An exciting interim opportunity has arisen for an Active Fire Safety Contracts Manager with a London-based housing association. This short-term role is critical in ensuring the effective delivery, compliance and performance of active fire safety systems across a diverse housing portfolio. You will take ownership of fire safety contracts, manage specialist contractors and play a key role in maintaining resident safety and statutory compliance.
Key duties:
• Take day-to-day responsibility for the management of active fire safety contracts, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinklers, smoke control and associated systems
• Act as the client lead for fire safety contractors, ensuring works are delivered in line with contract terms, KPIs, budgets and agreed programmes
• Oversee planned and reactive fire safety works from instruction through to completion, ensuring statutory compliance and best practice
• Carry out pre-start meetings, site inspections, audits and post-completion checks to ensure quality, safety and compliance standards are met
• Monitor contractor performance, challenge poor performance and implement improvement actions where required
• Review and approve schedules of work, valuations, invoices and contractor claims in line with delegated authority
• Ensure all works comply with current fire safety legislation, British Standards and housing sector guidance
• Maintain accurate records, update asset and compliance systems and provide regular progress and performance reports
• Work closely with internal teams including compliance, asset management, housing and resident liaison to minimise disruption and ensure clear communication with residents
• Support the organisation in meeting its obligations under the Fire Safety Order, Building Safety Act and wider regulatory requirements
• Assist with audits, inspections and regulatory enquiries relating to fire safety compliance
• Contribute to continuous improvement of fire safety processes, procedures and contract management arrangements
Client requirements:
• Proven experience managing active fire safety contracts within social housing, local authority or a similar regulated environment
• Strong working knowledge of fire safety legislation, standards and best practice, including active fire systems
• Relevant technical qualification in building services, fire safety, construction or compliance (e.g. HNC/HND or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrable experience of contractor management, performance monitoring and budget control
• Ability to interpret technical reports, specifications and fire risk assessment actions