Fire Resistance - Senior Project Leader in Watford

Fire safety is critical to the performance and resilience of the built environment. At BRE, our fire protection teams play a leading role in testing and certifying products that help protect people, buildings, and infrastructure. As demand for fire resistance and large-scale testing continues to grow, we are looking for a Senior Project Leader to join our Fire Protection team at our site in Watford. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of complex fire testing projects from enquiry through to final report, working closely with clients and technical teams to deliver high-quality, standards-compliant testing. The role sits at the centre of our expanding fire resistance and large-scale testing services, supporting innovation, collaboration, and excellence in fire safety assurance.

Work Location Options
On‑Site – This role requires full‑time presence at our Watford office. You must live within a commutable distance.

Yearly Salary
£42,000 - £45,000

Your role at BRE
The Senior Project Leader oversees the delivery of fire resistance and large‑scale fire testing projects within BRE’s Fire Protection team, ensuring testing activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with relevant standards.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Manage fire testing projects from initial enquiry through to delivery of final test reports
• Ensure testing programmes are delivered in line with relevant BS and EN standards, quality requirements, and laboratory procedures
• Maintain ownership of client relationships throughout the lifecycle of testing projects
• Contribute to the preparation of technical quotations and support responses to client enquiries
• Coordinate testing activities within the laboratory to ensure efficient project delivery
• Provide technical input to improve testing processes and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the development and capability of the wider team through coaching and knowledge sharing
• Represent the Fire Protection team at relevant external forums and industry engagements
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards within laboratory operations

What we are looking for

• Significant experience working at a senior technical level within fire resistance or large‑scale fire testing environments
• Strong project management experience, with the ability to oversee multiple testing projects from enquiry through to report delivery
• Proven experience producing high‑quality technical reports
• Solid understanding of relevant fire testing standards and laboratory processes
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and its application within testing laboratories
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements within a laboratory or testing environment
• Ability to prioritise and coordinate work across multiple projects within a fast‑paced operational environment
• Experience contributing technical expertise to improve processes and operational efficiency
• Strong client liaison capability, supporting enquiries, quotations, and ongoing project communication
• Experience supporting or mentoring team members within a technical testing environment
• Engineering or scientific background, ideally within structural, mechanical, materials, or fire engineering disciplines (desirable)
• Degree qualification in engineering or a scientific discipline, or equivalent practical experience (desirable)
• Commercial awareness and understanding of testing services within a certification or assurance environment
• Commitment to maintaining the technical integrity and reputation of fire testing services delivered by BRE

BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well‑being, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer‑matched contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at‑cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
• Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.