Head of Fire Safety in Manchester

Head of Fire Safety in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 54000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and implement fire safety strategies across Sodexo UK & Ireland.
  • Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life.
  • Benefits: Up to £90,000 salary, 20+ benefits including gym discounts and employee support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on fire safety in a diverse and complex environment.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Fire Safety professional with extensive experience in regulated environments.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and equal opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 90000 £ per year.

We’re seeking an influential and highly experienced Head of Fire Safety to provide senior leadership, technical authority, and strategic direction across Sodexo UK & Ireland. In this pivotal role, you will shape and drive a resilient, compliant, and future‑focused fire safety framework that meets the expectations of regulators, insurers, clients, and our own internal standards. You will lead the development and delivery of the UK&I fire safety strategy, strengthening governance, competency, and assurance across our operations. As the organisation’s fire safety authority, you’ll play a critical role in enhancing Sodexo’s Fire Safety Operating Model while maintaining key external relationships — including our partnership with the Primary Authority. This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives on influencing at scale, setting strategic direction, and ensuring excellence in safety across a diverse and complex portfolio.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Lead and implement the UK&I fire safety strategy and roadmap.
  • Own the fire safety governance model, including policies, standards, KPIs, and audits.
  • Ensure clarity of roles between duty holders, advisors, and contractors.
  • Define and maintain competency standards for all fire safety roles.
  • Provide authoritative technical support across high‑risk environments.
  • Oversee fire risk assessment frameworks, audits, compliance controls, and corrective actions.
  • Act as senior escalation point for the Fire Authorising Engineer and Fire Safety Advisors.
  • Support mobilisation, bids, PFI handbacks, and operational transitions.
  • Maintain strategic relationships with the Primary Authority, regulators, insurers, and industry bodies.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Chartered or senior‑level Fire Safety professional.
  • Extensive experience in high‑risk, complex, regulated environments.
  • Deep knowledge of UK fire legislation and Irish frameworks.
  • Proven experience in governance, assurance, and risk management.
  • Strong influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to interpret complex technical and operational issues.

Package Description: Up to £90,000. Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company: At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Head of Fire Safety in Manchester employer: Sodexo Ltd

Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture where you can thrive in your own way. With a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands, and a 24/7 employee assistance programme, Sodexo ensures that you are supported both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping a safer future while being part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your unique contributions.
S

Contact Detail:

Sodexo Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Fire Safety in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend fire safety events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its fire safety strategies. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can elevate their fire safety framework!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in high-risk environments and how you’ve influenced safety standards. We believe that confidence is key when showcasing your skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our mission of creating a better everyday for everyone.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fire Safety in Manchester

Fire Safety Governance
UK Fire Legislation Knowledge
Irish Fire Framework Knowledge
Risk Management
Stakeholder Management
Technical Authority in Fire Safety
Audit and Compliance Controls
Influencing Skills
Communication Skills
Strategic Direction Setting
High-Risk Environment Experience
Competency Standards Development
Fire Risk Assessment Frameworks
Operational Transition Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fire safety and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires deep knowledge of UK fire legislation and risk management, be sure to include specific examples of how you've navigated complex regulatory environments. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Fire Safety, you’ll need to influence and lead teams effectively. Share instances where you’ve successfully led projects or initiatives, and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders. We’re all about impactful leadership!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Ltd

✨Know Your Fire Safety Legislation

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK fire legislation and Irish frameworks. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to lead and implement the fire safety strategy effectively.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects in high-risk environments. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic direction, as this is crucial for the Head of Fire Safety position.

✨Showcase Your Technical Authority

Be ready to discuss your technical expertise in fire safety governance, risk management, and compliance controls. Bring along any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your authority in these areas, as it will reinforce your capability to oversee fire risk assessments and audits.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

Since this role involves maintaining strategic relationships with various stakeholders, practice building rapport during the interview. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current fire safety challenges and how you can contribute to solving them.

Head of Fire Safety in Manchester
Sodexo Ltd
Location: Manchester

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

S
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>