ISS Facility Services UK
Principal Designer
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Principal Designer (PD) – Permanent Position
Job Details
- Location: Birmingham (B37 7ES)
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Contract: Government
- Type: Permanent
The Role
We’re seeking an experienced Principal Designer (PD) to lead the safe, compliant delivery of major projects from inception. This is a senior, high-impact role with clear legal accountability and the opportunity to shape how complex programmes are governed and delivered.
In this position, you will act as the organisation’s trusted PD expert, overseeing health and safety during the pre-construction phase. You’ll bring together designers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure that projects are fully planned, legally sound, and ready for execution. Your responsibilities will include setting a strategic direction, managing risk, and embedding quality and efficiency across large projects, all while meeting business objectives, budget constraints, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
As Principal Designer, you will be accountable for:
- Leading, planning, managing, and coordinating all health and safety activities throughout the pre-construction phase
- Compiling, managing, and effectively communicating pre-construction information to ensure clarity and compliance with designers and contractors
- Identifying, eliminating, or controlling health and safety risks through design and strategic planning
- Providing senior leadership across multi-disciplinary, high-scale projects, including managing multiple interdependent workstreams
- Acting as the primary authority on compliance, ensuring adherence to legal frameworks, internal standards, and relevant regulations (e.g., PAS 8671)
- Defining project scope, securing appropriate resources, and managing stakeholder expectations
- Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that may impact programme delivery and success
- Delivering strategic oversight, governance, and accountability to drive successful project outcomes
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About You
This role is for a confident, credible, and experienced Principal Designer who can operate at scale and influence at a senior level.
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable Principal Designer experience with competency aligned to PAS 8671
- Proven track record of delivering large, complex projects involving multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders
- Strong understanding of construction processes, including the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Working knowledge of NEC4 contracts
- Experience managing budgets exceeding £1M
- Deep familiarity with health and safety legislation and industry best practices
- FESS Certificate (required)
- Level 3 qualification (preferred)
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, and PowerPoint
- A full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel as needed
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The Company
ISS is a global leader in workplace and facilities management, helping organisations create spaces where people thrive. We partner with businesses across sectors, including healthcare and finance, to deliver smart, sustainable solutions that elevate everyday experiences.
As a business, we are:
- Inclusive, committed to diversity and wellbeing
- A Disability Confident employer, ensuring an accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments, please contact our Resourcing Team—we’re here to support you.
Join ISS and be part of a venture that makes a positive impact. #SomethingBigger awaits.
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