Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fire Safety Advisor
💰 $75,000 - $110,000
Health & SafetyComplianceRisk ManagementFacilities Management
🎯 Role Definition
As our Fire Safety Advisor, you will be the go-to expert for all matters related to fire safety. You'll be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring fire safety policies and procedures to ensure we not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements. This is a hands-on role that involves conducting thorough risk assessments, delivering impactful training, and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to foster a world-class fire safety culture. You will serve as the principal source of competent fire safety advice, ensuring our operations are resilient and our people are safe.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Health & Safety Officer
- Facilities Coordinator / Manager with a safety focus
- Experienced Firefighter or Fire Protection Technician
Advancement To:
- Senior or Principal Fire Safety Advisor
- Regional Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager
- Corporate Fire Safety & Risk Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Business Continuity Manager
- Corporate Security Manager
- Senior Compliance Officer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct, review, and document comprehensive fire risk assessments for a diverse portfolio of properties, including office, industrial, and high-hazard environments, ensuring all significant findings are actioned.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization's fire safety management systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry best practices.
- Act as the primary subject matter expert, providing competent technical advice and guidance on all fire safety matters to senior leadership, project managers, and operational teams.
- Design, deliver, and evaluate engaging fire safety training programs for employees at all levels, including general awareness, fire warden/marshal duties, and specialized management briefings.
- Lead or provide key support in the investigation of all fire-related incidents and near misses to determine root causes and produce detailed reports with actionable recommendations for prevention.
- Oversee and audit the inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules for all active and passive fire protection systems, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers, sprinklers, and fire doors.
- Serve as the primary liaison with external enforcement agencies, such as the local Fire and Rescue Service and insurance surveyors, effectively managing site inspections and formal communications.
- Develop, maintain, and test robust emergency evacuation plans and procedures, and take the lead in planning and evaluating regular fire drills to ensure their effectiveness.
- Review architectural and engineering plans for new construction, refurbishments, and layout changes to ensure full compliance with fire safety codes and standards from the design phase.
- Proactively monitor changes in fire safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards, and ensure organizational policies are updated and communicated accordingly.
- Manage and enhance the site's fire warden/marshal program, ensuring adequate coverage, proper training, and clear role definition across all shifts and buildings.
- Produce regular, high-quality performance reports and dashboards for senior management, detailing fire safety performance, risk assessment progress, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform regular fire safety audits and physical inspections of all premises to identify and address non-compliance, unsafe conditions, and poor safety behaviors.
- Advise on the technical specification, procurement, and installation of new fire protection and life safety systems to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet regulatory requirements.
- Champion a positive and proactive fire safety culture throughout the organization through visible leadership, consistent communication, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Maintain a centralized and organized system of all fire safety documentation, including risk assessments, maintenance records, training logs, and statutory certificates.
- Provide expert fire safety input into the management of change process, assessing the impact of new equipment, materials, or work processes on the site's fire risk profile.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in the development and periodic review of broader business continuity and emergency response plans, ensuring seamless integration with fire safety protocols.
- Participate in the contractor safety management process, verifying that third-party vendors working on-site comply with the organization's stringent fire safety standards.
- Provide fire safety expertise and due diligence support for new projects, capital expenditure requests, and potential property acquisitions or leases.
- Support the wider Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team by contributing to integrated risk management initiatives and cross-functional safety projects.
- Contribute to the annual budget planning process by forecasting costs for fire safety equipment upgrades, essential maintenance contracts, and necessary training programs.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- In-depth knowledge and practical application of national and local fire safety legislation and codes (e.g., NFPA standards, International Building Code (IBC), The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order).
- Proven proficiency in conducting detailed and suitable Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) across a range of complex and varied environments.
- Strong technical understanding of the design, function, and maintenance of fire protection and detection systems, including sprinklers, alarms, gas suppression, and passive fire protection.
- Demonstrable experience in modern fire incident investigation techniques and formal root cause analysis methodologies.
- Ability to read, interpret, and critique technical drawings, building plans, and system schematics to verify fire safety compliance.
- Possession of a recognized professional fire safety qualification, such as NEBOSH National/International Fire Certificate, Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), or a degree in Fire Engineering.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to a non-technical audience.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills to drive safety improvements and gain buy-in from senior management and operational teams.
- Excellent training, presentation, and group facilitation abilities, capable of engaging and educating diverse audiences effectively.
- Meticulous attention to detail combined with strong analytical and pragmatic problem-solving capabilities.
- Superior organizational skills with the ability to work autonomously, manage a complex workload, and prioritize tasks effectively under pressure.
- A calm, resilient, and decisive demeanor, particularly when responding to incidents or managing challenging situations.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience combined with recognized industry certifications.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, or Occupational Health & Safety with a fire safety concentration.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Fire Protection Engineering / Fire Science
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Emergency Management
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical)
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3-7 years of dedicated experience in a fire safety advisory or consulting role.
Preferred:
- Experience in a large, multi-site organization or within a high-risk industry (e.g., manufacturing, chemical processing, logistics, healthcare).
- Demonstrable track record of developing and implementing fire safety management systems from the ground up.