Fire Safety Manager

We are seeking an experienced Fire Safety Manager to lead the strategic development and operational delivery of fire safety across our housing assets. This is a pivotal role in ensuring our residents’ safety and compliance with fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Safety Act 2022, and associated regulations.

You will be responsible for leading on fire safety, managing inspection programmes, overseeing compliance contracts, and driving continuous improvement. You will head up a dedicated team of Fire Door Inspectors, ensuring that all fire safety measures are robust, efficient, and resident-focused, along with:

Leading on contract management and quality assurance for fire safety compliance across housing assets
Overseeing fire risk assessments, intrusive surveys, and remediation programmes
Acting as primary liaison with Fire Authorities and Rescue Services
Managing fire safety budgets, procurement, and contract authorisation
Ensuring accurate record-keeping using systems like True Compliance and MRI Asset Management
Developing and updating fire safety policies, procedures, and technical briefs
Monitoring and reporting on KPIs and performance indicators
Engaging with tenants to promote fire safety awareness and satisfaction

In addition, you will act as the Responsible Person by having responsibility for ensuring fire safety across the Councils premises where an additional remuneration will be applied.

To be competent in this role it is essential that you have a minimum of NEBOSH Fire Certificate. Membership of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers or Institution of Fire Engineers is desirable, along with:

Experience of working with the Fire Brigade, managing technical inspection or compliance teams, and overseeing procurement and contract management.
Being confident in building technology, compliance processes, and performance management. Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with asset database systems and technical specification writing is desirable as well as previous experience in a Local Authority or Housing Association.

A full UK driving license is essential, and you must be physically fit to carry out site inspections.

Click to view a Job Description

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Paul Ingram, Head of Housing Assets on 01233 330428

When Applying - Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community