At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety services, develop products, and ensure compliance across the business.
- Company: Ark Workplace Risk is a top provider of operational risk and safety solutions for over 500 clients.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private healthcare, pension plans, and social events with colleagues.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on creating safe work environments and enhancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have extensive fire safety knowledge, relevant qualifications, and at least 8 years in a senior role.
- Other info: This hybrid role includes occasional travel to our London office.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Ark Workplace Risk | Hybrid with site visits | All Business Expenses | Competitive Benefits and Healthcare
Ark Workplace Risk is a market leading provider of operational risk, compliance and safety solutions, and works with a prestigious and diverse range of over 500 clients.
We are a leading safety consulting company dedicated to providing comprehensive safety solutions to our clients. Our mission is to help organizations ensure a safe and secure working environment for their employees.
Role Summary
We are seeking an outstanding fire safety professional to lead our fire safety service line. This is a pivotal, high-impact role designed to enhance the technical excellence, strategic development, and commercial success of Ark’s fire safety offering.
Reporting directly into the Professional Services Director, the Head of Fire will serve as the technical authority for fire safety across the business, acting as a senior advisor to consultants, the Customer Success Team, and senior leadership. You will be responsible for the development and upkeep of fire safety products, frameworks, and templates, as well as overseeing quality assurance and professional competence within the fire team.
This role requires a candidate with deep technical fire safety knowledge, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to support both operational excellence and business growth. The Head of Fire will play a key role in supporting the tender process by providing technical input, developing robust fire safety delivery models, and helping to shape compelling proposals that align with client requirements and industry standards.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Act as Ark’s lead technical authority on fire safety matters.
- Lead the development, implementation, and upkeep of fire safety service products including:
- Fire risk assessments
- Fire strategies
- Fire management plans
- Compartmentation surveys
- Monitor legal, regulatory and best practice updates (e.g. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Safety Act 2022, Gateway 2 & 3) and advise stakeholders accordingly.
- Support the business in responding to serious fire-related incidents or enforcement actions.
- Undertake fire strategies and fire risk assessments for high-risk and complex buildings when required.
Quality & Competence
- Lead peer reviews of internal priority processes.
- Manage the competence framework and CPD schedule for fire safety consultants.
- Support the management of the QA / validation process for all fire-related reports, ensuring both quality and efficiency.
- Investigate and resolve fire-related non-conformances and systemic issues.
Client & Commercial Support
- Provide strategic and technical input into client tenders and proposals.
- Act as a senior point of contact for technical fire queries from clients and colleagues.
- Support business growth by delivering insightful thought leadership seminars/webinars.
- Build strong relationships with external bodies such as the Fire Authority, Building Safety Regulator, IFSM, IFE etc.
- Help shape the long-term growth and innovation strategy of Ark’s fire safety function.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Outsanding technical fire safety knowledge.
- Deep understanding of UK fire legislation, supporting standards and approved guidance.
- Comfortable with providing confident and calming advice in high-stakes scenarios.
- Approachable, collaborative and respected by peers and external stakeholders.
- Commercially aware with an understanding of resource allocation, fee proposals and margin protection.
- Strategic thinker capable of aligning technical delivery with business goals.
Qualifications and Experience
- Full membership with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) or IFE.
- Registered on the IFSM Tiered Register of Competent Fire Risk Assessors (Tier 3) or eligible.
- Ideally holds (or working towards) a Fire Engineering degree.
- Holds a minimum Level 5 fire safety qualification.
- Experience within consultancy or client-facing fire advisory roles is essential.
- Minimum of 8 years in a senior fire safety role, with proven experience in managing complex fire safety assessments and compliance projects.
What We Offer
- Competitive & tailored salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A collaborative and supportive work environment focused on achieving excellence in compliance, risk, and health & safety
- Working with our diverse range of clients within the built environment, including residential and commercial.
- A wide range of benefits including Private Healthcare plan, 5% matched pension plan, 4x salary life cover, 25 days holiday, and Perkpal – perks and reward program.
- Social events with your colleagues.
- Professional Membership reimbursement
This is a hybrid position where you will mainly work from home with occasional travel to our London office.
The business is committed to creating a safe and compliant environment for our clients. As our Head of Fire Safety, you will play a crucial role in delivering trusted compliance solutions and positioning Ark as a leader in fire safety.
Apply today to be part of our mission in “Creating a Better World by Delivering Trusted Compliance Solutions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Fire Safety employer: Ark Workplace Risk
Contact Detail:
Ark Workplace Risk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fire Safety
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fire safety industry. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or webinars to connect with key players and learn about the latest trends and challenges in fire safety. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals for the Head of Fire Safety position.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on UK fire legislation and best practices. Familiarise yourself with recent changes in regulations like the Building Safety Act 2022. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex fire safety assessments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or resolved issues in previous roles. This will showcase your technical leadership skills and ability to handle high-stakes scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ark Workplace Risk thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they offer. Tailoring your discussions to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success as the Head of Fire Safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fire Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in fire safety, particularly any leadership roles or consultancy work. Emphasise your technical knowledge and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for the Head of Fire Safety role. Mention your understanding of UK fire legislation and your ability to lead teams effectively. Be sure to convey your passion for creating safe working environments.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your membership with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) and any fire safety certifications. Highlight your experience in managing complex fire safety assessments and compliance projects, as these are crucial for this role.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: In your application, provide examples of how you've aligned technical delivery with business goals in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can contribute to Ark's long-term growth and innovation strategy in fire safety.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Workplace Risk
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As the Head of Fire Safety, you'll need to demonstrate your deep technical knowledge in fire safety. Be prepared to discuss specific legislation, standards, and frameworks you've worked with, and how they apply to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle high-stakes situations. Think of examples where you provided calm and confident advice during a fire-related incident or enforcement action, and be ready to share these experiences.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will be looking for your ability to align technical delivery with business goals. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles, particularly in relation to fire safety services.