Fire Safety Manager - Stonegate Company Ltd in Solihull

About Us

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late‑night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.

Purpose of the Role

The ideal candidate will have a progressive career within the fire service, culminating in a leadership role (e.g., Watch Commander) with commercial experience gained in the Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities sector. As the Fire Safety Manager, the role is the Fire Safety conscience for Stonegate, making recommendations that are legally compliant and financially astute in line with our “We invest wisely” value. Stonegate Group operates three Business Models: Managed, Craft Union/Operator, and Pub Partners/Leased and Tenanted. The primary focus areas across each Business Model are:

• Regulatory compliance
• Authority interface
• Technical oversight

Direct experience of one or more business models is advantageous, but the ability to differentiate between each model is vital to provide proportionate support. Finding the right balance between reactive (investigating fires) and proactive (championing preventative measures) is crucial when managing a heavy workload in a fast‑moving, ever‑changing environment. Nationwide travel and overnight stays are required; the Fire Safety Manager manages their calendar, responding to serious fires as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee statutory fire compliance, include Planned Maintenance Visits, and work closely with the Head of Compliance (Property).
• Act as Subject Matter Expert and provide technical advice to contractors and facility managers.
• Manage the statutory notice tracker to ensure notices are dealt with timely, cost‑effective, safe, and legal, limiting pub closures and avoiding prosecution.
• Lead development and maintenance of a Fire Safety dashboard as part of a risk‑based approach, collating and analysing data from fire risk assessments (FRAs), NSF (third‑party auditor), area/regional manager checks, late‑night audits, statutory notices, and previous fires/near‑misses.
• Serve as Fire Safety conscience and primary contact across all three business models, informing the company of changing legislation or safety trends.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Progressive fire service career with commercial experience as a Fire Safety Manager in Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities.
• SFJ Level 3 certificate in fire safety or equivalent; Level 4 diploma in fire safety for complex premises, including licensed premises, BS 9999, and Building Regulations.
• Affiliation with an accredited, industry‑recognised safety body.
• Balanced, proactive attitude focused on results and continuous improvement.
• Strong networking skills with Enforcing authorities, third parties, and Primary Authority.
• Project management experience, leading and supporting value‑adding and cost‑benefit projects (e.g., low‑cost capacity opportunities).
• Strong communication at all levels—pub teams, managers, operators, publicans, departmental colleagues, leadership team, and board members.
• Administrative support for “self‑serve” methodology, prioritising workload using an Eisenhower Matrix.
• Experience auditing and assessing fire risk in simple and complex premises.
• Experience compiling case files and providing expert witness statements under the Fire Safety Order.
• Experience advising on architects’/building plans with project managers.
• Experience writing technical documents—specifications and standards related to fire safety systems.
• Current driving licence; national travel required.

Benefits

At Stonegate, we believe that when you feel your best, you do your best. We support the health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of every team member with lifestyle perks, flexible support, and mental health resources.

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days each year.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance through Vitality.
• Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance.
• Reward Card via the MiXR app, offering you and your friends 25% off food and drinks and VIP entry across our Managed Estate.
• Life Assurance with access to Help @ Hand.
• Early payment via Stream.
• The Stonegate Xtra portal with a wide range of high‑street discounts and offers.
• Discounted access to David Lloyd membership.
• Award‑winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career.

If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids, or adaptations can be put in place to assist you.