Technical Director - Fire Engineering

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in London is seeking a Technical Director for its Fire Engineering team. This pivotal role involves leading fire strategy reviews, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring technical excellence in fire safety practices. The successful candidate will possess significant experience in fire engineering and demonstrate leadership in delivering high-quality services to clients.

Qualifications

• At least eight years’ experience in fire safety engineering.
• Strong knowledge of CFD modelling and smoke control management.
• Passionate about fire safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality fire engineering services, including third party reviews.
• Develop innovative solutions for enhancing safety and resilience.
• Mentor and guide staff, ensuring SOCOTEC policies are followed.

Skills

Fire Safety Engineering

CFD Modelling

Smoke Control Management

Organisational Skills

Self-Motivation

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering

Postgraduate fire engineering qualification

Full membership with the IFE

Chartership (CEng) with the IFE

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Bluebeam

Job description

Technical Director - Fire Engineering

In response to the expansion of our Fire Engineering team, we are seeking a Technical Director (Fire Engineering) to lead the review of all fire strategy reports, playing an integral part to our internal quality control process. This role is pivotal in ensuring the technical excellence and delivery of Fire Engineering services within our organisation.

In the realm of Fire Engineering, you will be at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to enhance safety and resilience. We are dedicated to creating advancements in Fire Safety Engineering that have a tangible impact on the protection of lives and properties.

General Responsibilities / Specific Duties

• Provide continuous high quality fire engineering services to our customers, including but not limited to Third party reviews and design verification
• Have a clear understanding of fire safety issues and provide well supported fire engineered solutions through the selection of appropriate methods and tools
• Be familiar with relevant legislation and design guidance such as Approved Document B (ADB), BS 9999, BS 9991 and BS 7974
• Work reliably, professionally and effectively with others (internally and externally), manage time effectively (including regularly filling in timesheets) and operate within the limits of competency
• Work within a team environment and be able to instruct (graduate) fire engineers and support staff in their work as well as to provide support to directors and associates, when required
• Provide support, supervision, training, mentoring and guidance to staff within their remit of control (i.e. Graduate Fire Engineer)
• Help to drive the technical development of the Fire Engineering team, working in cooperation with other Senior Engineers
• Ensure SOCOTEC systems and policies are followed and assist with the development and continued improvement of the these (e.g. internal procedures, templates, or similar)
• Ensure that records are maintained to determine that the company’s Quality Procedures, service levels and contractual requirements are being met
• Maintain and manage strong client relationships and identify business development opportunities
• Manage external collaborators working on SOCOTEC projects
• Contribute to sustainable development and the evolution of the fire engineering discipline
• Contribute to the development of the company so as to enhance its reputation by attending or organising conferences, panels, seminars, CPD sessions
• Undertake other duties within the competence of the post holder, as may be reasonably required from time to time
• Discharge professional duties with honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity
• Assist Director of Fire Engineering in making strategic decisions
• Contribute to and work within the allocated budget agreed with directors
• In conjunction with senior staff, be aware of all fee quotes issued, communicate regularly with all persons responsible and facilitate delegation where necessary
• Give external training and technical presentation to clients, students and other members of the industry
• Manage profits & losses for a business unit
• Be aware of the financial performance of the office and take responsibility for meeting targets
• Manage a team of fire engineers and carry out regular reviews

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering (mechanical, structural, civil or similar field)
• A postgraduate fire engineering qualification (certificate, diploma, masters, or PHD)
• Have achieved full membership with the IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• Chartership (CEng) with the IFE

Competencies

• At least eight years’ experience in fire safety engineering, preferably in the UK
• To be extremely passionate about fire safety
• Strong knowledge of CFD modelling and smoke control management
• Self-motivated, able to prioritise and work on own initiative, as well as following instructions and working as part of a team
• Numerate, and organised with attention to detail
• Professional appearance and behaviour
• Flexible and adaptable to meet customer needs and changing priorities
• Reliable, punctual, honest and trustworthy

Desirable

• Excellent computer skills, particularly with regards to Microsoft Word / Outlook and Bluebeam
• Strong experience in structural fire engineering, or external wall system testing, or Design and operation of healthcare facilities

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.