Project Manager - Fire Protection

JV Recruitment Pty; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JV Recruitment Pty is seeking a Project Manager to lead commercial wet fire protection projects across Melbourne, overseeing site teams, sprinkler fitters, and coordinators to ensure delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong knowledge of AS fire protection standards and NCC requirements, and proven experience in budget control, labour management, and stakeholder engagement with Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders.

Qualifications

• Experience managing commercial construction projects, preferably wet fire protection.
• Strong technical knowledge of fire sprinkler and wet fire systems and services coordination.
• Proven leadership of site teams and direct trades.
• Experience in budget management, labour control, variations, and progress claims.
• Excellent relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders and consultants.
• Understanding of Australian Standards, NCC, and WHS compliance.
• Relevant trade qualifications or Construction Management experience.
• Valid driver’s license and proactive management style.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial wet fire projects from handover to commissioning and completion.
• Maintain strong onsite presence supervising site teams and apprentices.
• Conduct site inspections to monitor workmanship and rectify defects.
• Oversee budget, variations, forecasts, and progress claims.
• Develop and track delivery plans, labour forecasts, procurement schedules, and milestones.
• Ensure WHS compliance and alignment with AS standards and NCC requirements.
• Coordinate material procurement and long-lead items to prevent delays.
• Liaise with Tier 1/2 builders, consultants, and trades to resolve site issues.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, and handover documentation.

Skills

Project management

Budget control

Labour productivity

Site leadership

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

Project Manager - Fire Protection

Salary: $150,000 - $170,000 (Depending on Experience)

Location: North-West Suburbs Office & Melbourne Project Sites

Contract: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a driven and experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of commercial wet fire projects across Melbourne. Reporting directly to the Director and overseeing site team leaders, sprinkler fitters, and project coordinators, you will take ownership of project delivery safely, efficiently, on programme, and within budget. This role requires an active, hands-on presence across project sites to supervise installation teams, drive labour productivity, review workmanship, and ensure strict compliance with Australian Standards. Acting as the primary liaison between Fireline, builders, and site stakeholders, you will build strong working relationships while actively protecting the company's commercial and operational interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage commercial wet fire projects from initial handover through to construction, commissioning, and final completion.
• Maintain a strong, regular onsite presence, supervising site teams, charge hands, sprinkler fitters, and apprentices to ensure high quality and productivity.
• Conduct regular site inspections to assess installation quality, monitor pipework/equipment, and rectify defects early.
• Oversee commercial and financial management, including budget monitoring, variation pricing/submission, cost-to-complete forecasts, and progress claims.
• Develop and track project delivery plans, labour forecasts, procurement schedules, and key construction milestones.
• Strictly manage high-risk activities, workplace health & safety (WHS), safe work practices, and compliance with AS fire protection standards and NCC requirements.
• Coordinate material procurement, long-lead items, and equipment deliveries to eliminate downtime and project delays.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders, consultants, and trade partners to build collaborative relationships and resolve site issues.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, as-built documentation, and seamless final handover to the client.

Required Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated experience managing commercial construction projects, preferably within wet fire protection services (high-rise residential, commercial, or industrial developments).
• Sound technical knowledge of fire sprinkler and associated wet fire system installations, including drawing interpretation and services coordination.
• Strong track record in site leadership, direct trade supervision, and managing directly employed trade teams.
• Proven commercial acumen with hands-on experience in budget management, labour control, variations, and progress claims.
• Excellent ability to build and maintain strong relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders, site managers, and consultants.
• Solid understanding of relevant Australian Standards, NCC requirements, and WHS compliance.
• Relevant trade qualifications, Construction Management qualifications, or equivalent industry experience.
• Valid driver's licence and a proactive, accountable management style.