Principal/Associate Fire Engineer

Job description

Associate Fire Engineering Director – UK (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

A leading multidisciplinary buildings consultancy is seeking an Associate Fire Engineering Director to spearhead and expand its Fire Engineering capability across the UK. This is a senior leadership position ideal for a highly experienced fire engineer with a blend of technical authority, commercial acumen, and team development expertise.

The successful candidate will shape the Fire Engineering division, lead complex, high-profile projects, drive market growth, and develop high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Technical Expertise

• Lead and deliver multi-disciplinary fire engineering projects across sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, commercial, residential, and major regeneration.
• Act as technical sign-off authority for fire engineering deliverables.
• Provide expert guidance on performance-based fire engineering, CFD fire and smoke modelling, evacuation strategies, and fire safety compliance.
• Ensure adherence to legislation, standards, and best practice (ADB, BS 9991, BS 9999, NFPA, EN standards).
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in fire engineering methodologies.

Client & Market Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior clients, developers, architects, contractors, regulators, and local authorities.
• Lead business development activities, including bids, proposals, and client presentations.
• Represent the consultancy at industry forums, technical panels, and regulatory consultations.

Business Development & Growth

• Drive the strategic growth of Fire Engineering services across UK markets.
• Identify new market opportunities, emerging sectors, and service expansions.
• Contribute to long-term business strategy and commercial success.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop fire engineering teams.
• Support professional development, chartership (CEng / IFE), and career progression.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.

About the Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in leading complex fire engineering projects and teams.
• Strong track record in business development and securing major projects.
• Deep technical expertise in performance-based design, CFD modelling, and evacuation strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Experience in multidisciplinary environments (Architecture, MEP, Structures, PM).
• Strategic mindset with commercial awareness and leadership capability.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IFE membership (or equivalent).
• Extensive experience within fire engineering consultancy.

Why Join?

• Senior leadership role with real influence over service growth.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects across multiple sectors.
• Strong emphasis on professional development and technical excellence.
• Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Reading

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

16-01-2026

Profession type

Technical

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English