Principal Designer / CDM Advisor

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.

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