At a Glance
- Tasks: Service and maintain fire alarm systems while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join CDS, a respected leader in fire safety and security solutions.
- Benefits: Earn up to £42,000 plus overtime, travel pay, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with fire alarm systems and a customer-first mindset required.
CDS Fire Alarm Service Engineer – North Area: Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham
Salary: up to £42000 DOE plus overtime, call out and company benefits
About CDS
For more than 30 years, CDS has been one of the UK’s most respected providers of fire detection, life safety, and security systems. Our mission is simple: to protect you, your people, and your business. We support a wide range of environments—from business parks to leisure centres, nurseries to secondary schools, and from country estates to large housing portfolios, combining national capability with a local, responsive approach, we deliver trusted, high-quality compliance solutions wherever they’re needed.
CDS is proudly part of Obsequio Group; Our businesses all deliver expert safety and compliance services across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients, solving complex compliance challenges for operators, developers, estates teams and within facilities management.
About the Role
- Produce best-in-class engineer reports and job documentation on the day (test results, findings, actions taken, compliance notes, and further works)
- Work in line with relevant British Standards, site requirements, RAMS, and CDS procedures—maintaining high safety and quality standards
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers on site—explaining faults, actions and next steps
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned servicing and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems across a diverse customer base
- Attend reactive callouts, fault-find efficiently, and complete repairs or make-safe actions with clear follow-on recommendations
- Maintain control of tools, test equipment, van stock and paperwork, supporting right-first-time completion and smooth job close-out
- Participate in the call-out rota where required
Essential Requirements
- Strong, proven experience servicing and fault-finding on a range of fire alarm systems, with the confidence to work independently in live environments
- Demonstrable experience on leading panels/devices (e.g., GENT, Notifier, Advanced or equivalent), with the ability to diagnose root cause and verify performance
- A disciplined approach to testing, compliance and documentation—reports that are accurate, clear and audit-ready
- A professional, customer-first mindset—reliable, calm under pressure, and a strong representative of CDS on site
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Base salary up to £42000 DOE, with overtime and call out payments
- Overtime rates: 1.5x standard, 2x Sundays, plus call out pay
- Paid door-to-door travel
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (plus additional holiday for long service)
- Company van (with personal use)
- AVIVA pension scheme
- Supportive management and a positive working environment
CDS is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. This job specification is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification in line with business requirements.
Fire Alarm Engineer - North in Manchester employer: CDS
CDS offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Fire Systems Project Engineer role, with a strong emphasis on employee growth and development within the dynamic sectors of fire safety and engineering. Located in the picturesque Buckinghamshire and Midlands regions, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values teamwork and innovation, alongside a competitive bonus package and comprehensive benefits that enhance work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that prioritises your career progression while making a meaningful impact in life-safety systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Alarm Engineer - North in Manchester
✨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 CDS 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 CDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Alarm Engineer - North in Manchester
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 CDS 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 CDS 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 CDS
✨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 CDS. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
