Senior Fire Safety Engineer - Durham

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a Senior Fire Safety Engineer to apply advanced fire engineering principles in building design across its estate. This role involves providing technical delivery of fire safety services and leading a team to ensure compliance with relevant standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fire dynamics, fire safety consultancy, and policy development, contributing to the future of fire safety within the university.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in fire dynamics and delivering fire engineering consultancy across complex projects.
• Expertise in fire protection systems and occupancy levels.
• Ability to lead a team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Fire dynamics

Fire safety services delivery

Policy development

Operational oversight

Job description

Senior Fire Safety Engineer - Durham

Job Title: Senior Fire Safety Engineer

Department Estates and Facilities Directorate

Business and Campus Services

Grade: Grade 8

Salary range: £47,389-£56,535

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.

What you need to submit

• A CV
• A supporting statement which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.