At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety strategy and ensure compliance for residential buildings.
- Company: Join FirstPort, a leader in residential property management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car allowance, private medical insurance, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety and protect communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fire Safety Engineering and over 15 years of experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive Salary, company car allowance plus benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm (35 hours per week)
Your Role, Your Impact
As the Head of Technical Fire Safety, you will provide the strategic oversight and intelligence relating to the fire safety of residential buildings, as well as compliance and management. The role provides fire engineering expertise and leadership in developing and implementing a Fire Safety Strategy that embeds a culture of proactive risk management and ensures the organization’s duty holder obligations are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a Fire Safety Strategy linked to corporate objectives.
- Develop, review and revise all key fire safety documents for the organization (with support from the safety assurance team).
- Review Fire Safety Strategies / FRAEW / Fire Engineering submissions, as required.
- Embed technical fire safety principles in all operational procedures.
- Provide regular Board-level reports, including fire safety KPIs and RAG‑rated risk dashboards.
- Act as the lead advisor on changes to fire safety legislation and technical standards.
- Support/guide the preparation of technical fire safety compliance evidence for the Building Safety Regulator, including Safety Case Reports for higher-risk buildings.
- Liaise with the Safety Assurance Team and provide technical fire safety advice and guidance where required.
- Commission and manage specialist fire safety consultants and contractors for more complex work where appropriate.
- Develop fire safety competence programs for operational teams.
- Investigate Fire Safety incidents and provide higher level technical advice and guidance for prevention purposes.
- Respond to fire safety emergencies providing higher level technical advice and guidance.
- Work in conjunction with the Head of Fire Safety Compliance providing higher level technical advice and guidance in regard to maintaining the fire safety risk register.
- Support operations and safety assurance business partners as required with higher level fire safety technical advice and guidance.
- Review interim measures decision relating to Fire Safety system faults and documents that advise interim measure may be required.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Fire Safety Engineering
- Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment
- Over 15 years’ experience in fire safety practice, ideally including within Residential Property Management or Social Housing
- Hold relevant industry accreditations such as IFE, IFSM, CIOB, IWFM, RICS, TPI
- Experience in managing a team of Fire Safety practitioners
- Experience working with Passive & Active Fire Protection systems, preferably in residential buildings
- Be passionate about fire safety and ensuring that homes under our management are safe for residents
- Hold a full UK driving licence
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of Relevant Documents including Approved document B British Standards (in this role in particular BS9991/BS9991), The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety order 2005, and applicable legislation in Scotland, Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety England Regulations 2022, Building Safety Act 2022, Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026, PAS9980
What’s in it for you?
We will provide you with the technology, training and support that you need to do your job well. We offer competitive salaries and a range of benefit packages depending on the grade of your role, such as private medical insurance, pension contributions and life assurance. In addition, we also offer a range of exclusive discounts on extra benefits to help you, and your family make the most of your money, safeguard your future and look after your health, including discounted gym membership for all colleagues.
Diversity
We’re committed to promoting diversity at FirstPort and recruit on merit. We will ensure we make any adjustments that we can to support both through the recruitment and on-boarding process.
Ready to make a difference?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference we’d love to hear from you! All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK without restrictions, and documented evidence of eligibility will be required. Join us at FirstPort, where we not only manage properties but strive to lead and transform the industry. Together, we can make a difference – for our customers, our colleagues, and the future of residential property management in the UK. Elevate your career. Reset the standard. Join FirstPort.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Fire Safety
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like FirstPort (UK) and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at FirstPort (UK).
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Fire Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at FirstPort (UK) will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join FirstPort (UK) specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstPort (UK)
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with FirstPort (UK). It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!