Average Principal Designer salary in the UK

CDM Principal Designer | Leeds | Hybrid / Remote I am supporting a growing safety consultancy, established in 2025, that is expanding following the award of a large framework agreement and an increase in project volume. They are now looking to appoint a CDM Principal Designer to support ongoing and upcoming work. The consultancy works across commercial residential, hospitality, retail, leisure, and small to medium-sized residential projects, including refurbishments and extensions. They are also delivering elements of infrastructure work and are involved in multiple residential schemes, including a small number of HRBs. The business does not operate within MOD or nuclear sectors. The role This CDM Principal Designer position suits someone who prefers to be visible on projects and involved with clients and site teams. Key responsibilities include: Delivering the CDM Principal Designer role across a varied portfolio of work Advising clients and project teams on CDM 2015 compliance Supporting projects ranging from £5k to £4m, including decarbonisation schemes Working closely with repeat clients under a framework agreement Attending site and contributing as part of a small, collaborative team The role is fairly hybrid, with most projects located locally. Remote working is supported, with optional access to office space in Leeds. About you I am keen to speak with candidates from a range of backgrounds, including: An experienced CDM Principal Designer able to deliver the role independently Professionals from a building regulations background looking to move further into CDM, or vice versa Someone personable, practical, and comfortable engaging directly with clients and site teams A candidate looking for long-term stability rather than a short-term move Cultural fit and attitude are prioritised. What is on offer Salary around £50,000, depending on experience Private healthcare and pension contributions from day one 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, including three days at Christmas Paid professional memberships and training support Mileage paid at HMRC rates Fully expensed first class train travel Flexible and remote working option

Senior CDM Principal Designer | Leeds (Hybrid Working) A growing national building consultancy is seeking a Senior CDM Principal Designer to join its established and expanding team in the Leeds area. This consultancy delivers projects across commercial offices, industrial and logistics, warehouses, and high-quality fit out and refurbishment schemes. The majority of work comes from blue-chip, pension-backed clients and long-standing relationships with major estates, providing a stable and high-calibre workload. The business is widely recognised for exceptional staff retention, with many employees staying for eight years or more. Teams are trusted to select and deliver the most interesting projects, supported by directors who remain hands-on and actively involved in building surveying and project delivery. The role: As a Senior CDM Principal Designer, you will take responsibility for leading the Principal Designer role across a varied portfolio of commercial and industrial projects. Key responsibilities include: Delivering the Principal Designer role in line with CDM 2015 regulations Advising clients from pre-construction through to project completion Working closely with internal building surveying, project management, M&E, and health and safety teams Developing strong, long-term relationships with repeat clients Supporting the continued growth of the Principal Designer function within the consultancy About you: This opportunity would suit an experienced Senior CDM Principal Designer who is confident operating autonomously and engaging directly with clients. You will ideally have: Proven experience acting as Principal Designer under CDM 2015 Strong technical understanding of commercial, industrial, and refurbishment projects Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills A background in building surveying or construction consultancy, which would be advantageous What is on offer: Salary up to circa £66,000 plus car allowance Transparent bonus structure, with 20 percent paid on billed work above target Hybrid working, typically two days from home and three days office or site-based - this is negotiable Projects located close to home where possible Clear progression within a growing business with national coverage

Job Profile - Principal Designer (Building Regulations & CDM) - EJ45485Location: Stockport, CheshireSalary: Competitive, dependent on experience + Excellent Benefits Package Our client, a well-established and highly regarded Architectural Practice, is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Designer to join their Senior team, with responsibility for Building Regulations and CDM Principal Designer duties. This is a key strategic appointment within the Practice and offers the opportunity to play a leading role in discharging statutory Principal Designer duties under both CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act, with scope to progress to Associate or Director level. The successful candidate will initially work within the existing Principal Designer team, providing support and guidance across live projects, before progressing into a lead role responsible for managing, developing and embedding Principal Designer processes throughout the Practice. Principal Designer Position Overview Act as Principal Designer (CDM) and Principal Designer (Building Regulations) in accordance with statutory requirementsSupport and advise project teams on health and safety matters from project inception through to completion and occupationEnsure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and Secondary Legislation 2023, including Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and the Gateway processProvide leadership and guidance to staff involved in the day-to-day delivery of projectsReview and influence emerging design work to ensure risks are identified, managed and mitigatedMaintain and develop systems, protocols and quality assurance records across projectsMonitor and record health and safety actions as projects progress through all RIBA stagesArrange and manage ongoing CPD relating to health and safety, CDM and Building RegulationsLiaise with clients, consultants, contractors and statutory bodiesAttend project meetings and undertake regular site visitsContribute to the strategic development of the Principal Designer role within the PracticeProvide Principal Designer services on projects where the Practice is not acting as lead designer Principal Designer Position Requirements Proven experience within a Design, Project Management, Building Control, Clerk of Works or Health & Safety role in the construction industryDemonstrable experience implementing the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated secondary legislationStrong working knowledge of Building Regulations and CDM dutiesExperience working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and the Gateway process is highly desirableStrong interest in health and safety, compliance and risk managementAbility to influence and challenge design teams and wider project stakeholdersHigh ethical standards and a strong commitment to regulatory complianceBackgrounds in Building Control, Clerk of Works, Project Management or Architectural/Design-led roles are particularly encouraged Principal Designer Position Remuneration Competitive salary: £45,000 - £50,000; Dependent On ExperienceFlexible working hours (full-time role with flexibility considered)Hybrid working optionsClear pathway for progression to Associate / Director levelSupport for ongoing professional development and CPDInvolvement in a wide range of building types and project scalesSupportive and collaborative working environment Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.