Principal Consultant – Safety Advisory (Construction & Workplace Safety) - London and South East

Job Overview

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to lead the delivery of Safety Advisory services for construction projects and operational environments across the full asset lifecycle. The role spans design, construction (CDM / Principal Designer duties), and occupied buildings (workplace safety, compliance and assurance). You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk.

Typical Week

• Lead delivery of construction and workplace safety advisory services.
• Ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and wider UK health & safety legislation.
• Provide strategic and practical advice across both project and operational environments.
• Manage client relationships and project delivery to achieve commercial and quality outcomes.
• Drive consistency and improvement across safety advisory services.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Safety (CDM / Project Lifecycle)

• Lead delivery of CDM Principal Designer duties across projects and programmes.
• Take ownership of design risk management strategies, ensuring risks are eliminated or reduced through design.
• Chair and lead design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews.
• Provide authoritative advice to clients on CDM duties and compliance.
• Oversee production and quality of:
• Pre‑Construction Information (PCI)
• Risk Registers / Hazard Logs
• Health and Safety Files (HSF)

Influence design and delivery teams to drive proportionate and effective risk management.

Workplace & Operational Safety (Post‑Occupancy)

• Lead delivery of health and safety advisory services across operational estates.
• Provide strategic advice on H&S management systems, compliance and risk control.
• Oversee and undertake audits, inspections and assurance activities.
• Advise on risk assessments, safe systems of work and statutory compliance.
• Support clients in managing FM providers, contractors and operational risks.
• Drive improvements in safety culture and performance.

Client Leadership & Project Delivery

• Act as a key client contact, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Lead delivery of projects in line with scope, programme and commercial expectations.
• Support development of proposals, scopes and fee submissions.
• Identify opportunities for repeat work and service growth.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities across service lines.

Assurance, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Provide oversight and assurance across construction and operational safety activities.
• Produce and review high‑quality reports, audit findings and recommendations.
• Support development of standards, tools and best practice.
• Drive consistency in service delivery across projects and teams.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and capability development.

Leadership & Influence

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary engagement across design, construction and operational teams.
• Provide technical leadership across construction and workplace safety.
• Mentor and support junior and senior team members.
• Influence behaviours to drive improved safety outcomes and compliance.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in construction safety / CDM advisory, including leading PD roles.
• Experience in workplace or operational health & safety (audits, compliance, FM environments).
• Strong knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and wider UK H&S legislation.
• Ability to operate confidently across both project and operational environments.
• Proven experience managing client relationships and project delivery.
• Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery performance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, health & safety or related field (or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience).
• NEBOSH General or Construction Certificate (or equivalent).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (IOSH, APS or similar).
• Strong technical expertise across construction and workplace safety.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy offering the flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaboration opportunities in modern offices across the UK.
• Work‑life balance initiatives such as “WSP My Hour,” part‑time and flexible working arrangements, and the option to purchase additional leave.
• Health & wellbeing support through the Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, and comprehensive menopause support package.
• Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships.

Legal Notice

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

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