Fire Safety Manager in Solihull

About Us

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.

Purpose of the Role

The ideal candidate will have combined a progressive career within the fire service, culminating in a leadership role (e.g., Watch Commander) with commercial experience gained in the Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities sector. As the Fire Safety conscience for Stonegate, the Fire Safety Manager will regularly be asked to make Fire Safety recommendations that are both legally compliant and financially astute in line with our “We invest wisely” company value.

Stonegate Group operates three Business Models: Managed (439), Craft Union/Operator model (655) Pub Partners/Leased and Tenanted (circa 3000). The primary focus areas across each Business Model are:

• Regulatory compliance
• Authority interface
• Technical oversight

While direct experience of one or more of our business models would be advantageous, the ability to differentiate between each model is vital to ensure a proportionate level of support. Finding the right balance between reactive (investigating fires) and proactive (championing preventative measures) is crucial when managing a heavy workload and working in a fast‑moving and ever‑changing environment. Nationwide travel and overnight stays will be required; the Fire Safety Manager is responsible for managing their calendar apart from responding immediately to serious fires.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee statutory fire compliance, including Planned Maintenance Visits, and work closely with Head of Compliance (Property).
• Act as Subject Matter Expert and provide technical advice to contractors and facilities managers.
• Manage the statutory notice tracker to ensure that all statutory notices are dealt with in a timely, cost‑effective, safe and legal manner while limiting pub closure and avoiding prosecution.
• Take lead on developing and maintaining a Fire Safety dashboard as part of a risk‑based approach, including the collation and analysis of data from a variety of sources including fire risk assessments (FRAS), NSF (third‑party auditor), Area/Regional Manager checks, late‑night audits, statutory notices, and previous fires/significant near‑misses.
• Act as Fire Safety conscience and primary contact across all three business models, informing the company of any changing legislation or fire safety trends.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Ideally a combination of a progressive fire service career with commercial experience working as a Fire Safety Manager (Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities).
• SFJ Level 3 certificate in fire safety or equivalent.
• Level 4 diploma in fire safety for complex premises, including licensed premises, BS9999 and Building Regulations.
• Affiliation with an accredited industry‑recognised safety body.
• A balanced and considered approach with a can‑do attitude committed to delivering results and continuous improvement.
• Strong networking skills, particularly with enforcing authorities, third parties and primary authority.
• Project Management – lead and support value‑adding and cost‑benefit projects (e.g., low‑cost capacity opportunities).
• Ability to communicate at all levels from pub teams, managers, operators, publicans, departmental colleagues, leadership team and board members.
• Administration – support a “self‑serve” methodology and prioritise workload on an urgent, non‑urgent, important, not important basis (Eisenhower Matrix).
• Experience in auditing and assessing fire risk in simple and complex premises.
• Experience in putting together case files and providing expert witness statements under the Fire Safety Order.
• Experience assessing and advising on architects/building plans (as part of work with project managers).
• Experience in writing technical documents such as specifications and standards in relation to fire safety systems.
• Current driving licence – the role requires national travel.

What makes Stonegate a great place to work?

At Stonegate, we believe that when you feel your best, you do your best. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of every team member. From lifestyle perks and flexible support to mental health resources, our benefits are designed to help you thrive, both in and out of work.

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Access to discounted Private Medical Insurance through Vitality.
• Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance.
• Reward Card via the MiXR app, giving you and your friends 25% off food and drinks as well as VIP entry across our Managed Estate.
• Life Assurance which gives access to Help @ Hand.
• Access to your pay early via Stream.
• The Stonegate Xtra portal with access to a wide range of high‑street discounts and offers.
• Discounted access to David Lloyd membership.
• Award‑winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career.

If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you.