Fire Alarm Division Manager

Columbia Fire; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Fire in Seattle is seeking a Division Manager for Fire Alarm & Detection to lead the launch and growth of a new division. You will steer hands-on field activity, sales, and operational leadership, building a best‑in‑class team with strong partnerships and a focus on safety, quality, and customer outcomes.

The role requires 5+ years in fire alarm systems with design, installation, or project management, NICET II, plus relevant electrical licenses.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience with fire alarm systems (design, installation, sales, or project management).
• Experience in system layout and sales.
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting fire alarm systems.
• Strong initiative and results orientation with a focus on customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with NFPA codes, local jurisdictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience hiring, training, and leading technical staff.
• NICET II in Fire Alarm Systems (Level III preferred).
• Washington 01 General Electrical or 06 Limited Energy license.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow the division in Seattle, balancing field work and business development.
• Recruit and hire technicians to scale the division.
• Develop relationships with electrical contractors to grow service opportunities.
• Transition fire alarm work to Columbia Fire as a single-source service provider.
• Oversee projects from design through completion, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and customers for seamless execution.
• Hire and develop a Project Manager to support larger projects as the division scales.
• Prepare customer proposals and evaluate system designs; manage design outsourcing as needed.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards and local codes.
• Lead a high-performing, customer-focused team aligned with Columbia Fire’s core values.

Skills

Fire alarm systems

Sales & business development

Project management

Leadership

Programming & troubleshooting

NFPA codes knowledge

Staff hiring & mentorship

NICET II (Fire Alarm Systems)

Electrical licensing (WA 01 / 06)

Job description

Columbia Fire, LLC is a leading and growing fire protection company based in South Seattle, serving customers from Bellingham to Olympia with more than 70 dedicated team members. We are proud to be part of Columbia Safety Services, a family of fire protection companies united by a shared purpose: to protect lives and property through exceptional service, craftsmanship, and integrity.

At Columbia Fire, our people define who we are. We believe that lasting partnerships — with our customers, employees, and communities — are built on trust and performance. Guided by our core values of Customer Centricity, Effective Communication, Consistency, Initiative, and Trustworthiness, we strive every day to deliver safety you can depend on.

Position Summary

The Fire Alarm & Detection Division Manager will play a hands-on leadership role in launching and growing Columbia Fire’s Alarm & Detection Division in Seattle. This is an entrepreneurial leadership position that combines technical expertise, sales drive, operational oversight, and team leadership.

You’ll take ownership of building this division into a best-in‑class operation — with the full support of our management team and our Edwards Strategic Partnership. The division is active, with backlog on the books, one full‑time technician currently at capacity, and a need to expand immediately. The first hire will be an additional technician, followed by steady growth toward a full‑service team handling monitoring, service, testing, system upgrades, tenant improvements, retrofits, and new installations.

The first year will be hands‑on, balancing business development, sales execution, and field leadership — ideal for a self‑motivated professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, build‑and‑grow environment.

Key Responsibilities

Division Setup & Growth

• Work hands‑on in the field during growth periods where project volume exceeds current staffing capacity.
• Recruit and hire a second field technician quickly after hire, with additional staff added as the division grows.
• Build and maintain relationships with electrical contractors to grow “parts and smarts” installation opportunities.
• Transition fire alarm work from existing customers to Columbia Fire as a single‑source service provider.
• Manage relationships and projects with our preferred fire alarm design subcontractor.
• Maintain positive vendor relationships and meet supplier volume goals, particularly with Edwards and Eaton, while continuing partnerships with Next Security and others.

Sales & Business Development

• Drive new sales through customer outreach, relationship building, and proposal development.
• Propose and close fire alarm system installations, monitoring contracts, and service agreements with contractors, property managers, and building owners.
• Conduct site visits to assess customer needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline to achieve consistent division growth.

Project Management

• Oversee projects from design through completion, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to company standards.
• Coordinate with internal departments, subcontractors, and customers for seamless project execution.
• Supervise inspections, installations, and service work until the division is fully staffed.
• As the division scales, hire and develop a Project Manager to support larger projects.

Technical Expertise

• Prepare customer proposals and evaluate system designs; outsource design as needed but maintain code and standard fluency.
• Program and troubleshoot fire alarm systems with hands‑on technical expertise.
• Ensure all work complies with NFPA standards, local codes, and company quality policies.

Leadership & Future Growth

• Build and lead a high‑performing team, setting clear expectations and mentoring technicians and future managers.
• Foster a customer‑focused, high‑accountability culture rooted in Columbia Fire’s core values.
• Implement scalable processes, reporting metrics, and performance tracking to sustain long‑term growth.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience working with fire alarm systems (design, installation, sales, or project management).
• Proven experience in system layout and sales.
• Proficiency in fire alarm system programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong initiative and results orientation with a focus on customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with NFPA codes, local jurisdictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience hiring, training, and leading technical staff.
• NICET II in Fire Alarm Systems (Level III preferred).
• Washington 01 General Electrical or 06 Limited Energy license.

Preferred

• Experience with special hazard systems (Cardox, CO₂, FM-200, Novec 1230, inert gas, etc.).
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thrives in a growth‑oriented, build‑from‑scratch environment.
• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive new business, close deals, and develop long‑term relationships.
• Technical Depth: Solid understanding of fire alarm system design, installation, and programming.
• Leadership: Builds trust, mentors others, and creates accountability through example.
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to providing exceptional service and tailored solutions.