Job Specification – Associate (Fire Engineering)
Overview
We are seeking an Associate (Fire Engineering) to play a key role in both the technical and commercial success of our business. This is a senior position that extends beyond project delivery, involving leadership in technical excellence, process improvement, team development, and client relationship management.
The successful candidate will:
* Oversee the quality assurance process for technical deliverables.
* Chair internal design reviews and drive standardisation of outputs across offices.
* Mentor, support, and develop engineers at all levels.
* Lead R&D initiatives and contribute to recruitment and business growth.
* Build strong client relationships through successful project delivery and exceptional communication.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead multiple fire engineering projects simultaneously, acting as both project leader and technical advisor.
* Ensure technical quality, consistency, and alignment with company standards across all deliverables.
* Actively contribute to business development through client engagement and commercial awareness.
* Develop and mentor graduate engineers, engineers, and senior engineers, creating structured career pathways.
* Drive innovation through R&D, technical specialism, and continuous improvement of processes.
* Represent the business in design reviews, technical meetings, and client presentations.
* Take ownership of a chosen area of technical expertise and lead initiatives in this field.
Candidate Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a STEM discipline.
* Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with the Engineering Council UK, or equivalent international qualification.
* Significant experience in an engineering consultancy role, ideally within fire engineering.
* Advanced understanding of the UK construction industry, RIBA stages, and the procurement process.
* Strong commercial awareness and proven ability to manage project budgets and timelines.
* Demonstrated experience mentoring and managing engineers at multiple levels.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly.
* A collaborative approach, recognising the importance of office presence while supporting flexible working.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
* 38 days annual leave inclusive of statutory holidays (pro-rata for part-time), with the option to sell back unused leave above statutory minimum.
* Flexible public holidays – aside from the Christmas/New Year office closure, choose whether to work or take annual leave on statutory holiday dates.
* Bi-annual commercial bonus (June & December).
* Flexible working environment combining office collaboration with remote flexibility.
* Employee Assistance Programme including 24/7 mental health, legal, and financial support.
* Pension scheme with 150% employer contribution match (up to 7.5% of salary).
* Flexible benefits including cycle-to-work and IT purchase schemes.
* Professional memberships – reimbursement of annual fees for up to two relevant institutions.
* Travel support – interest-free season ticket loan.
* IT package – company laptop and mobile phone provided.