At a Glance
- Tasks: Service and maintain fire alarm systems while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join CDS, a respected leader in fire safety and security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 25 days holiday, and a company van.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety while working in diverse environments.
- Qualifications: Experience with fire alarm systems and a full UK driving licence required.
Area: Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham
Salary: up to £45000 DOE plus overtime, call out and company benefits
For more than 30 years, CDS has been one of the UK's most respected providers of fire detection, life safety, and security systems. Our mission is simple: to protect you, your people, and your business. We support a wide range of environments - from business parks to leisure centres, nurseries to secondary schools, and from country estates to large housing portfolios, combining national capability with a local, responsive approach, we deliver trusted, high-quality compliance solutions wherever they're needed.
CDS is proudly part of Obsequio Group; our businesses all deliver expert safety and compliance services across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients, solving complex compliance challenges for operators, developers, estates teams and within facilities management.
About the Role
- Produce best-in-class engineer reports and job documentation on the day (test results, findings, actions taken, compliance notes, and further works)
- Work in line with relevant British Standards, site requirements, RAMS, and CDS procedures - maintaining high safety and quality standards
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers on site - explaining faults, actions and next steps
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned servicing and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems across a diverse customer base
- Attend reactive callouts, fault-find efficiently, and complete repairs or make-safe actions with clear follow-on recommendations
- Maintain control of tools, test equipment, van stock and paperwork, supporting right-first-time completion and smooth job close-out
- Participate in the call-out rota where required
- Strong, proven experience servicing and fault-finding on a range of fire alarm systems, with the confidence to work independently in live environments
- Demonstrable experience on leading panels/devices (e.g., GENT, Notifier, Advanced or equivalent), with the ability to diagnose root cause and verify performance
- A disciplined approach to testing, compliance and documentation - reports that are accurate, clear and audit-ready
- A professional, customer-first mindset - reliable, calm under pressure, and a strong representative of CDS on site
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Base salary up to £40000 DOE, with overtime and call out payments
- Overtime rates: 1.5x standard, 2x Sundays, plus call out pay
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (plus additional holiday for long service)
- Company van (with personal use)
- Supportive management and a positive working environment
CDS is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. This job specification is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification in line with business requirements.
CDS: Fire Alarm Engineer - Manchester to Sheffield in Leicester employer: Obsequio Group
At CDS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive management structure and a positive working environment that fosters genuine career growth opportunities. With competitive benefits such as a company vehicle for personal use, generous annual leave, and a buy and sell holiday scheme, our team members enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to vital safety and compliance solutions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CDS: Fire Alarm Engineer - Manchester to Sheffield in Leicester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace CDS: Fire Alarm Engineer - Manchester to Sheffield in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Obsequio Group's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Obsequio Group. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsequio Group
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Obsequio Group.
