At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in developing innovative fire safety strategies for diverse projects.
- Company: Join Sweco, a forward-thinking company tackling societal challenges with expert teams.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society while advancing your career in fire engineering.
- Qualifications: Extensive fire safety engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.
About Us
Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.
Our Fire Safety Engineering team at Sweco have a core objective to provide strategic fire safety advice and develop fire safety strategies that satisfy the functional requirements of the building regulations, providing solutions that represent a mix of best-practice, expert judgement and innovative fire engineering technologies. We pride ourselves on our quality and technical expertise that underpins our full suite of Fire services, our approach is to listen and engage with our clients to anticipate the regulatory issues that will need resolving and work in partnership to deliver a successful project.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Director to join our Fire Engineering team within our Building Standards Division in London. This role offers flexible working, with a mix of office, home-based and on-site working (minimum 3 days per week in the office/on site), along with the option to adjust start and finish times.
Our Fire Engineering teams provide clients with cost-effective, tailored fire safety solutions across a wide range of sectors, supporting projects from concept through to completion.
The role
As Technical Director, you will work across a diverse portfolio of projects as part of a wider UK-based team, with opportunities to collaborate across Sweco business areas and on international projects. You will also lead and support a team of Fire Engineers, including Graduates and Apprentices. This role would suit an individual with significant design consultancy experience, a recognised fire safety engineering qualification, and a strong track record of delivering projects through design, construction and completion. You will be part of a wider technical excellence team, with a focus on technical oversight and project delivery. However, candidates with strong business acumen and line management experience are also encouraged to apply.
Key responsibilities
- Developing Fire Safety Strategies during design and construction stages
- Preparing technical engineering analysis using relevant guidance, including prescriptive and performance-based methods
- Managing a team of Fire Engineers
- Carrying out site visits as required
- Attending internal and external meetings
- Preparing fee proposals
- Supporting the team in developing technical knowledge
- Overseeing and managing projects from inception to completion
- Liaising with clients on a daily basis
- Reviewing and authorising the work of others
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Extensive experience in a similar fire safety engineering role
- A strong background in fire safety engineering, with an excellent understanding of fire-engineered solutions
- Strong problem-solving and contingency planning skills, with the ability to find practical, innovative solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style to different audiences
- Strong consultancy, communication and relationship management skills
- Experience delivering work across a multi-site organisation
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Fire Engineering
- Full membership of the IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers), with chartership achieved or working towards chartership via the IFE
What's in it for you?
Working for Sweco you’ll experience an inclusive, friendly and flexible working environment where colleagues are encouraged to grow and develop together. A meaningful career where you’ll help to transform society by being a trusted consultant to our clients. As part of our Building Standards Fire division, and the wider teams, you'll work to maintain the highest standards alongside a team of innovators in a variety of projects, with regular training and bitesized learning opportunities. We're committed to enabling all our colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible and hybrid working, to ensure we have a healthy work/life balance, and ask our employees to have an office or site presence on an average of three days a week.
If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.
Employee Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
- Competitive pension contribution
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance (including family cover)
- Company car or car allowance
- Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
- Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
- Cycle2Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
- Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
- Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
- We plant a tree for all new starters!
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone. Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Technical Director - Fire Engineering in London employer: Sweco UK Ltd
At Sweco, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the design and engineering sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and commitment to employee development ensure that our Principal Hydrogeologists thrive both professionally and personally. With exciting projects in groundwater resources and a strong focus on sustainability, joining our Leeds team means contributing to meaningful work while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director - Fire Engineering in London
✨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 Sweco UK Ltd 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 Sweco UK Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director - Fire Engineering in London
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 Sweco UK Ltd 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 Sweco UK Ltd 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 Sweco UK Ltd
✨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 Sweco UK Ltd. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
