Head of Technical - Fire, Acoustic & Thermal - Building Envelope (5449)

SRS Recruitment Solutions; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading solutions provider is looking for a Head of Technical to oversee the technical function in Essex, Suffolk. The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in passive fire protection and acoustic insulation, alongside a minimum of 10 years' experience in a technical manufacturing role. This role involves managing a team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting new product development. A strong commercial mindset and leadership skills are essential, alongside excellent communication and analytical abilities.

Benefits

Excellent salary

Car or car allowance

Private Healthcare

Bonus package

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a technical role within manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of fire and acoustic materials.
• Expert understanding of building regulations and certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the technical team in the Essex, Suffolk area.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of technical documentation.
• Support new business through material specification and selection.

Skills

Strong business acumen

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong organisational and planning skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree-level education in a relevant discipline

Tools

CAD

Job description

Vacancy No 5449

Vacancy Title Head of Technical

Location Essex, Suffolk

Vacancy Description

HEAD OF TECHNICAL

Our client is a global leader in Fire, Acoustic, and Thermal solutions, making buildings safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With over 50 years of innovation, they deliver cutting‑edge insulation and fire‑stop systems that protect people and transform spaces. Join their team and work on projects that truly make a difference while growing your skills in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment.

We’re seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead and grow our technical function, based in the Essex, Suffolk area. (some hybrid).

This role is ideal for someone with a strong technical background in passive fire protection and acoustic insulation, combined with a commercial mindset and hands‑on experience within internal fit‑out environments.

You’ll play a key role in bridging technical excellence with commercial success — supporting specifications, advising customers, developing solutions, and working closely with sales and operations to help win and deliver projects. As a technical leader, you’ll also drive product development, ensure compliance, and mentor a growing technical team.

If you’re confident operating at the intersection of regulation, performance, and commercial reality, and you’re ready to make a visible impact within a growing business, we’d like to hear from you.

Purpose of the Position

• Full management of the technical offering, processes, budget, and team
• Promotion of company growth through technical development and services
• Provision of proactive technical support and training to sales teams and customers
• Management of New Product Development (NPD) projects
• Development of technical and marketing documentation
• Management of technical files and CRM engagement
• Continuous improvement of product range and technical offering

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support

• Support new business through material specification, selection, and performance assessment
• Provide technical support to customers and internal teams
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of technical documentation
• Log and manage technical cases within CRM

Technical Development

• Manage technical development projects including sourcing, trials, testing, and certification
• Project management of bespoke solutions
• Maintain and update technical files and technical data sheets
• Support creation of marketing collateral
• Manage introduction of new products

Governance

• Ensure understanding and compliance with sector and regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and data flows
• Act as an ambassador for the business internally and externally

Management & Reporting

• Manage and develop the technical team including reviews and development plans
• Monthly reporting on activity, budgets, and progress

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree‑level education in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a technical role within manufacturing
• Expert knowledge of fire and acoustic materials
• Expert understanding of building regulations and certification
• Advanced CAD and engineering capability
• Experience managing NPD processes and lean methodologies
• Experience managing budgets and teams

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong business acumen
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to quality and compliance
• Strong achievement orientation
• Ability to hold others accountable
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
• High level of self‑confidence and professionalism

Compensation Package

• Excellent salary
• Car or car allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Bonus package