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

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. 

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to lead the delivery of Safety Advisory services across both construction projects and operational environments.

This role spans the full asset lifecycle — from design and construction (CDM / Principal Designer duties) through to occupied buildings (workplace safety, compliance and assurance). You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, leading delivery, influencing stakeholders and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk across both project and operational settings.

This is a senior role requiring strong technical capability, leadership and the ability to operate across multiple service lines.

In a typical week, you may be involved in:

• 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

You will:

• 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

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in construction safety / CDM advisory, including leading PD roles
• Experience in workplace or operational health & safety (e.g. 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 & Professional 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

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. 

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. 

With us, you can. Apply today. 

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