Project Manager - Fire Protection

Perm Team; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Perm Team is seeking a Project Manager – Fire Protection to lead commercial wet fire projects across Melbourne and surrounding sites. You will oversee site teams, sprinkler fitters, and coordinators, ensuring on‑time delivery, safety compliance, and budget adherence.

You will manage client and contractor relationships, coordinate procurement, and drive productivity while maintaining high-quality workmanship in line with Australian Standards and NCC requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering commercial wet fire protection projects.
• Strong knowledge of fire sprinkler/wet fire systems and services coordination.
• Proven ability to lead site teams and manage directly employed trades.
• Experience in budget control, variations, and progress claims.
• Excellent relationships with Tier 1/2 builders and consultants.
• Solid understanding of Australian Standards, NCC and WHS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage commercial wet fire projects from handover to completion.
• Maintain regular onsite supervision of site teams and trades.
• Conduct regular site inspections and rectify defects.
• Oversee budget, procurement, and progress claims.
• Develop delivery plans, labour forecasts and milestones.
• Coordinate material procurement and long-lead items.
• Liaise with builders, consultants and trade partners to resolve issues.

Skills

Project management

Fire protection knowledge

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

AS/NCC compliance

Education

Trade/Construction qualifications

Construction Management qualifications

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.

In return, we ask that you show commitment, honesty, and integrity while working on-site for JV.