At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire engineering projects and shape business strategies while mentoring future engineers.
- Company: Join a dynamic, award-winning consultancy focused on quality and team growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment where your voice matters.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in fire engineering with strong leadership and client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are pleased to invite technical professionals with outstanding abilities in Fire Engineering to join our growing fire team!
ABOUT THIS ROLE
There's a reason senior fire engineers often feel stuck at larger consultancies.
You get a title.
You might even get a team.
But the strategic conversations happen without you, and the decisions that shape how work gets done come from layers above.
You end up delivering good work inside a box you didn't choose.
We are looking for someone who does not want that box.
As Associate Director you will not just lead projects, you will lead the business side of them too.
You will help set strategy, weigh in on who we hire and how we develop people, and shape the kind of work we take on.
You will sit alongside the Directors because your judgement is part of how we make decisions.
Come from a larger firm where the strategic conversations always happened a floor above you?
CDC may be what you are looking for.
Want your experience to actually shape where a practice goes?
Same answer.
ABOUT CDC
Cahill Design Consultants is a privately owned, multidisciplinary engineering consultancy based in Colchester, delivering fire engineering, acoustic design and facade engineering services for over 12 years.
We are 15 people and we have been deliberate about that.
We are not beholden to external investors and we are not chasing growth for its own sake.
The focus is on quality work and building a team that can sustain it.
We were named Best Place to Work at the 2023 CN Workforce Awards, which means more to us at this size than it would at a much larger firm.
We have held Flexa Careers accreditation for three consecutive years, with an 88% employee-led score.
We are ISO 9001:2015 registered and in 2025 donated 1% of turnover to charity, with 118 hours of team volunteering.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The role splits across three broad areas: technical leadership, business development and commercial thinking, and the organisation itself.
- Direct complex fire engineering projects from strategy through delivery, setting the approach and quality bar for multidisciplinary teams.
- Own significant client relationships and represent CDC in high-stakes settings where fire safety knowledge and judgement drive the decisions.
- Mentor fire engineers at all levels and genuinely influence how they grow, from early career through to senior.
- Contribute to bids and proposals, identify new work and client opportunities, and flag commercial risks on projects early.
- Work with the Directors on pricing, resourcing, and how we position the firm.
- Lead recruitment and team planning, and help shape how we approach quality assurance.
- Help shape CDC's standards, processes and culture, with a real voice in what kind of place CDC becomes.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Requirements are split into Essential and Desirable.
Apply if you meet the essential criteria, even if some desirable criteria are not yet there.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
ESSENTIAL
- Significant fire engineering consultancy experience, typically 12 or more years post-graduate, though we are interested in the depth of it as much as the count.
- A strong track record leading complex fire engineering projects and teams.
- Depth of knowledge across building safety regulations and both performance-based and prescriptive approaches.
- Experience winning and holding client relationships over time.
- Ability to mentor and develop engineers at different stages of their careers.
- Commercial awareness: you understand project economics, resourcing decisions, and why bids win or fail.
- Chartered Engineer status, or genuinely close to it.
- Able to work two days per week in Colchester.
BENEFITS
- PAY & PENSION
- 5% enhanced employer pension.
- 4× salary life assurance.
- 70% income protection.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- LEAVE
- 25 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
- Christmas shutdown on top.
- Buy up to 15 extra days.
- Maximum 39 days per year.
- TOIL / paid overtime available.
- HEALTH
- £65 per month health and wellbeing allowance.
- my Strength mental health app.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from day one.
- Covers partner and children.
- FAMILY
- 14 weeks' full pay for the birth parent.
- 10 weeks' half pay plus 15 weeks' Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
- 6 weeks' full pay for all other parents.
- Adoptive and intended parents included.
- DEVELOPMENT
- Funded CPD plus annual training day.
- Chartership support and coaching.
- HOW WE WORK
- 2 days per week in Colchester.
- Hybrid working is the default, not the exception.
- PRACTICAL
- Cycle to Work scheme (up to £1,000).
- Tech scheme (up to £1,000).
- Give As You Earn.
- ISO 9001 quality registered.
- WELLBEING +
- Legal and financial helpline.
- Nutrition and fitness plans.
- Second medical opinion service.
- Long service leave from year 5.
- Career break / sabbatical supported.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Engineering and construction have a gender problem.
That is not a secret.
We are aware of it and we have made deliberate choices about how we hire, how we pay, and how we support people at different stages of their careers and lives.
Our enhanced parental leave policy applies equally regardless of gender or family structure, because we think that is the right thing to do, and because it is one practical way to push back against the imbalance that tends to hit hardest at the point of parenthood.
If you need any adjustments at any stage of this process, please just ask. We would rather adapt than lose a good person to an avoidable barrier.
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Associate Director – Fire Engineering in Colchester employer: CDC Limited
Cahill Design Consultants is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for professionals in Fire Engineering to lead not just projects but also the strategic direction of the business. With a strong focus on quality work and employee development, our Colchester-based team enjoys a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including generous leave and health allowances, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recognised as the Best Place to Work at the 2023 CN Workforce Awards, we prioritise meaningful contributions and personal growth, making CDC an ideal choice for those seeking a rewarding career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Fire Engineering in Colchester
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like CDC Limited and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at CDC Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Fire Engineering in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at CDC Limited will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join CDC Limited specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDC Limited
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with CDC Limited. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
