Associate Director – Fire & Life Safety

Our client is a global leader in the construction industry that prides itself in creating sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to design, deliver and operate the most complex projects. With offices around the world, the client connects people, technology and data to shape the future of the industry and the built environment around us. Covering everything from blueprint to delivery, across the entire lifespan of a project, our client consistently delivers smoother, smarter and more efficient experiences, that don’t just embrace change, but drive it.

They are looking for an Associate Director for Fire & Life Safety. You will play a crucial role in leading and managing our team of experts, driving innovative design solutions, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and functionality in all our projects. You will work closely with clients, architects, and other stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge designs and provide technical leadership to the team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Leadership:
   Lead and mentor a team of engineers and designers in the Fire & Life Safety discipline within the Specialist Services team. Provide technical guidance, oversee project execution, and ensure adherence to industry standards and best practices.
2. Project Management:
   Take ownership of multiple projects simultaneously, from conception to completion. Develop project scopes, budgets, and timelines, and ensure successful project delivery within these constraints.
3. Client Engagement:
   Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor. Collaborate with clients to understand their needs, propose innovative solutions, and manage client expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
4. Drive Design Excellence:
   Drive design excellence and innovation within the FSL discipline. Ensure that designs meet regulatory requirements while integrating sustainability and energy efficiency principles.
5. Risk Assessment:
   Conduct thorough risk assessments for projects, identifying potential hazards and developing mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of occupants and assets. Stay updated on local, national, and international building codes and regulations related to FSL. Ensure that all projects adhere to these codes.
6. Quality Control:
   Implement rigorous quality control processes to ensure the accuracy and completeness of design deliverables. Review and approve project documents to maintain consistency and quality.
7. Collaboration:
   Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including architects, structural engineers, and project managers, to ensure seamless project integration.
8. Training and Development:
   Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team. Identify training needs and provide opportunities for skill development.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering from a recognised University; Master’s degree preferred.
2. 20+ years’ experience including mega projects.
3. The ability to think laterally and possess a sound understanding of engineering principles. Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and will be able to build and develop relationships, both internally and externally.
4. Exceptional leadership and project management skills.
5. Previous experience of leading multi-disciplinary design teams and responsibilities for budgets and programming.
6. Strong knowledge of relevant building codes and regulations.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools.
9. Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive design excellence.