Head of Operations - Fire in Birmingham

Here at Total Fire Safety, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Operations – Fire to take a senior leadership role across our passive fire protection contracts and operational delivery. This is a strategic position for a high-quality operator who wants more than just a job title; it’s a role with real influence, scope, and progression. This is a hybrid role based in our Burton-on-Trent office, with a requirement to be in the office 2 days per week. The location is easily commutable from Derby, Lichfield, Tamworth, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote and surrounding areas, making it suitable for candidates across South Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Total Fire Safety forms part of Complii, a fast-growing compliance group that is actively acquiring new specialist businesses on a monthly basis. As our fire division continues to expand, this role has been designed with progression in mind. For the right individual, there is a clear pathway to Managing Director–level responsibility within one of our existing fire businesses or future acquisitions. We are looking for someone with the capability and ambition to grow alongside the group and play a key role in shaping its leadership succession.

What we offer

We offer an excellent salary, alongside a company car or allowance, bonus, pension, 23 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. You will have the opportunity to shape operational delivery, influence commercial performance, and drive continuous improvement.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead the negotiation, execution, and ongoing management of passive fire protection contracts, ensuring all commercial, compliance, quality, and deliverable requirements are clearly defined and consistently met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, coordinating site teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality delivery across diverse locations and client environments.
• Manage financial performance, variations, claims, and disputes, while proactively identifying opportunities for commercial optimisation, operational efficiencies, and revenue growth across your portfolio of contracts.
• Ensure full compliance with fire safety legislation, building regulations, HSEQ standards, and accreditation requirements, conducting audits and quality checks to maintain the highest levels of safety and regulatory adherence.

Experience required for the role

• Strong experience in senior contract, operations, or project management within passive fire protection, construction, or related technical environments, with demonstrable success in delivering complex projects to specification.
• Sound technical knowledge of passive fire protection systems, including fire stopping, compartmentation, fire doors, structural protection, and regulatory compliance, with proven experience managing contracts through their full lifecycle including claims and final accounts.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, developing managers, and coordinating multiple projects, budgets, and internal/external stakeholders while maintaining high performance standards.
• It would be helpful if you had professional certifications (e.g., FIRAS, ASFP membership, SMSTS, ILM) and a full UK driving licence, with flexibility to travel to sites across the region as required.

About Total Fire Safety

Total Fire Safety provides specialist fire protection solutions across multiple sectors, delivering safe, compliant, and high-quality services. We value professionalism, strong leadership, and a collaborative team culture, and we are committed to investing in people who want to grow with the business. Reasonable adjustments are always considered to support applications.