Drive Operational Excellence in Fire Safety – Join BRE as Operations Manager
Are you ready to take the lead in delivering impactful, high-quality services that make buildings safer? At BRE, we’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to support and optimise the day-to-day running of our growing Fire Protection department. This is an exciting opportunity to join a trusted, purpose-driven organisation where your leadership will directly contribute to improving safety, compliance, and performance across the built environment.
Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable!
BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.
Your role at BRE
As the Operations Manager, you willplay a key role in driving operational excellence across BRE’s Fire Protection teams. This role ensures effective coordination, compliance, and efficiency across testing and certification services, contributing to the delivery of business objectives and continuous improvement of operational performance.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Oversee day-to-day operations across the Fire Protection teams, ensuring alignment with the business plan
Support team leaders and functional heads in delivering efficient, compliant, and customer-focused services
Ensure continued compliance with relevant standards (e.g. ISO 17065, ISO 17020, ISO 9000), directives, and regulatory frameworks
Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity, performance, and profitability
Coordinate reporting and forecasting activities, contributing data to the Fire Protection dashboard
Support certification project oversight, including suspensions and withdrawals, in collaboration with Certification and Testing Leads
Contribute to strategic planning, departmental forecasting, and staff training initiatives
Provide operational input into financial planning and budget coordination
Support the Head of Fire Protection in delivering key business outcomes and performance improvements
What we are looking for
Strong attention to detail with the ability to critically assess and challenge existing processes to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency
Excellent interpersonal and client-facing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally
Confident decision-maker with proven ability to prioritise, delegate, and manage tasks effectively in a fast-paced operational environment
Solid experience within the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry
In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and practical experience in their successful implementation
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience in managing or coordinating departmental budgets
A collaborative team player who also demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently when needed
Proven competency in Third Party Certification, with working knowledge of relevant standards including ISO 9000 (quality management), ISO 17065 (product certification), and ISO 17020 (inspection bodies)
BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.
Financial & Security Benefits
* Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution
* Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
* Enhanced maternity package
Health & Wellbeing
* HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
* Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points
Career Development
* Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
* Professional membership reimbursement
For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits
Work Location Options
Mostly Remote – This role is primarily home-based, with occasional travel to our head office in Watford for planned meetings.
Our Recruitment Process
Online Assessment
Shortly after you apply (within approximately 10 minutes), you’ll receive a link to complete an online assessment. This takes around 20 minutes and helps us better understand your skills and suitability.
Note to Employment Agencies
At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.
Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
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