£90,000

• £8,500 car allowance

• Pension, Private Healthcare, Life Insurance, and additional benefits

• Flexible hybrid working model (2 days per week in North West HQ)

• A clear and supported development pathway to Director-level

This is a rare opportunity to join a respected, specialist consultancy where your leadership will shape the future of CDM and construction safety delivery across the UK.