At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical strategy for AOV and Smoke Control systems, ensuring compliance and excellence.
- Company: Join a growing specialist in life safety and building services with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression into executive leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fire safety while leading a high-performing technical team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in AOV and Smoke Control, with proven leadership and technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Technical Services Director – AOV & Smoke Control
- Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 (Neg) + Performance Bonus + Comprehensive Management Package
Location
- South Eastern UK based with National Operational Coverage
- (Hybrid / Field Based)
Hours
37.5 hours per week
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced commercially minded
Technical Services Director to join an established and growing specialist within the life safety and building services sector.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping and driving the company's technical strategy across AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) and Smoke Control systems.
Working closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, you will lead the technical function, provide expert guidance across the business, support commercial growth and ensure technical excellence is maintained throughout every stage of project delivery.
This role is suited to a recognised industry specialist who possesses
10+ years' experience within the AOV and Smoke Control sector and is regarded as a trusted technical authority by clients, manufacturers and industry professionals.
The Role
As Technical Services Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all technical aspects of the business.
You will oversee technical standards, support major client relationships, develop engineering capability and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry standards, whilst identifying opportunities for business growth.
The position combines technical leadership, commercial awareness and business development, making it ideal for an individual looking to influence the future direction of a growing specialist organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership
- Act as the company's recognised technical authority for AOV and Smoke Control systems.
- Define and maintain technical standards across design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
- Ensure all engineering solutions comply with current legislation, British Standards and fire safety guidance.
- Provide technical leadership on complex projects and specialist applications.
- Review and approve technical designs, specifications and engineering solutions.
- Strategic Business Development
- Support the continued growth of the business through technical consultancy and client engagement.
- Identify opportunities for remedial works, refurbishment programmes and lifecycle replacement projects.
- Work alongside the commercial team to develop technical solutions for major bids and tenders.
- Provide strategic input into new services, technologies and market opportunities.
- Client & Industry Engagement
- Develop long-term relationships with FM providers, consultants, developers, principal contractors and end users.
- Represent the business during technical meetings, presentations and project reviews.
- Provide expert guidance on fire strategies, smoke control compliance and lifecycle planning.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex technical matters.
- Technical Governance
- Ensure consistency across all technical documentation, quotations and engineering proposals.
- Review system designs, cause & effect matrices and commissioning strategies.
- Drive continual improvement across engineering processes and technical delivery.
- Monitor industry developments and implement best practice throughout the business.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Mentor and develop Technical Service Managers, Design Engineers and Field Engineers.
- Build a high-performing technical team through coaching and professional development.
- Support recruitment, succession planning and technical competency frameworks.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and engineering excellence.
- Commercial Support
- Support pricing strategies for complex projects and major upgrade programmes.
- Review technical quotations and ensure commercially robust engineering solutions.
- Work with operational teams to ensure successful project mobilisation and delivery.
- Contribute towards annual business planning and revenue growth.
What We're Looking For
Minimum 10 years' specialist experience within the AOV and Smoke Control industry.
- Proven experience operating within a senior technical leadership role.
- Extensive knowledge of smoke ventilation systems across commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.
- Strong understanding of both natural and mechanical smoke control systems.
- Experience supporting business growth through technical consultancy and client engagement.
- Previous leadership experience managing engineering or technical teams.
- Technical Knowledge
Demonstrable expertise across
- Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Systems
- Motorised Smoke Dampers
- EN12101 Standards
- Building Regulations Approved Document B
- Lifecycle Replacement Programmes
- Planned Preventative Maintenance
- Compliance Audits
Experience with leading manufacturers such as
- SE Controls
- Advanced Air
- SCS
- Window Master
- D+H
- Gilberts
- Leadership Attributes
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate
- Exceptional technical credibility.
- Strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
- Inspirational leadership skills.
- Strong client relationship management.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- A collaborative leadership style.
- A passion for engineering excellence and continual improvement.
- What Success Looks Like
- Recognised as the company's technical authority.
- Continued growth of technical service revenue.
- Increased client retention through technical excellence.
- Development of a highly capable engineering team.
- Successful delivery of complex smoke control projects.
- Improved technical governance and compliance.
- Strong relationships with clients, consultants and manufacturers.
- Contribution towards the company's long-term growth strategy.
- What's on Offer
- Performance Related Bonus
- Pension Scheme
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Ongoing Professional Development
- Opportunity to shape the technical direction of a market-leading specialist business
- Long-term career progression into Executive Leadership
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Technical Services - Fire safety & AOVs employer: PRS
PRS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering clear progression paths and comprehensive training opportunities within the dynamic environment of Greater London. With a strong focus on safety and quality, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about mechanical building services to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Technical Services - Fire safety & AOVs
✨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 PRS 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 PRS.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Technical Services - Fire safety & AOVs
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 PRS 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 PRS 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 PRS
✨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 PRS. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
