Senior Fire Safety Engineer

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the North East of England is seeking a Senior Fire Safety Engineer to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and lead a team of experts. The role involves applying fire engineering principles in the design and assessment of buildings and providing strategic oversight on fire safety projects. Extensive experience in fire dynamics and consultancy is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in fire dynamics and delivering fire engineering consultancy.
• Ability to assess and design fire safety systems.
• Proven track record in leading a team and developing fire safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced fire engineering principles in the design and assessment of buildings.
• Lead the Fire Safety team and provide strategic direction.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and institutional standards.

Skills

Fire safety consultancy

Fire dynamics

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Fire Engineering or related field

Job description

The Role and Department

As Senior Fire Safety Engineer, you will be responsible for applying advanced fire engineering principles in the design and assessment of buildings across a diverse estate. This includes the technical delivery of fire safety services, design and drawing appraisals, and ensuring compliance with Approved Document B, BS9999, BS9991 or performance-based fire engineering solutions. You will provide expert advice on a wide range of fire safety issues such as compartmentation, passive and active fire protection systems, occupancy levels, fire escape strategies, emergency lighting, alarms, fire suppression systems, fire-fighting equipment, and specialist systems. You will also assess fire safety arrangements for disabled occupants, fire appliance access, and construction-phase fire safety. You will produce and review Fire Safety Manuals and provide technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.Extensive experience in fire dynamics and delivering fire engineering consultancy across complex projects is essential.

In addition to technical expertise, you will lead the Fire Safety team, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and professional development, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will also be required to lead on policy development, internal governance, and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and institutional standards. By promoting a deep understanding of fire safety policy and external developments, you will play a key role in shaping the future of fire safety provision within the University.

The Estates and Facilities Directorate provides essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the various campuses.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.