At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety and compliance consultancy services across the North West.
- Company: Specialist housing and property consultancy expanding its fire safety services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, funded CPD, equity participation, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape a new division and create long-term value while improving safety for residents.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in fire safety and housing compliance with relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead, grow, and own part of a specialist compliance business.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A specialist housing and property consultancy is expanding its fire safety and compliance services within the social housing sector and is now seeking a Principal Consultant – Fire Safety & Property Compliance to lead a major long-term client contract and build a dedicated Fire & Compliance business unit.
This is a senior, high-profile role working closely with the Managing Director to develop and grow a stand-alone fire safety and housing compliance division, with the opportunity to take an equity stake as the business unit matures. This role offers far more than delivery — it provides a genuine route into ownership, leadership and long-term value creation.
The Role
You will take ownership of fire safety and property compliance across large, complex housing portfolios including:
- High-rise and higher-risk residential buildings
- Care homes and supported housing
You will act as the senior fire safety and compliance lead, providing governance, assurance and strategic leadership to social housing clients while building and leading a new Compliance & Fire Safety division. You will be trusted to shape the direction, commercial model and growth of this service line, with a clear pathway to equity participation as it becomes a separate business unit.
What you’ll be doing
You will:
- Lead fire safety and housing compliance consultancy services across the North West
- Act as the Responsible Person and senior advisor for fire and building safety governance
- Provide strategic assurance to Boards, Executives and senior housing leaders
- Build and oversee a new Fire & Compliance division, including systems, governance and delivery models
- Drive commercial growth, tenders and long-term client relationships
- Oversee delivery of a flagship 18-month+ housing contract
- Develop reporting, audit and assurance frameworks for high-risk residential portfolios
- Recruit and grow a specialist compliance and fire safety team as the division expands
What we’re looking for
You will be a senior fire safety and housing compliance leader, likely coming from:
- Social housing or housing association environments
- Fire safety consultancy
- Local authority or ALMO property compliance
- Building safety or regulatory compliance leadership
You will bring:
- NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate (or equivalent)
- Degree or professional qualification in a relevant property, compliance or building safety field
- Senior-level experience managing fire safety, building safety and statutory compliance
- Experience of high-risk residential buildings, care or supported housing
- Strong understanding of housing regulation, fire safety law and building safety frameworks
- Confidence operating at Board and Executive level
- Experience of contract management, service improvement and organisational change
- Commercial, consultancy or business development experience is highly desirable.
What’s on offer
- Generous annual leave plus public holidays
- Funded CPD and professional memberships
- Equity participation linked to growth of the Fire & Compliance business unit
- Fully hybrid, home-based working
Location: Home-based with travel to client sites once or twice a week.
If you are a senior fire safety and housing compliance professional who wants to lead, grow and ultimately own part of a specialist compliance business, this role offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that while improving safety for thousands of residents.
Principal Consultant in Manchester employer: Fortiva
Contact Detail:
Fortiva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in fire safety and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your value.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand the specific needs of the consultancy you're applying to and tailor your conversations to show how you can meet those needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and invested in their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the growth of the Fire & Compliance division.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Consultant. Highlight your experience in fire safety and housing compliance, especially in social housing. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fire safety and compliance. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you can contribute to building our new division.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improvements in safety standards or successful project completions. We love seeing the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortiva
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on fire safety regulations and housing compliance laws. Familiarise yourself with the latest frameworks and standards, especially those relevant to high-risk residential buildings. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable leader ready to take charge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve driven commercial growth or improved service delivery. Highlighting your experience in managing complex contracts will demonstrate your capability to lead the new Fire & Compliance division.
✨Understand the Business Vision
Get a grasp of the consultancy's goals and how the Fire & Compliance division fits into their overall strategy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to building this unit and what innovative ideas you have for its growth. This shows your commitment to the long-term vision.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the challenges they face in the social housing sector or how they envision the new division evolving. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as someone who thinks strategically about the role.