Fire Alarm Division Manager

Columbia Fire, LLC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid Time Off starting at 10 days per year

Job summary

A leading fire protection company in Seattle seeks a Fire Alarm & Detection Division Manager to lead and grow their division. The role combines technical expertise with sales and project management skills. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years in fire alarm systems and relevant certifications. Benefits include a competitive salary range of $100,000 – $125,000 annually along with comprehensive healthcare options.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience with fire alarm systems including design and installation.
• Proficient in fire alarm system programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth by overseeing division setup and technical expertise.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, mentoring new employees.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards and local codes.

Skills

Fire alarm system design

Sales acumen

Technical troubleshooting

Project management

Customer satisfaction focus

Education

NICET II in Fire Alarm Systems

Washington 01 General Electrical or 06 Limited Energy license

Job description

About Columbia Fire

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.
• Base Salary: $100,000 – $125,000 annually, paid weekly.
• Performance Incentive: Sales incentive plan for approximately the first two years, with commissions paid as a percentage of gross margin (3–8% depending on job size and margin, as detailed in the company’s formal Sales Incentive Plan).

Benefits Include

• Medical: Regence PPO ($500 deductible) and HSA ($2,500 deductible) options; employer coverage varies by plan.
• Employee‑only HSA plan = 100% company‑paid.
• Full family PPO plan = $181.80/week employee contribution.
• Dental: PPO plan with $2,000 annual max per individual (optional for dependents).
• Basic Life & AD&D: $20,000 benefit included with option to purchase additional coverage.
• 401(k): QACA Safe Harbor plan through Vestwell with up to 3.5% employer match.
• Professional Development: Support for NICET certification, training, and continuing education.
• Paid Time Off: Starts at 10 days per year (accrued weekly) + 8 paid holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual Schedule
  • 0 – 1 year: 10 days, 0.77 hours per week.
  • After 1 year: 15 days, 1.15 hours per week.
  • After 7 years: 20 days, 1.54 hours per week.
  • After 15 years: 25 days, 1.92 hours per week.

Why Join Columbia Fire

This is more than a management role — it’s a chance to build a division and leave a legacy within one of the Pacific Northwest’s fastest‑growing fire protection companies.

If you’re driven, hands‑on, and passionate about protecting people and property while growing a business, you’ll thrive here.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.