Principal Designer - Building Safety Act in Portsmouth

Job description

Principal Designer – Building Safety Act 2022 (PAS 8671:2022)

Freelance Contract (3–6 Months, Likely Extension or Permanent Opportunity)

Portsmouth | Hybrid Working Available

£400–£450 per day (open to discussion depending on experience)

Are you an experienced design professional with strong knowledge of the Building Safety Act and PAS 8671:2022?

This newly created role offers a fantastic opportunity to play a key part in shaping safe, compliant, and high-performing building design processes within a growing multidisciplinary consultancy.

We’re looking for a Principal Designer (Building Safety Act 2022) to take the lead in coordinating and overseeing design work across a range of projects — ensuring full compliance with Building Regulations and acting as a key statutory duty holder alongside the Principal Contractor.

While this position will begin on a freelance basis (3–6 months), there is a strong likelihood of extension and genuine potential to discuss a permanent role should the successful candidate wish to explore this further.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and coordinate the design process across all disciplines to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations (Schedule 1 and Regulation 7).
• Ensure that, if constructed, the building design meets all relevant regulatory and safety requirements.
• Oversee design safety, material standards, fire safety, and overall performance compliance.
• Liaise with the Principal Contractor to ensure alignment across design and construction phases.
• Implement and manage mandatory occurrence reporting for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
• Maintain robust documentation, tracking design decisions, compliance checks, and coordination activity.
• Provide a compliance declaration within five days of project completion.
• If succeeding a previous Principal Designer, review prior arrangements and escalate any concerns to the client.

What We’re Looking For:

• Excellent knowledge of Building Regulations, design compliance, and the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Demonstrable competence aligned to PAS 8671:2022.
• Proven experience managing design safety, risk, and regulatory processes on complex or high-risk projects.
• Technical background in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, or Building Design within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Confident in stakeholder management and able to influence and lead diverse design teams.
• Awareness of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and associated regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications & Competence:

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (RIBA, ICE, CIAT, or equivalent) preferred.
• Familiarity with CDM 2015 and the ability to operate in a dual role if required.
• Experience with Gateway processes and engagement with the Building Safety Regulator highly desirable.

Why Join:

• Opportunity to shape and define a newly created role at the forefront of Building Safety Act compliance.
• Hybrid working available, with the role primarily based from the Portsmouth office.
• Collaborative, professional team culture with support from experienced technical leads.
• Competitive day rate with scope for negotiation based on experience.
• Strong potential for long-term extension or transition to a permanent post.

If you’re a competent and forward-thinking design professional with a solid understanding of the Building Safety Act and a passion for compliance and safety, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to discuss this opportunity in confidence.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Portsmouth

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

11-11-2025

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English