Finstech is proud to be partnering with a leading public sector organisation in Ipswich to recruit an experienced and driven Fire Safety Manager. This is a high-profile, career-defining role at an incredibly exciting time as our client has just entered into major contracts for fire safety improvements across a housing stock of circa 7,800 properties and 15 sheltered schemes, with a dedicated fire safety improvement budget of approximately £10 million.

You will be the organisation’s principal fire safety expert, taking ownership of full compliance across all aspects of fire safety legislation, strategy, and delivery and working from a brand new, modern, environmentally friendly depot facility.

The Role

As Fire Safety Manager, you will act as the principal Duty Holder for fire safety across the entire housing portfolio. You will lead, manage, and develop a team of Fire Safety Surveyors while working collaboratively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

Key responsibilities include:

–          Acting as the principal Duty Holder under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Safety Act, as delegated by the Responsible Person

–          Developing and implementing a Corporate Fire Safety Policy and individual site-specific fire strategies for sheltered schemes, low-rise flat blocks, and homeless family’s unit

–          Managing and mentoring a team of Fire Safety Surveyors — including training, allocation, programming, and appraisals

–          Overseeing a £10m fire safety improvement programme, managing budgets, supplier contracts, and procurement in line with financial regulations

–          Acting as client officer to manage a multi-disciplinary fire safety consultancy contract, overseeing RIBA design stages through to procurement of major works on public frameworks

–          Undertaking and managing Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) and ensuring all actions are completed, recorded, and maintained to the highest standards

–          Maintaining a comprehensive “Golden Thread” of fire safety information across all assets in compliance with the Building Safety Act

–          Serving as the primary point of contact with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, managing fire audits, Notices of Deficiency, and enforcement risk

–          Implementing and managing Permits to Work across all communal areas and fire compartmentation

–          Ensuring all compliance tasks are completed at regular intervals, including: fire door inspections (monthly/quarterly), fire alarm testing, emergency lighting checks, sprinkler systems, PEEP assessments, firefighting equipment maintenance, and fire escape checks

–          Leading tenant engagement and consultation, with regular performance reporting to senior management and elected members

–          Preparing reports, feasibility studies, specifications, and contract documentation; chairing contract meetings and managing costs, quality, and safety

–          Coordinating fire safety training across housing and non-technical staff

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

–          Relevant fire safety qualifications (e.g., IFE membership, NEBOSH Fire, Level 4 Fire Risk Assessor or equivalent)

–          Proven track record in a similar Fire Safety Manager or Senior Fire Safety role, ideally within social housing or the public sector

–          Strong working knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Building Safety Act 2022

–          Experience delivering and managing fire safety improvement programmes and major works contracts

–          Demonstrable experience of managing and developing teams

–          Ability to manage significant budgets and multiple contractors simultaneously

–          Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills — including reporting to senior leadership and elected members

Desirable:

–          Experience working with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service or similar FRS bodies

–          Familiarity with RIBA design stages and procurement on public sector frameworks

–          Experience developing PEEP strategies and resident engagement programmes

Why Apply?

Our client offers an outstanding employment package, including:

–          Competitive salary

–          Career average pension scheme

–          Generous annual leave and sick pay entitlements

–          Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

–          Subsidised parking (work and leisure)

–          Public transport discounts

–          Free swimming and gym membership

–          Cycle purchase scheme

–          Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

–          Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

–          A supportive, collaborative team environment