Fire Safety Leader for Hospitality & Retail

Stonegate Group is the UK's largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld. 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

As the Fire Safety Manager, 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 conscience for Stonegate, the Fire Safety Manager will regularly be asked to make Fire Safety recommendations that are both legally compliant and financially astute in line with our ‘We invest wisely’ company value.

Stonegate Group operates three Business Models: Managed, Craft Union/Operator model, and Pub Partners/Leased and Tenanted. The primary focus areas across each Business Model are:

• Regulatory compliance
• Authority interface
• Technical oversight

While direct experience of one or more of our business models would be advantageous, the ability to differentiate between each model is vital to ensure a proportionate level of support. Finding the right balance between reactive (investigating fires) and proactive (championing preventative measures) is crucial when managing a heavy workload and working in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment. Nationwide travel and overnight stays will be required; the Fire Safety Manager is responsible for managing their calendar apart from responding immediately to serious fires.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee statutory fire compliance, including Planned Maintenance Visits, and work closely with Head of Compliance (Property).
• Act as Subject Matter Expert and provide technical advice to contractors and facilities managers.
• Manage statutory notice tracker to ensure all statutory notices are dealt with timely, cost‑effective, safe and legally, while limiting pub closure and avoiding prosecution.
• Lead on developing and maintaining Fire Safety dashboard, as part of a risk‑based approach, including data collation and analysis from fire risk assessments (FRAs), NSF (third‑party auditor), Area/Regional Manager checks, late‑night audits, statutory notices and previous fires/significant near misses.
• Act as Fire Safety conscience and primary contact across all three business models, informing the company of any changing legislation or fire safety trends.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Progressive fire service career with commercial experience, ideally 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, BS9999 and Building Regulations.
• Affiliation with an accredited industry‑recognised safety body.
• Balanced, considered approach with a can‑do attitude, committed to delivering results and continuous improvement.
• Strong networking skills, particularly with enforcing authorities, third parties and Primary Authority.
• Project Management – lead and support value‑adding and cost‑benefit projects.
• Ability to communicate at all levels, from pub teams and managers to operators, publicans, departmental colleagues, leadership team and board members.
• Administration – support a “self‑serve” methodology, prioritise workload using an Eisenhower Matrix.
• Experience in auditing and assessing fire risk in simple and complex premises.
• Experience in compiling case files and providing expert witness statements under the Fire Safety Order.
• Experience assessing and advising on architects/building plans with project managers.
• Experience writing technical documents (specs and standards) relating to fire safety systems.
• Current driving licence; national travel required.

What makes Stonegate a great place to work?

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 annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and the option to purchase up to 5 additional days each year.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Access to discounted private medical insurance through Vitality.
• Exclusive discounts on dental insurance.
• Reward Card via the MiXR app – 25% off food and drinks, VIP entry across our Managed Estate.
• Life Assurance, access to Help @ Hand.
• Pay early via Stream.
• The Stonegate Xtra portal with high‑street discounts and offers.
• Discounted 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 to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance. You can contact us at hrsupport@stonegategroup.co.uk.