Construction, Design & Management Lead
Job Title: Construction, Design & Management (CDM) Lead
Location: West Burton Power Station – 3 days/week on-site
Contract Length: 9 months
IR35: In Scope
Pay Rate: £400–£550/day Umbrella
Security Clearance: BPSS, eligible for SC
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced CDM Lead to provide expert guidance, governance, oversight, and assurance for all construction-related activities across a portfolio of major infrastructure, experimental facilities, prototype systems, and enabling works. This role ensures that statutory duties under CDM 2015 are met, and that Principal Designers, Designers, Principal Contractors, and Contractors operate safely, competently, and in alignment with world-class safety and quality expectations.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the organisational expert on CDM 2015 and related construction safety legislation.
* Develop, own, and maintain CDM governance frameworks, policies, procedures, standards, and guidance.
* Ensure compliance with statutory CDM Client duties including appointments, notifications, and competence checks.
* Lead development of Assurance Plans across design, pre-construction, construction, and handover phases.
* Oversee and assure appointment and performance of Principal Designers and Principal Contractors.
* Review and approve key CDM deliverables, including Pre-Construction Information, Construction Phase Plans, and Health & Safety Files.
* Support project teams with safety-by-design integration and early-phase design reviews.
* Conduct audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring, reporting performance, risks, and trends to leadership.
* Provide leadership in safety culture, mentor internal teams, and represent the organisation on industry and regulatory forums.
* Embody a leadership mindset and foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (IOSH, ICE, IStructE, APS, CIOB).
* Extensive experience applying CDM 2015 in major infrastructure, energy, industrial, nuclear, or highly complex projects.
* Proven competence as a Principal Designer Advisor / CDM Advisor or equivalent senior construction safety role.
* Strong understanding of engineering design processes, design risk management, and safety-by-design.
* Track record in Client-side assurance and governance.
* Experience in high-hazard, regulated, or safety-critical industries.
* Strong leadership and integrity-first mindset with the ability to balance regulatory compliance with programme delivery pressures.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills.
* Confident decision-maker under uncertainty or ambiguity.
Desirable Skills
* Experience in nuclear, fusion, or advanced scientific facilities.
* Understanding of mission assurance, quality systems, and integrated safety management frameworks.
* NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent high-level health and safety qualification.
* Experience working with complex supply chains and multi-disciplinary design teams