Principal Designer

Role overview

This Bristol-based permanent opportunity is for a Principal Designer to join a respected engineering consultancy working on projects across Bristol and supporting Environment Agency work throughout the South West. The position suits someone aiming to advance their career in a multidisciplinary environment focused on nationally important infrastructure and environmental schemes.

What you will do

You will help deliver the Principal Designer function in line with the CDM Regulations 2015, working with clients, designers, and contractors to spot, control, and reduce health and safety risks during the design stage.

• Support the delivery of Principal Designer responsibilities under CDM Regulations 2015.
• Coordinate design risk management across project stages.
• Assess design information to spot and remove foreseeable construction and operational hazards.
• Assist with design risk workshops and advise project teams on CDM matters.
• Work with clients, designers, and contractors to encourage safe, compliant design outcomes.
• Prepare and review pre-construction information and health and safety documents.
• Help improve CDM practices and support continuous business-wide development.

What the employer is looking for

The ideal candidate will have roughly five years of construction-sector design experience, along with professional recognition and a solid grounding in health and safety legislation.

• About five years of relevant design experience within the construction industry.
• IEng status from a recognised professional body.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate or an equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Good working knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and how they are applied in practice.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with a commitment to safe and practical design.

Desirable background

• Experience on Environment Agency projects or within water, flood defence, or environmental infrastructure sectors.
• Progress toward Chartered status or other further professional development.

What is on offer

The role comes with a competitive salary and a full benefits package, plus the chance to work on significant projects in a supportive consultancy setting.

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile Environment Agency projects.
• Structured training, mentoring, and ongoing professional growth.
• Clear routes for career progression in a growing consultancy.
• A collaborative workplace where individual contributions are appreciated.

Additional information

Job type: full-time, permanent. Sector: engineering consultancy. Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

If you are ready to build your career while helping deliver meaningful infrastructure projects, this role offers a strong platform for development.