At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and ensure successful project delivery across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Firetech UK Ltd, a leader in passive fire protection with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, 33 days holiday, and career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment and an early finish on Fridays.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fire safety while leading a dynamic team in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in passive fire protection and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (office-based with site travel)
Projects: Predominantly Greater Manchester & the North West, with some UK-wide travel
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience, plus bonus and company car or car allowance.
Reports to: Managing Director
Role overview
Firetech UK Ltd is looking for a Head of Strategic Partnerships to lead the safe, compliant and profitable delivery of our Strategic Partnerships portfolio, that is designated strategic sites, key clients, frameworks and referral agreements. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for customer account management across our Strategic Partnerships clients, line management of a multi-disciplinary delivery team, and a seat at the management table to help shape Firetech’s future. You’ll set the standard for service delivery, drive continuous improvement, and play a key part in protecting and growing some of our most important client relationships.
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)
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 Manchester where you can lead strategic partnerships and make a significant impact on fire safety across the North West. With a strong emphasis on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive team culture, we provide ample opportunities for career progression while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with early finishes on Fridays and generous holiday allowances.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in passive fire protection. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in managing projects and leading teams, as these are key aspects for the Head of Strategic Partnerships role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Firetech and ready to take on the challenge of leading strategic partnerships.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Partnerships - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Strategic Partnerships role. Highlight your experience in managing strategic partnerships and delivering projects, especially in passive fire protection. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving performance. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. We love seeing examples of how you’ve built strong relationships and fostered a collaborative culture.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points shine through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firetech UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of passive fire protection and related construction works. Familiarise yourself with Firetech's projects, especially in Greater Manchester and the North West, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll be looking for strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed multiple projects, and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build high-performing functions and foster a collaborative culture.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss your experience with commercial management, including margins, valuations, and variations. They want someone who can work closely with commercial teams, so prepare to share specific instances where you’ve contributed to achieving project profitability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and stakeholder management abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to resolve issues or manage client relationships effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
