Expert Witness - Fire Engineering

North-Gate; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus incentives

Job summary

North Gate is seeking a Technical Director – Expert Witness (Fire Engineering) in London. The role combines high-level fire engineering leadership with forensic investigation, expert reporting and dispute resolution in a growing forensic services practice.

You will lead investigations, review complex fire strategies and designs, and provide independent opinions for litigation and arbitration, while mentoring teams and developing client relationships to grow the practice.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
• Substantial experience leading fire engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead fire engineering investigations and provide independent technical advice on complex disputes.
• Examine fire strategies, design decisions and performance of fire safety measures.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, calculations and project records to establish what happened and why.
• Prepare expert reports for litigation, arbitration and other dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with architects, structures and MEP specialists to address cross-disciplinary issues.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to the growth of the fire engineering practice.

Skills

Expert witness experience

Fire engineering leadership

Client relationship management

Technical report writing

Clear communication

Education

Chartered Engineer

Degree in Fire Engineering

Specialist qualifications

Job description

Technical Director – Expert Witness (Fire Engineering)

£125,000 to £155,000 Basic Salary

Bonus, Incentives and Benefits

London, UK

Bring your technical expertise to the disputes that matter.

North Gate is supporting a growing forensic services consultancy building its presence in the technical dispute and expert witness market. The business advises solicitors and construction stakeholders on complex design and construction disputes, combining technical depth with clear, independent analysis.

With Architectural, Structural and MEP experts already in place, the consultancy now seeks a senior Fire Engineering professional to help develop its multidisciplinary offering.

You may already be an established expert witness, or an accomplished fire engineering leader looking to apply your experience in forensic investigation and litigation support. Either way, this is an opportunity to take a leading role in a business where your expertise, judgement and contribution will be valued.

The Role

• Lead fire engineering investigations and provide independent technical advice on complex construction disputes.
• Examine fire strategies, design decisions, construction defects and the performance of fire safety measures.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, calculations, site evidence and project records to establish what happened, why it happened and its technical implications.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned expert reports for litigation, arbitration and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Work alongside architectural, structural, façade and MEP specialists to assess issues that cross disciplinary boundaries.
• Develop relationships with solicitors and clients, secure new instructions and help shape the growth of the fire engineering practice.
• Build your expert witness profile with mentoring and professional development tailored to your experience.

The Requirement

We are looking for a technically accomplished fire engineer who combines practical project experience with an enquiring mind and the confidence to form and explain an independent opinion.

Experience as a named Expert Witness, particularly giving evidence, would be highly valued. However, we also welcome senior professionals with strong investigative experience who are ready to develop their expert witness careers.

You should bring:

• Chartered Engineer status, ideally through the Institution of Fire Engineers or another relevant professional institution.
• A degree in fire engineering or a related discipline, ideally supported by further specialist qualifications.
• Substantial experience leading fire engineering projects, technical teams and client relationships.
• Strong knowledge of fire strategies, means of escape, compartmentation, structural fire protection and active and passive fire safety systems.
• Experience investigating alleged deficiencies in design, specification, installation or maintenance.
• The ability to scrutinise fire engineering calculations, modelling assumptions and the evidence underpinning technical decisions.
• A sound understanding of relevant Building Regulations, guidance and standards, including those applicable when a building was designed and constructed.
• Experience of external wall fire performance and the interface between fire engineering and façade design would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with construction contracts, professional appointments and the responsibilities of project participants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex technical matters understandable.
• An interest in construction law and an understanding of the independence and duties required of an expert witness.

The Opportunity

Join a growing consultancy where you can help shape the fire engineering offering, work closely with experienced experts and develop a practice around your technical strengths.

The business is led by a committed team seeking someone who shares their ambition for rigorous analysis, clear advice and a collaborative approach to resolving complex disputes.

All conversations and expressions of interest will be treated with the utmost discretion.

Please contact Barry Haylett for a confidential discussion about the organisation and opportunity