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Principal CDM Manager / Principal Designer

Systra

Systra

Design
London, UK
Posted on Mar 30, 2026

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Context

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Principal CDM Manager / Principal Designer (CDM) to join our growing engineering team. This position within our System Safety team will suit a committed, experienced and ambitious CDM professional who can demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal and co-ordination skills combined with commercial awareness and the ability to play their part in growing a dynamic high-performance team.

With a focus on the M&E design of High Speed rail infrastructure within the UK, the post-holder will be part of a growing team of UK engineers delivering projects for a diverse portfolio of UK clients.

Missions/Main Duties

Working in collaboration with our designers and contract partners, the Senior CDM Manager / Principal Designer will be involved in a variety of tasks such as:

  • Overseeing and supporting the Design Team adherence to the relevant ‘health by design’ and ‘safe by design’ procedures (Designing for Health and Safety Procedure)
  • Responsible for management of CDM duties for the scope of works of the Lead Designer (Where required).
  • Reporting to and representing Senior Leadership Team;
  • Advising design teams on matters of safety and assisting in review of designs.
  • Carryout oversight of Project CDM assurance to ensure that the requirements of CDM are complied with –including Management of CDM Hazards, mitigations, and where required drawings
  • Work with Principal Designer to assist in ensuring PD Duties are met,
  • Ensure Design Risk Management process has been carried out correctly and to the levels expected by the SLT
  • Provide CDM, Safe By Design guidance where required to SLT
  • Actively challenge designer and contractors to demonstrate adherence to both CDM and associated Regulations and General Principles of Prevention
  • Provide training and competence assessment where appropriate
  • Provide assurance of LDO activities
  • Co-Ordinate activities (and where appropriate assurance) of Programme CDM deliverables
  • Challenge project and design to demonstrate that designs and process have reduced hazards and risks so far as is reasonably practicable; not just complied with standards.
  • Attend design reviews, meetings and workshops where required to assure process and objectives
  • Work with the project, supply chain and Client to promote innovative, collaborative and efficient working
  • Ensure designs are produced with due diligence made to constructability, sustainability and regulatory requirements
  • Work with Programme to assure DRM and Materials Selection process through audit, inspection on a planned and unplanned basis
  • Attend Client office in London up to 3 days a week

An important part of the role will include working with the resources across the project – from local resources to others based at other design Technical Centres.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed below, the job holder may be required to perform other

duties assigned by their line manager from time to time.

Profile/Skills

Safety

SYSTRA Ltd and its employees subscribe to the six key Industry Safety Rules.

Commitment (Safety is the first consideration in everything we do, if it isn't safe, we don't do it)

Leadership (Safety begins at the top - we walk the talk and set a visible example)

Openness (Safety is openness - information is shared and investigation conclusions are open to all parties)

Reporting (Safety is knowledge - we report every incident and take immediate remedial action)

The post holder is responsible for:

  • Their own safety and the safety of all employees and contractors;
  • Be a role model for safety through strict compliance with safety requirements

..