Fire Safety Manager

Our client is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally and globally. Collaborating with local and international partners, they are creating a more seamless, sustainable and technology-enabled port. As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, our client handles £144 billion of trade per year, representing 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU, and welcomes over 11 million passengers. They are also an award‑winning cruise port, delivering world‑class travel and visitor experiences to some of the most prestigious cruise lines. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state‑of‑the‑art facilities, a brand‑new marina forming a major feature of an exciting waterfront development, and opportunities for further expansion in the future, our client’s proud 400‑year history has a modern twist.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Health & Safety, you will provide expert fire safety leadership, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation while developing and embedding a robust Fire Safety Management System across the port. This is a unique opportunity to influence safety strategy at scale, working across operational environments, commercial buildings, engineering projects, marine facilities and major infrastructure developments. This position is offered on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract.

The Role

As Fire Safety Manager/Engineer, you will act as our client’s subject matter expert for all fire safety matters, driving compliance, governance and continual improvement. You will be responsible for developing and implementing the Port Fire Safety Strategy, overseeing fire risk assessment programmes and providing technical assurance across buildings, operational areas and capital projects.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading the Fire Safety Management System and governance framework.
• Developing fire safety policies, standards and procedures.
• Managing and assuring statutory Fire Risk Assessments across the estate.
• Undertaking and validating complex and higher‑risk Fire Risk Assessments.
• Providing technical advice on active and passive fire protection measures.
• Supporting Engineering, Estates, Capital Projects and Building Compliance teams.
• Reviewing designs, refurbishments and construction projects to ensure fire safety compliance.
• Leading fire safety audits, inspections and compliance reporting.
• Developing and testing emergency plans, evacuation strategies and fire drills.
• Managing contractor fire safety arrangements and hot work controls.
• Liaising with Kent Fire & Rescue Service, insurers and regulators.
• Producing executive‑level reports, KPIs and improvement plans.
• Conducting fire safety training needs analysis and supporting key stakeholder engagement activities.

What You’ll Deliver

• Implementation of an effective Fire Safety Management System.
• Management of 100% of statutory Fire Risk Assessments.
• Development and approval of the Fire Safety Strategy and governance framework.
• Delivery of a comprehensive fire safety audit programme.
• Establishment of meaningful executive KPI reporting.
• Positive assurance outcomes from regulators and insurers.
• Development of a port‑wide fire safety training needs analysis.

About You

We’re seeking a confident, technically capable professional who can operate strategically while remaining hands‑on when required.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree (or higher qualification) in Fire Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, Building Surveying, Building Control, Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Advanced competence in fire safety (EQF Level 5 / RQF Level 4 or above).
• ABBE Level 4 Fire Risk Assessment qualification.
• IFTC Level 4 Fire Risk Assessment qualification.
• Knowledge of the Building Safety Act and related fire safety legislation.
• Competence in Higher‑Risk Buildings.
• Membership of GIFireE/MIFireE or actively working toward membership.
• Commitment to maintaining at least 25 hours of Continuing Professional Development annually.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Flexibility to participate in an on‑call rota.
• The ability to access heights and vessels within a harbour environment.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• NEBOSH Fire Certificate.
• NEBOSH Diploma.
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification.
• Passive Fire Protection and Fire Door Inspection qualifications.
• Experience gained within ports, airports, rail, defence, logistics or other critical national infrastructure environments.

Why Join Our Client?

You’ll play a critical role in protecting one of the UK’s most important transport and trade hubs. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while making a genuine impact on the safety and resilience of their operation.

Hours of Work

Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Salary

£42,500 per annum (pro rata)

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years. There will also be a pre‑employment medical, including a Drug and Alcohol test, and candidates must satisfy Right to Work requirements in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

Our client values the unique differences that each of their colleagues bring to work every day and is committed to creating an environment where everyone looks after each other and is respected, included and able to perform at their best.

Flexible working options are available where possible

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