At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value projects in Fire, Security & Smart Home sectors and inspire a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Chris Lewis Group, a top independent specialist trusted by prestigious clients.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive culture that values your contributions and offers growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on delivering excellence and exceeding client expectations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while leading innovative projects and shaping the future of our company.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Fire/Security or Smart Home, strong leadership, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Join one of the region’s leading Fire, Security & Smart Home specialists and take the lead in delivering high-value, high-profile projects that make a real impact.
About Us
The Chris Lewis Group is the largest independent Fire & Security and Smart Home company in the region, trusted by prestigious clients including the University of Oxford, the Tower of London, Royal Palaces and County Councils. Our reputation is built on quality, service and delivering innovative technology solutions that exceed expectations.
We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Projects to lead our Projects department, inspire a high-performing team and help shape the next phase of our growth.
The Role
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a highly organised and driven individual with strong technical and commercial experience within the Fire, Security, or Smart Home sectors. You’ll lead a team of Project Managers, oversee the successful delivery of multiple projects up to c£2m in value, and take overall responsibility for departmental performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and supporting a team of 4 Project Managers
- Managing departmental engineering resources and project programmes
- Taking overall responsibility for the Projects department P&L
- Producing monthly financial reports and cashflow forecasts
- Driving project milestones and ensuring delivery to programme
- Building strong stakeholder and client relationships
- Improving project processes and documentation
- Managing successful handover of projects to Service teams
- Coaching and developing the wider project delivery team
- Reporting risks, opportunities, and business updates to the Managing Director
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within the Electronic Fire/Security or Smart Home industry
- Strong technical understanding of Security and/or Home Automation technologies
- Experience delivering high-end residential, retail, or commercial projects
- Proven leadership and people management skills
- Strong commercial awareness with project-level P&L experience
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Experience managing engineers and subcontractors
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and project management tools such as Fieldwire
Why Join Chris Lewis Group?
At Chris Lewis Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about delivering exceptional service and creating an environment where our teams feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
Our Mission
“Clients should stay with us because we do what we say we’re going to do and exceed their expectations.”
Our Values
- Achieving more together as a team
- Always being respectful
- Encouraging innovation, collaboration, and idea sharing
- Delivering excellence for our customers
If you’re looking to join a business where you can genuinely make an impact and lead a high-performing projects team, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Projects in Oxford employer: Chris Lewis Group
The Chris Lewis Group is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the Fire, Security, and Smart Home sectors. Located in Oxfordshire, we foster a collaborative work culture that values respect and teamwork, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to lead impactful projects while being part of a team that prioritises employee empowerment and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Projects in Oxford
✨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 Chris Lewis Group 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 Chris Lewis Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Projects in Oxford
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 Chris Lewis Group 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 Chris Lewis Group 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 Chris Lewis Group
✨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 Chris Lewis Group. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
