At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver top-notch passive fire projects efficiently.
- Company: Join Mitie Fire & Security, a leader in the fire protection sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fire safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and knowledge of passive fire standards required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To provide strategic and operational leadership across Mitie Fire & Security's Passive Fire division, driving the efficient and profitable delivery of passive fire projects - from minor remedial works through to major installations. The Passive Fire Operations Director will lead and develop a team of Contract Managers, ensuring best-in-class service delivery, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and commercial performance across all contracts and accounts. This role is critical to embedding a high-performance culture within the passive fire function, championing operational excellence, and supporting the wider strategic objectives of Mitie Fire & Security.
Operational Leadership
- Provide inspirational, day-to-day leadership of Contract Managers across the Passive Fire division, ensuring all teams deliver against agreed scope, programme, and quality standards.
- Oversee the efficient scheduling and deployment of passive fire operatives, subcontractors, and resources to meet project demands and customer SLAs.
- Monitor workflow, project progress, and engineer productivity - proactively identifying and resolving blockers, delays, or resource constraints.
- Maintain oversight of stock control, materials procurement, and supply chain management across live and upcoming passive fire projects.
Contract & Commercial Management
- Hold accountability for the financial performance of the passive fire portfolio, reviewing job margins, revenue, and profitability with the Service Director on a monthly basis.
- Ensure all works are processed in line with invoicing workflows, with orders raised and invoices generated upon project completion without delay.
- Support the commercial team in reviewing contract performance, identifying risks, and protecting Mitie’s position on all passive fire accounts.
- Review and manage operational KPIs and client SLAs, escalating exceptions and implementing corrective action plans as required.
Team Development & People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop Contract Managers, building a high-performing, accountable team aligned to Mitie values and behaviours.
- Conduct structured performance reviews and one-to-ones, identifying development needs and creating clear progression pathways.
- Champion a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement across all passive fire teams.
- Manage recruitment, succession planning, and resource capacity in line with operational demand and business growth targets.
Compliance & Technical Standards
- Maintain a thorough understanding of passive fire installation guidance, test sheet manufacture, and product specification standards.
- Ensure all works are delivered in accordance with third-party UKAS accreditation schemes including IFC, BM Trada, FIRAS, Bluesky, and LCPB.
- Ensure full audit readiness across all passive fire activities, maintaining documentation, quality records, and compliance evidence.
- Uphold Mitie’s Health & Safety standards across all field operations, ensuring all teams operate within regulatory requirements and company policy.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a senior point of escalation for key clients, representing Mitie at customer meetings, progress reviews, and site visits as required.
- Champion exceptional client communication, ensuring customers receive proactive updates on programme, specification changes, and any emerging issues.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, account managers, subcontractors, and internal teams to drive collaborative project delivery.
- Support the onboarding of new accounts and mobilisation of new passive fire contracts, ensuring seamless handovers and a strong first impression.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Provide regular operational reporting to the Service Director covering project performance, financial health, compliance, and team productivity.
- Identify and drive process improvement initiatives across planning, scheduling, quality control, and customer experience.
- Monitor industry developments in passive fire protection and contribute to the evolution of Mitie’s service offer and technical capability.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in a senior operational management role within the passive fire or fire protection sector.
- Proven track record managing Contract Managers or Operations Managers, with the ability to lead multi-site, multi-project teams effectively.
- Strong working knowledge of passive fire protection products, standards, and third-party accreditation schemes (IFC, BM Trada, FIRAS, LCPB, Bluesky).
- Commercial acumen with experience managing project margins, P&L accountability, and cost control in a field-based contracting environment.
- Excellent customer relationship management skills with experience engaging at client, account, and senior stakeholder level.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and compliance requirements relevant to passive fire operations.
Key Competencies & Behaviours
- Self-motivated leader with energy, drive, and the ability to inspire teams to deliver outstanding results.
- Exceptional communicator - clear, confident, and credible with customers, engineers, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously across a national portfolio.
- Strong analytical mindset - comfortable interpreting MI data, project reports, and financial information to inform decision-making.
- Resilient under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced, operationally demanding environment.
- Committed to continuous improvement, quality, and the highest professional standards.
- Collaborative and inclusive approach, aligned to Mitie’s values of integrity, trust, and going the extra mile.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and field management/scheduling systems.
Head of Operations - Passive Fire in Solihull employer: Mitie Group plc.
Mitie Fire & Security is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters operational excellence and a high-performance culture within the Passive Fire division. Employees benefit from comprehensive development opportunities, a commitment to safety and quality, and the chance to lead impactful projects while collaborating with a diverse team of professionals. Located in a vibrant area, Mitie prioritises employee well-being and engagement, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in fire protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Passive Fire in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the passive fire industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Mitie Fire & Security and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership and operational success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in managing projects and teams. This can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
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 the team at Mitie Fire & Security.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Passive Fire in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operational management and any relevant projects you've led in the passive fire sector. We want to see how your skills align 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 passive fire operations and how you can drive our team to success. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. How do you inspire teams? What strategies do you use to ensure high performance? We’re looking for someone who can lead with energy and drive, so let that personality come through!
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 Mitie Group plc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of passive fire protection products and standards. Familiarise yourself with the key third-party accreditation schemes like IFC, BM Trada, and FIRAS. This will show that you're not just a leader but also someone who understands the technical side of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team to overcome challenges or improve performance. Highlighting your ability to develop Contract Managers and build high-performing teams will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since this role involves accountability for financial performance, be prepared to discuss your experience with managing project margins and P&L. Bring examples of how you've improved profitability in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built strong relationships with clients and stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share stories that illustrate your exceptional communication skills and how you've managed client expectations. This will show that you can effectively represent Mitie and ensure customer satisfaction.
