Fire Safety Manager in Ipswich, Suffolk

Join Our Client as a Fire Safety Leader Driving Excellence and Safety.

Are you ready to take a pivotal role in ensuring fire safety excellence within a dynamic organisation? Our Client, a reputable leader in the housing or property management sector, is seeking an experienced Fire Safety Manager to spearhead fire safety compliance, strategy, and team development. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape safety standards across diverse sites and to influence a culture of proactive risk management.

Organisation Overview

Our Client operates within the housing or property sector, dedicated to creating safe, sustainable, and well-managed communities. Known for fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking culture, they value innovation, professional growth, and impactful contributions. Their commitment to excellence and community well-being makes them a rewarding place to build a career in fire safety and compliance.

Role Summary

Due to strategic growth and a renewed focus on safety standards, our Client is appointing a Fire Safety Manager to lead their fire safety initiatives. This senior role is crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the safety of residents and staff across multiple schemes. The successful candidate will play a key part in shaping the organisation's fire safety strategy, ensuring robust protections are in place, and reinforcing a 'Golden Thread' of compliance in accordance with recent legislation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of Fire Safety Surveyors, setting high standards for performance and safety expertise.
• Design and execute building-specific fire safety strategies across sheltered accommodation, temporary housing, and general needs properties.
• Oversee all Fire Risk Assessments, ensuring that findings are accurately tracked, actions are completed, and audit trails are maintained.
• Embed the 'Golden Thread' of safety data and documentation, ensuring full compliance with the Building Safety Act.
• Manage a capital programme valued at approximately £10 million, including budget oversight, contract management, and overseeing external consultants.
• Act as the primary liaison with external emergency services, managing audits, inspections, and any enforcement actions.
• Lead procurement processes and oversee the delivery of major fire safety projects through RIBA stages and industry frameworks.
• Drive effective resident engagement, develop communication strategies, and provide regular reports to senior leadership and elected members.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in fire safety management within a housing, social housing, or facility management context.
• Extensive knowledge of fire safety legislation, including the Building Safety Act, and associated risk management practices.
• Demonstrable experience in leading and developing technical teams, with strong leadership skills.
• Ability to design and implement complex fire safety strategies and conduct comprehensive fire risk assessments.
• Strong project management experience, particularly in managing large-scale capital programmes and external contractors.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging with residents, partners, and senior stakeholders.
• Relevant professional qualifications, such as NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management or equivalent.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with regulatory bodies such as fire services or building control authorities.
• Knowledge of procurement frameworks such as RIBA stages and public sector frameworks.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, including resident communication and community relations.

Take the Next Step

If you are a dedicated fire safety professional looking to make a strategic impact within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV for consideration and join a team committed to safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.