At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety initiatives and ensure compliance across multiple healthcare sites.
- Company: Specialist facilities management organisation supporting NHS services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on continuous improvement and organisational change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient and staff safety while shaping fire safety culture.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in fire safety and strong knowledge of regulations.
Salary: £67,993 – £78,542 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Location: Cross-site, acute hospital environment (Cheltenham & Gloucester) / Hybrid
Closing date: 5th June 2026 at 12 noon
About the Organisation
We are a specialist facilities management and property services organisation supporting NHS services, delivering estates, compliance and operational services across a complex, multi-site acute healthcare environment. We play a critical role in ensuring safe, compliant and high-performing estates that support frontline clinical services. Fire safety is a core element of our governance framework, ensuring the protection of patients, staff, visitors and infrastructure across a large and diverse estate.
Join Our Team
We are seeking an experienced Head of Fire Safety to provide strategic and operational leadership across all fire safety activities. This is a senior leadership role responsible for organisational assurance, regulatory compliance and the development of a high-performing fire safety function. You will work at executive level, influencing corporate strategy, risk management and governance frameworks while embedding a strong fire safety culture across all services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of the Fire Safety Management System across the organisation
- Ensure compliance with statutory fire safety legislation, national guidance and healthcare standards (including HTM Firecode)
- Provide corporate-level assurance, reporting to senior leadership and governance committees
- Lead fire safety risk management, integrating risks into corporate frameworks and audit processes
- Oversee fire risk assessments, audit programmes and performance reporting across multiple sites
- Provide leadership during incidents, business continuity planning and regulatory inspections
- Manage stakeholder relationships including regulators, auditors and Fire & Rescue Services
- Lead workforce development, succession planning and performance management for the fire safety function
Ideal Candidate
- Significant senior leadership experience within fire safety or compliance in a complex, multi-site environment
- Extensive knowledge of fire safety legislation, governance and regulatory frameworks
- Strong strategic capability with experience advising senior leadership and Boards
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage risk and deliver organisational change
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date: 5th June 2026 – 12 noon
Interviews: To be confirmed
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and supporting statement.
Head of Fire Safety employer: Seymour John Ltd
As a leading facilities management and property services organisation within the NHS, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to safety and compliance not only protects our patients and staff but also creates a culture of excellence where your contributions directly impact healthcare delivery. Located in the vibrant areas of Cheltenham and Gloucester, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in meaningful work that makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fire Safety
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fire safety and healthcare sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their fire safety policies and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, managed risks, and influenced change in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability for the Head of Fire Safety position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fire Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Fire Safety role. Highlight your relevant experience in fire safety and compliance, especially in multi-site environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've influenced fire safety culture in previous positions.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can think strategically. In your application, demonstrate how you’ve advised senior leadership and contributed to corporate strategy in past roles. This will show us you’re ready for the executive level responsibilities.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John Ltd
✨Know Your Fire Safety Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest fire safety legislation and healthcare standards, especially HTM Firecode. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but also understand their implications in a healthcare setting.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've influenced corporate strategy or managed risk in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think about how you've successfully built relationships with regulators, auditors, or emergency services in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to communication and collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage change. Prepare to talk about your experience in workforce development and performance management, highlighting any successful initiatives you've led.