Principal Fire Engineer

Principal Fire Engineer

Chelmsford Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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ISS Facility Services UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fire strategy development and ensure compliance with safety regulations across various projects.
  • Company: Join ISS, a top Facilities Management provider, shaping the future of fire safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and flexible home-based work with travel opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in fire safety while working with industry experts and innovative projects.
  • Qualifications: Deep understanding of fire regulations and strong stakeholder management skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor and uplift the next generation of fire engineers.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

  • Mon to Fri
  • Home based role with some travel across ISS and client sites
  • Competitive salary plus benefits

Here at ISS as a leading Facilities Management (FM) provider, we are looking to recruit a Subject Matter Expert within Fire in the built environment space to drive our Fire strategy to the next level within our UK&I organisation.

Working within our central Technical team, dedicated to providing best practice across our Technical Contracts you will act as the absolute Fire Expert within ISS, responsible for crafting a superior Fire Strategy while working with stakeholders at all levels.

You will act as the subject matter expert (SME) for fire strategy and fire safety guidance, ensuring strategies are buildable, operable and auditable across design, project delivery and steady‑state operations. Translate standards and client obligations into clear operational controls for ISS teams and partners, consistent with the OneISS way of working.

This is a fantastic role for a Fire Expert to establish themselves within a leader in the built environment space.

Actions will include:

  • Lead authorship and sign‑off of Fire Strategies and Fire Safety Guidance for new build, refurbishment and live operational estates (offices/campuses, high‑rise, laboratories, logistics/warehouses, production plants, data centres, retail, transport hubs).
  • Ensure alignment with relevant codes and regulations (e.g., Building Regulations/Approved Document B or devolved equivalents, BS 7974 performance‑based fire engineering, BS 9999/BS 9991, BS 5839, BS 5266, EN 12845/LPC sprinklers, FM Global data sheets, insurance requirements; airport/rail guidance, client‑specific rules).
  • Maintain the golden thread of fire safety information (strategy, compartmentation, doors, dampers, fire stopping, smoke control, cause & effect, evacuation assumptions) and embed robust document control with our project/operational CDEs. Design, Projects & Technical Assurance
  • Provide RIBA‑stage input (brief to technical design and handover), including evacuation strategy selection (simultaneous, phased, defend‑in‑place), smoke control approaches, suppression selection, and cause‑and‑effect matrices integrating with power, BMS and critical systems.
  • Lead independent technical reviews, commissioning witness tests and acceptance for life‑safety systems; define test scripts and evidence packs that operations can maintain.
  • Oversee compartmentation surveys, fire door inspections, and close‑out of critical actions; trend data, set SLAs, and report through client governance.
  • Provide authoritative input to fire risk assessment programmes (FRA/FSO or client equivalents), ensuring significant findings are prioritised and verified to closure. Leadership & Stakeholder Management
  • Coach and mentor Fire Engineers, Technical Services Managers and account leaders; uplift competence via structured learning, playbooks and toolbox talks.

We need from you:

  • Highly developed understanding of fire regulation
  • Ideally some form of core qualification
  • Ability to deal with stakeholders at all levels

Principal Fire Engineer employer: ISS Facility Services UK

At ISS, we pride ourselves on being a leading Facilities Management provider that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Principal Fire Engineer, you will not only have the opportunity to shape fire safety strategies across diverse environments but also benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to your professional growth through mentorship and structured learning. Join us in a home-based role with travel opportunities, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will make a meaningful impact in the built environment.
ISS Facility Services UK

Contact Detail:

ISS Facility Services UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Fire Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Fire Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its fire safety strategies. We want to see you shine as the fire expert you are, so come armed with examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We appreciate when candidates show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Fire Engineer

Fire Safety Expertise
Fire Strategy Development
Knowledge of Building Regulations
Performance-Based Fire Engineering (BS 7974)
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA/FSO)
Technical Review and Assurance
Evacuation Strategy Selection
Smoke Control Approaches
Compartmentation Surveys
Fire Door Inspections
Stakeholder Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Document Control
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Fire Engineer role. Highlight your experience with fire strategies and regulations, and show us how you can drive our Fire strategy forward.

Showcase Your Expertise: We want to see your knowledge shine! Include specific examples of your work with fire safety guidance and any relevant projects you've led. This is your chance to demonstrate that you're the subject matter expert we’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your skills.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

How to prepare for a job interview at ISS Facility Services UK

✨Know Your Fire Regulations Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest fire regulations and standards relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific codes like BS 7974 or Approved Document B will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re a true expert in the field.

✨Prepare Real-World Examples

Think of specific projects where you've successfully implemented fire strategies or conducted risk assessments. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview, as they’ll demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences, as this will showcase your leadership abilities.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Be prepared to talk about how you would approach crafting a fire strategy for a new project. Think through the steps you’d take, from initial assessments to final sign-off, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.

Principal Fire Engineer
ISS Facility Services UK
Location: Chelmsford
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