At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert fire engineering advice and oversee fire safety projects for resident wellbeing.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a leading London local authority.
- Benefits: Engaging role with ongoing training, professional development, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence design standards and contribute to a major capital programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety standards in a high-profile, technically complex role.
- Qualifications: Fire engineering degree or relevant STEM degree, with strong experience in fire safety.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
You will be joining the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) within their Property Services division, working as part of the specialist Fire Safety team. RBKC is a leading London local authority with a strong focus on resident safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement across its housing portfolio. With over 9,000 homes, including a significant number of higher‑risk residential buildings, the council is delivering an extensive capital programme and is committed to strengthening fire safety standards across all assets. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high‑profile, technically complex fire safety projects that directly impact resident wellbeing.
Your new role
As a Fire Risk Engineer, you will provide expert fire engineering advice and technical oversight across RBKC's housing portfolio, playing a key role in both strategic and project‑based fire safety delivery. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing retrospective fire strategy documents for existing residential buildings
- Providing technical fire safety input across design stages (RIBA) for new build, refurbishment and remedial works
- Carrying out fire engineering analysis, including calculations and modelling (e.g. CFD), to support Building Safety Cases
- Acting as a competent client and overseeing external fire engineers to ensure consistent standards across projects
- Supporting project teams to embed fire safety requirements into delivery programmes
- Reviewing fire risk assessments and ensuring robust fire strategies are in place
- Providing technical advice, training and guidance to internal stakeholders
- Managing contractors and consultants to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements
- Supporting the development of fire safety policies, procedures and standards
- Liaising with external bodies including Building Control and the London Fire Brigade
This is a highly technical role where you will influence design standards, support a major capital programme, and contribute to the council's long‑term fire safety strategy.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A fire engineering degree (or relevant STEM degree with fire safety specialism)
- Professional membership (e.g. Institution of Fire Engineers) with at least AIFireE status or equivalent
- Working towards or holding engineering registration (EngTech/IEng)
- Strong experience in fire engineering within residential or complex building environments
- Experience producing fire strategy reports and delivering technical fire safety advice
- A solid understanding of Building Regulations and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
- Experience working with design teams, contractors and stakeholders across large‑scale projects
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including risk‑based fire engineering assessments
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
You will also demonstrate a proactive, solutions‑focused mindset and a strong commitment to delivering safe, compliant and resident‑focused outcomes.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- The opportunity to work for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- A technically challenging and high‑impact fire engineering role
- Involvement in a major capital programme and complex building safety projects
- A collaborative and forward‑thinking team environment
- Ongoing training, CPD and professional development opportunities
Fire Risk Engineer employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Fire Risk Engineers to contribute to high-profile fire safety projects that directly enhance resident wellbeing. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to influence significant capital programmes, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment focused on safety and compliance.
Contact Details:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Risk Engineer
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA.
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Risk Engineer
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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
