Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester

Join our team as the Head of Strategic Partnerships – Passive Fire Protection in Manchester (office-based with site travel). This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive salary, depending on experience, plus bonus and company car or car allowance.

Firetech UK Ltd is looking for a Head of Strategic Partnerships to lead the safe, compliant and profitable delivery of our Strategic Partnerships portfolio, which includes designated strategic sites, key clients, frameworks, and referral agreements. This senior leadership role involves full accountability for customer account management across our Strategic Partnerships clients, line management of a multi-disciplinary delivery team, and participation in shaping Firetech’s future.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, mobilisation, and end-to-end delivery of all Strategic Partnerships projects across multiple live sites.
• Set clear programmes, sequencing, and resource plans, maintaining a rolling 7-day look-ahead and holding regular operational reviews.
• Ensure prompt, comprehensive close-out of works including QA records, O&M manuals, and aftercare.
• Ensure consistent project set-up and disciplined use of Firetech’s project management and QA systems (SharePoint, OneTrace, Bolster, Monday.com).

Commercial performance:

• Work closely with the Commercial Manager to ensure projects achieve agreed margins.
• Attend Pre-Start Commercial Meetings (projects over £10k), capture variations, raise early warnings, and support valuations and final accounts with accurate operational evidence.

Health, safety & environment:

• Ensure projects are planned and delivered in line with Firetech’s HSE management system, with robust RAMS, COSHH, and safe systems of work.
• Drive a strong safety culture through site engagement, inspections, audits, and effective incident management.
• Deliver Construction Sector compliance KPIs jointly with the Head of Operations & HSE Manager.
• Ensure works comply with Firetech standards, third-party accreditation requirements (including FIRAS), and relevant regulations, with complete and traceable Golden Thread records.
• Manage FIRAS requirements, including operative competence, portal administration, mandatory forms, and audit support.

Customer account management:

• Act as the senior point of contact for Strategic Partnerships clients, ensuring clear communication, action tracking, and timely resolution of issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across clients, suppliers, and partners, supporting consistent customer service standards.

Leadership & culture:

• Lead, develop, and support the Strategic Partnerships delivery team (Contracts Managers, Project Managers/Surveyors, Supervisors, and Operatives) through recruitment, regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and ongoing development.
• Set the standard for professional behaviour and contribute to a supportive, collaborative culture across Firetech.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development as a senior member of the management team.
• Protect and grow Strategic Partnerships accounts, identifying high-value opportunities for repeat and additional work, and feeding customer insight into Firetech’s growth strategy.

Skills and experience:

• Significant experience leading the delivery of passive fire protection, fire stopping, compartmentation, or related construction works at a senior level.
• Proven track record of managing a portfolio of projects across multiple live sites, balancing programme, cost, quality, and safety.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience working closely with commercial/QS teams on margins, valuations, and variations.
• Demonstrable customer account management experience, ideally on framework or strategic-account work.
• Strong knowledge of HSE management systems and CDM responsibilities.
• Solid understanding of third-party accreditation requirements (FIRAS or similar) and Golden Thread / Building Safety Act compliance.
• Confident leading and developing teams, with a track record of building high-performing functions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and digital project/QA systems (e.g. SharePoint, OneTrace, Bolster, Monday.com).
• Full UK driving licence.

Qualifications (preferred):

• SMSTS NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Construction / Site / Contracts / Operations Management (or equivalent).
• IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection (or working towards).
• FIRAS Supervisor Assessed.
• Recognised qualification in leadership or business management (desirable).

Benefits:

• Salary competitive, depending on experience, plus bonus and company car or car allowance.
• 33 days holiday plus option to buy or sell 5 days.
• Company vehicle or allowance.
• Opportunity for progression within an ambitious, growing business.
• Early finish on Fridays.
• Supportive team environment and long-term career development.

About Firetech UK Ltd:

Firetech is a leading passive fire protection contractor delivering compartmentation surveys, fire stopping, fire door inspections and works, structural steel fire protection, and fire barriers across multiple sectors. Established in 1994, we work on high-profile projects with a strong focus on quality, compliance, and professional delivery.