Principal Designer - CDM

At BakerHicks, we’ve grown rapidly in the Transmission & Distribution sector over the last 12 years, delivering projects that make a real difference to communities across the UK. As our portfolio expands, we’re excited to welcome Senior Project Managers who share our passion for collaboration, innovation, and creating a sustainable future.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive SR188 Principal Designer Representative (PDR) to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of National Grid projects across both Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and construction stages.

Acting on behalf of the Principal Designer under National Grid’s SR188 framework, you will play a key role in ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, driving high standards of health, safety, and risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

• →Act as the Principal Designer Representative (PD R) in accordance with National Grid’s SR188 requirements.
• →Support and advise clients, designers, and project teams on CDM compliance, including roles, duties, and documentation.
• →Coordinate and manage design risk management processes, ensuring hazards are identified, eliminated, or reduced through design.
• →Facilitate and lead design risk workshops, HAZID/HAZOP sessions, and design reviews.
• →Ensure production and maintenance of key CDM deliverables, including:
• →Design Risk Registers
• →Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
• →Health and Safety Files
• →Provide CDM and safety input, influencing safe-by-design principles early in the project lifecycle.
• →Support project teams through the design and construction phase, ensuring effective communication of residual risks to contractors.
• →Engage with stakeholders including National Grid, contractors, and multidisciplinary design teams.
• →Monitor and report on CDM compliance and performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• →Promote a strong health, safety, and wellbeing culture across all projects.

• Proven experience in a Principal Designer or CDM Advisor role, ideally within the utilities or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and their practical application.
• Experience working on National Grid projects and familiarity with SR188 requirements is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience across both FEED/design and construction phases.
• Ability to lead design risk management activities and influence multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Relevant degree or equivalent in engineering, construction, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership (e.g., APS, IOSH, ICE, IET) desirable.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent) desirable.

• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to safety excellence.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks. 

BakerHicks. A Morgan Sindall Group company.