At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire engineering projects and develop innovative fire safety strategies.
- Company: Hughes & Associates, a respected surveying practice with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, professional development support, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety in complex buildings while leading your own team.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or part-qualified with an accredited degree in Fire Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hughes & Associates Property Services is a respected chartered surveying practice with a strong reputation for delivering expert consultancy and contracting solutions across the UK. We provide clients with comprehensive services in project management, facilities management and professional services – all delivered with the consistent professionalism our clients can trust.
Reporting directly to the Directors, we’re looking for a Principal Fire Engineer to join our growing team in Rainham, London. In this key role, you’ll lead the application of advanced fire engineering principles across complex buildings and challenging fire scenarios. You’ll also develop deep expertise in UK fire safety legislation, Approved Documents, British Standards, and the latest industry guidance.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for someone eager to build and lead their own team, who excels in high-pressure environments, and is driven to deliver exceptional results. The role is a fantastic opportunity for either a qualified CEng or a person who is part qualified as the Company will support completion of the qualification.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing by one additional day per completed year of service
- Wisdom Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing investment in training and professional development
- Retail & Travel discounts via the BrightHR portal
Requirements:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council or part qualified
- Accredited degree (BEng/MEng) in Fire Engineering or Cognate Discipline
- Full professional membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE or above) or equivalent
- Minimum 8 years post-graduate fire engineering experience
- Proven delivery of fire strategies for complex and higher-risk buildings
- Experience working across multiple sites nationally, including regular travel
- UK-SPEC Alignment
Key Responsibilities:
- Apply advanced fire engineering principles to challenging building designs and fire scenarios.
- Stay ahead of the curve with deep knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, Approved Documents, BS Standards, and emerging industry guidance.
- Develop and deliver proportionate, compliant fire strategies that balance safety, design, and practicality.
- Solve complex fire safety challenges — from means of escape and external wall systems to compartmentation and occupancy risks.
- Lead fire engineering delivery nationally, overseeing multiple projects and ensuring technical excellence.
- Mentor and develop a team of surveyors and junior fire engineers, fostering growth and collaboration.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to clients, regulators, and internal teams.
- Build strong relationships with Building Control and Fire Authorities, leading discussions to achieve project success.
- Uphold the highest ethical, professional, and safety standards across everything you do.
- Support professional development by contributing to CPD, training, and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Fire Engineer who thrives on technical challenge, values leadership, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the built environment. The role requires both office work and on-site supervision, travel to various project locations. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project demands is essential.
Principal Fire Engineer employer: IFE
Hughes & Associates Property Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Rainham, London, where you can thrive as a Principal Fire Engineer. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides ongoing training and professional development opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes 25 days of annual leave and a supportive wellbeing programme. Join a vibrant team dedicated to delivering exceptional results while fostering collaboration and innovation in fire engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Fire Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fire engineering field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex fire strategies and UK fire safety legislation. Share specific examples of challenges you've tackled and how you’ve led teams to success. This will show them you’re the real deal!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research Hughes & Associates Property Services, understand their projects, and think about how your skills align with their needs. Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to their team and lead fire engineering delivery effectively.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our vibrant team and making an impact in the fire engineering sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Fire Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Fire Engineer role. Highlight your experience with fire engineering principles, UK legislation, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about fire engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with complex buildings and your approach to problem-solving.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in fire safety strategies. We love numbers and results, so if you’ve led successful projects or improved safety standards, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFE
✨Know Your Fire Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, Approved Documents, and British Standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but can apply advanced fire engineering principles to complex scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects in the past. Highlighting your experience in managing teams and delivering results under pressure will demonstrate that you're ready for this key position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some challenging technical questions during the interview. Think about specific fire safety challenges you've encountered and how you solved them. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Take the time to build a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their projects and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a candidate who’s eager to contribute.
