Head of Fire Engineering

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a senior fire engineering professional to establish and lead a new Fire Engineering division. This role involves business development, managing a high-performing team, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. The ideal candidate should have significant experience and a technical background in fire protection, along with strong leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Profit share bonus (tax-free up to £3,600 annually)

Private medical insurance

Enhanced pension

Death in service cover

25 days holiday

Paid volunteer day

Flexible working options

Employee-owned business

Qualifications

• Chartered or senior-level fire engineer with at least 10 years’ experience.
• Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Establishing and leading the new Fire Engineering division.
• Delivering complex projects across infrastructure, commercial, and residential sectors.
• Taking on Principal Designer responsibility under the Building Safety Act.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in fire protection

Client engagement

Collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Excellent communication skills

Education

BEng or BSc in engineering (mechanical, structural or building services)

MSc in Fire Engineering (preferred)

Job description

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Ignite your next chapter. Shape the future of fire safety!

Kilnbridge Design & Engineering is strengthening its in-house capability by appointing a senior fire engineering professional to lead and grow a specialist discipline within our established design and engineering business.

This is a rare chance to define a new service line within one of the UK’s most respected engineering groups, backed by serious investment, industry reputation and clear executive support.

You’ll be the driving force behind a new and improved offering, supporting Kilnbridge’s Fire Protection business and taking on Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act. You’ll lead on strategy, delivery, client engagement and team growth, with the freedom to shape something lasting and impactful.

What you'll be doing

• Establishing and leading the new Fire Engineering division
• Acting as the go-to technical authority across all fire-related matters
• Supporting Fire Protection projects from early-stage design to delivery
• Taking on Principal Designer responsibility under the Building Safety Act
• Leading business development and client relationships
• Recruiting and managing a high-performing engineering team
• Delivering complex projects across infrastructure, commercial and residential sectors

What we're looking for

• Chartered or senior-level fire engineer with at least 10 years’ experience
• Strong technical background in passive fire protection, risk assessment and remedial design
• Proven leadership in client-facing roles, with a commercial mindset and growth focus
• BEng or BSc in engineering (mechanical, structural or building services), MSc in Fire Engineering preferred
• Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers
• Confident, collaborative and entrepreneurial with excellent communication skills
• Profit share bonus (tax-free up to £3,600 annually)
• Private medical insurance, enhanced pension and death in service cover
• 25 days holiday, paid volunteer day and flexible working options
• Employee-owned business with a track record of internal progression
• Exciting projects across infrastructure, mission-critical environments and the built environment
• High-performing, values-led culture with serious ambition

Shortlisted candidates will follow a three-stage interview process, including behavioural profiling and a short presentation. We provide feedback to all interviewed candidates.

This is your chance to shape a national fire engineering capability, deliver impact at scale and grow something of your own, with the full backing of Kilnbridge.