Operations Director – Passive Fire (Nationwide)
North England (Ideally Sheffield-based) with Nationwide Coverage
£80,000 – £85,000 + Car Allowance
An established Facilities Management organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Director – Passive Fire to lead and develop their nationwide passive fire division. This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and oversee large-scale compliance-focused projects across the UK.
Working in partnership with a leading agency, this position is ideally suited to a driven and commercially aware professional with a strong background in passive fire protection and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Set and deliver the overall operational strategy for the passive fire division, aligning with wider business objectives and growth plans
Lead the end-to-end delivery of passive fire projects nationwide, ensuring all works are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
Ensure full compliance with current fire safety legislation, third-party accreditation requirements, and industry best practices (e.g. FIRAS, BM TRADA)
Oversee audit processes, quality assurance programmes, and site inspections to maintain consistent standards across all regions
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing national team, including Contracts Managers, Supervisors, and site-based operatives
Implement training and development plans to upskill teams and maintain competency in line with regulatory requirements
Act as the senior point of contact for key clients, developing long-term relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention
Work closely with commercial teams on tender submissions, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations to secure new business
Monitor financial performance across projects, managing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring profitability targets are met or exceeded
Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect the business and ensure continuity of service
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, introducing efficiencies in processes, systems, and resource planning
Collaborate with other business units within the FM organisation to ensure integrated service delivery across contracts
Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on operational performance, KPIs, compliance metrics, and growth opportunit
Requirements:
Extensive experience (typically 8–10+ years) within passive fire protection, with a strong track record in senior operational or director-level roles
In-depth technical knowledge of passive fire measures including fire stopping, compartmentation, fire doors, and fire protection systems
Strong understanding of UK fire safety legislation and guidance, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and relevant British Standards
Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-site contracts across a national footprint within the FM, construction, or specialist fire protection sectors
Demonstrable leadership experience managing and developing large teams, including senior managers, with the ability to build high-performing, accountable cultures
Experience working with third-party accreditation schemes such as FIRAS, BM TRADA, or equivalent, with a clear understanding of audit and compliance processes
Commercially astute with experience in P&L responsibility, budget management, cost control, and driving profitability across business units
Strong experience in client relationship management, particularly with Tier 1 contractors, public sector frameworks, housing associations, or blue-chip clients
Proven ability to contribute to and win new business, including involvement in tendering, bid writing, and strategic growth initiatives
Excellent knowledge of health & safety legislation and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of HSEQ across all operations
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and implement effective solutions
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage at board level as well as across operational teams
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationwide as required
What’s on Offer:
Competitive salary of £80,000 – £85,000
Car allowance
Opportunity to lead a growing national division
Career progression within a forward-thinking organisation
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to make a significant impact within a reputable and expanding FM business