Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Engineering Head – Fire Fighting System to lead our engineering function. The successful candidate will oversee the design, implementation, commissioning and maintenance of fire fighting systems across commercial, industrial and residential projects. This role requires a strategic leader with strong technical knowledge, proven project delivery experience and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities – Leadership, Engineering Delivery and Technical Governance

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for all fire fighting system engineering activities including hydraulic design, pump sizing, fire water storage, sprinkler systems, hydrants, deluge and suppression systems.

• Manage and mentor a team of engineers, designers and project engineers; foster professional development, competency growth and collaborative working practices.

• Oversee engineering project delivery from concept through design, installation, testing and commissioning ensuring quality, safety and timely completion.

• Develop, review and approve engineering drawings, calculations, specifications and design reports in line with company standards and applicable codes (including local and international fire protection standards).

• Ensure all engineering work complies with statutory regulations, client requirements and industry best practice; coordinate third‑party reviews and statutory approvals as required.

• Collaborate with sales, project management, procurement and aftersales teams to provide technical support for proposals, tender responses and lifecycle services.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design standards, reduce costs and improve system reliability and maintainability.

• Establish and maintain engineering processes, documentation control, checklists, risk assessments and quality assurance procedures.

• Manage external consultants and sub‑contractors, ensuring deliverables meet contractual and technical requirements.

• Prepare and present technical reports, project status updates and performance metrics to senior management and clients.

Required Skills – Technical Leadership, System Design and Regulatory Compliance

• Extensive technical knowledge of fire fighting systems including hydraulics, pumps, storage, sprinklers, hydrants, suppression systems and fire detection interfaces.

• Proven leadership skills with experience managing engineering teams and multidisciplinary projects.

• Strong project management capability with experience delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse stakeholders.

• Robust problem‑solving skills and attention to detail, with a focus on safety, reliability and maintainability.

• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (local regulations, NFPA, BS, EN standards as applicable) and statutory approval processes.

• Proficiency in engineering software for hydraulic calculations, CAD (2D/3D) and MS Office; experience with project management and ERP systems advantageous.

Qualifications & Experience – Engineering Management and Fire Protection

• Degree in Mechanical/Fire Protection/Building Services Engineering or equivalent engineering qualification.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in fire fighting system engineering, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or managerial engineering role.

• Proven track record of delivering large or complex fire protection projects across multiple sectors.

• Professional registration or chartered status desirable.

• Experience of managing budgets, forecasting resource requirements and commercial aspects of engineering delivery.

• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as required.

Essential Job Functions & Minimum Requirements

Role Overview

The Engineering Head – Fire Fighting System is responsible for the technical integrity and delivery of fire protection engineering across the business. The role ensures that designs are safe, compliant and optimised for whole‑life performance while leading the engineering function to support business growth and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate engineering design activities, peer reviews and technical approvals.

• Maintain and improve engineering standards, procedures and master documentation.

• Conduct technical risk assessments, root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

• Support sales and tendering activities through technical input, site surveys and specification development.

• Oversee commissioning, testing and handover processes; ensure completion documentation and as‑built records are accurate.

• Drive supplier and subcontractor technical performance, assess qualifications and approve technical submittals.

• Monitor performance metrics, budgets and project KPIs; report on progress and escalate issues appropriately.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent; post‑graduate or specialised fire protection qualifications advantageous.

• Extensive hands‑on experience with fire fighting system design, hydraulic calculations and commissioning processes.

• Experience of working with international and local fire safety standards and regulatory bodies.

• Strong leadership experience with evidence of team development and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Excellent IT literacy including CAD, hydraulic modelling tools and MS Office; familiarity with ERP/PLM systems beneficial.