At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships in passive fire protection, ensuring safe and compliant project delivery.
- Company: Join Firetech UK Ltd, a leader in passive fire protection with a focus on quality and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, 33 days holiday, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture with excellent long-term career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fire safety while leading a dynamic team and building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in fire protection and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Manage FIRAS requirements, including operative competence, portal administration, mandatory forms and audit support.
- 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.
- Lead, develop and support the Strategic Partnerships delivery team through recruitment, regular 1:1s, performance reviews and ongoing development.
- 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.
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.
Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester employer: Firetech UK Ltd
Firetech UK Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Salford Quays, Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide our Contracts Managers with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles, alongside competitive benefits such as an annual bonus, company vehicle, and generous holiday allowances. Join us to be part of a growing team that values quality, compliance, and professional delivery in the fire protection industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
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✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Firetech UK Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
