Head of Building and Fire Safety

Shirley Parsons; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist in student accommodation infrastructure is seeking a Head of Fire and Building Safety to oversee a comprehensive safety program across a national property portfolio. The successful candidate will manage compliance, lead a team of specialists, and liaise with regulatory bodies. Responsibilities include delivering the strategic plan, conducting fire risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to building regulations. Strong leadership and communication skills, along with relevant qualifications, are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing fire and building safety compliance in complex property environments.
• Strong knowledge of current legislation, British Standards and building regulations.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver the Fire and Building Safety strategic plan across all premises.
• Oversee Building Safety Case Reports for higher-risk buildings.
• Lead fire risk assessments, compliance audits and remediation works.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Compliance management

Fire risk assessments

Building regulations knowledge

Education

CIOB Level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management

Level 6 Certificate in Fire Safety

Job description

Head of Fire and Building Safety

We're excited to be partnering with a leading specialist in student accommodation infrastructure and services to appoint a Head of Fire and Building Safety. This pivotal role will lead the delivery of a comprehensive Fire and Building Safety Programme across a national property portfolio.

Reporting into the Director of Technical, Safety and Fire Services, you’ll act as the organisation’s subject matter expert on fire and building safety, setting strategic direction and overseeing critical compliance priorities. You will manage a specialist team and build strong relationships with regulatory bodies, external partners and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver the Fire and Building Safety strategic plan across all premises.
• Oversee Building Safety Case Reports for higher‑risk buildings and ensure robust control processes.
• Lead fire risk assessments, compliance audits and remediation works.
• Provide expert advice on regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Commission external works and liaise with statutory authorities and Primary Authority partners.
• Build fire safety awareness and capability across technical and operational teams.
• Manage and develop a team of specialists, ensuring competency and performance against KPIs.

What We're Looking For

• CIOB Level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management and Level 6 Certificate in Fire Safety (or equivalent).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Institute of Fire Engineers).
• Proven experience managing fire and building safety compliance in complex property environments.
• Strong knowledge of current legislation, British Standards and building regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.