Head of Product & Technical (Fire Systems)

Cento; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cento seeks a Head of Product & Technical (Fire Systems) to lead certification schemes, shape industry standards and drive market engagement. The role combines deep fire systems expertise with strategic governance and an emphasis on auditor development and stakeholder collaboration.

You will work with fire contractors, insurers and industry bodies to grow nationally recognised schemes, while ensuring technical accuracy and regulatory compliance across activities.

Qualifications

• Strong practical knowledge of the UK fire systems sector, including relevant standards, legislation and certification requirements.
• Excellent understanding of fire detection, alarm and life safety systems.
• Experience working with third-party certification schemes and industry standards.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Fire Systems Scheme Leadership & Technical Governance: lead and manage fire systems certification schemes with technical accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee scheme documentation, audit criteria and guidance materials.
• Drive technical consistency, auditor calibration and competence across certification activities.
• Fire Risk Assessment Scheme Support: act as deputy technical lead for FRA schemes and support accreditation activities.
• Business Development & Sector Growth: develop strategic plans and build relationships to grow certification services.
• Marketing & Industry Engagement: create technical content and thought leadership to raise visibility.

Skills

Fire systems knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Auditor coordination

Presentation skills

CPD & training

Job description

Location: UK Wide (with travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading UK certification and compliance organisation to recruit an experienced Head of Product & Technical (Fire Systems). This is a highly influential role responsible for the technical leadership, governance, development and growth of nationally recognised fire systems certification schemes.

The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise within the fire systems sector with strong commercial awareness, helping to shape industry standards, support accredited certification activities and drive market engagement. Acting as both a technical authority and industry ambassador, you will work closely with stakeholders across the fire safety community, supporting scheme development, auditor competency and business growth initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a fire industry professional looking to step into a strategic leadership position with significant visibility and influence across the sector.

Key Responsibilities

Fire Systems Scheme Leadership & Technical Governance

• Lead and manage fire systems certification schemes, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance and ongoing relevance.
• Maintain expert knowledge of applicable standards, legislation, codes of practice and third-party certification requirements, including BAFE schemes.
• Oversee scheme documentation, audit criteria, guidance materials and technical communications.
• Monitor regulatory and industry developments, assessing impacts and implementing necessary changes.
• Provide technical support and guidance to auditors, customers, stakeholders and internal teams.
• Support technical reviews, complaints, appeals and accreditation activities.
• Drive technical consistency, auditor calibration and competence across certification activities.

Fire Risk Assessment Scheme Support

• Act as deputy technical lead for Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) certification schemes when required.
• Provide support for technical enquiries, reviews, complaints and accreditation activities.
• Maintain continuity of service and technical oversight during periods of absence or increased demand.
• Collaborate closely with scheme stakeholders to ensure effective governance and service delivery.

Business Development & Sector Growth

• Develop and deliver strategic plans to support growth across fire systems certification services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with fire contractors, consultants, insurers, manufacturers, specifiers and industry bodies.
• Generate and develop opportunities that contribute to increased applications, approvals and market engagement.
• Provide market intelligence and industry insight to support future service development and positioning.
• Support customer acquisition activities through technical credibility and sector expertise.

Marketing & Industry Engagement

• Work alongside marketing teams to create technical content, campaigns and industry communications.
• Contribute to webinars, presentations, case studies, articles and thought leadership initiatives.
• Act as a recognised industry representative, promoting certification best practice and technical excellence.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities to enhance visibility and market awareness.

Events, Committees & Professional Representation

• Represent the organisation at exhibitions, conferences, seminars and industry forums.
• Deliver presentations and technical briefings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Participate in relevant industry committees, working groups and stakeholder forums.
• Develop valuable industry relationships that support both technical and commercial objectives.

Auditor Development & Delivery

• Complete auditor authorisation requirements for relevant fire systems schemes.
• Undertake a minimum of 20 audit days annually once authorised.
• Maintain professional competence through ongoing CPD and industry engagement.
• Use operational audit experience to support continuous improvement across schemes and services.

Essential Skills & Experience Required

• Strong practical knowledge of the UK fire systems sector, including relevant standards, legislation and certification requirements.
• Excellent understanding of fire detection, alarm and life safety systems.
• Experience working with third-party certification schemes and industry standards.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience supporting business development, market growth or client engagement activities.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to simplify complex technical information for varied audiences.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and technical documentation.
• High levels of professionalism, judgement and integrity.
• Willingness to train and qualify as an auditor if not already authorised.

Desirable

• Knowledge of BAFE certification schemes.
• Experience within UKAS-accredited certification, inspection or auditing environments.
• Previous auditor experience within fire, compliance or management systems disciplines.
• Knowledge of Fire Risk Assessment certification schemes.
• Experience delivering technical training, webinars or conference presentations.
• Relevant fire engineering, auditing or technical qualifications.
• Active involvement with professional bodies, industry committees or working groups.