At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety strategies and ensure compliance across high voltage substations.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety in critical infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or fire safety; chartered status preferred.
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it’s so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don’t plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as a Lead Fire Safety Engineer and find your superpower.
National Grid is recruiting for a Lead Fire Safety Engineer - Flexible locations accross UK - Hybrid Working
Job Purpose
In this role, you will act as the subject matter expert for fire safety and fire risk management across National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) high voltage substation and infrastructure assets.
You will lead development and implementation of fire safety strategies across England and Wales, ensuring that assets, projects, policies, specifications and risk assessments remain aligned to relevant legislation, technical standards, regulatory requirements and good industry practice.
You will provide expert technical advice to projects on fire design, own and maintain key technical policy and specifications, support design assurance activities, and help shape the way fire risk is managed across both new infrastructure and the legacy estate.
What you'll do
- Act as the subject matter expert for fire safety, fire engineering and fire risk management across NGET high voltage substations and associated infrastructure.
- Lead the development, review and implementation of fire strategies, policies, technical specifications, risk assessments and compliance reviews.
- Own and maintain relevant technical policy and specifications for fire risk management
- Provide expert advice to projects on fire design, fire safety requirements and compliance with Building Regulations, standards, codes of practice and good industry practice.
- Support design assurance activities, including review of fire strategy documents, fire engineering assumptions, Technical Deviation requests and project compliance evidence.
- Develop a clear understanding of fire risk across the legacy estate, including risks associated with third-party activities and adjacent land uses.
- Lead and support the asset management approach for fire safety systems, including deluge systems, fire barriers, suppression systems and associated inspection and maintenance requirements.
- Specify, interpret and challenge fire and smoke modelling outputs, including CFD, zone models and other fire dynamics studies.
- Support consistent fire risk assessment outputs and action management across sites, projects and operational teams.
- Feed fire risk insights into wider resilience planning, emergency planning and long-term asset management strategies.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, delivery partners, designers, contractors, operational colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Support effective communication with Fire and Rescue Services and other external bodies where fire safety risks, mitigations or emergency response arrangements need to be understood.
- Keep up to date with changes in regulation, fire safety standards, industry practice, emerging technology and innovation in fire engineering.
- Represent National Grid on relevant industry groups, technical forums, committees and external working groups.
- Mentor and support colleagues across Asset Management, Engineering, Operations and project teams to improve fire safety capability and decision-making.
About you
- A degree in a relevant engineering, science or fire safety discipline, ideally supported by an MSc in Fire Engineering or equivalent specialist experience.
- Chartered Engineer status, ideally through the Institution of Fire Engineers, or evidence that you are actively working towards chartership.
- Strong technical knowledge of fire engineering, fire safety design, performance-based fire engineering and relevant national frameworks.
- Experience working across both building and infrastructure projects, ideally in a complex operational or safety‑critical environment.
- Knowledge of UK fire safety regulations, Building Regulations, standards, codes of practice and relevant international guidance.
- Experience reviewing fire strategies, fire risk assessments, compliance evidence and technical design submissions.
- Familiarity with fire and smoke modelling tools, such as CFD, zone models or evacuation models, and the ability to interpret modelling outputs and assumptions.
- Experience with DSEAR assessments and/or fire incident investigations would be beneficial.
- The ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders and develop effective working relationships.
- The ability to work to challenging deadlines, manage competing priorities and provide confident technical judgement in areas of ambiguity or complexity.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and mentoring others.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £55,000 – £78,000 – dependent on capability
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
More Information
The closing date for this vacancy is 18th August. However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid’s recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.
DE & I statement:
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
Our goal is to drive, develop, and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives, and business need. We are committed to building a workforce that can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
Safety, Health, Environment and Resilience
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.
From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do
Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.
We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
Incentive
Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.
Retirement
Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.
Private medical insurance for self and family.
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Lead Fire Safety Engineer in Bristol employer: National Grid plc
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Manager – Group Technical Accounting in our London office, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's leading energy companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Fire Safety Engineer in Bristol
✨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 National Grid plc 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 National Grid plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Fire Safety Engineer in Bristol
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 National Grid plc 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 National Grid plc 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 National Grid plc
✨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 National Grid plc. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
