Manager - Fire, Life and Safety

Role Overview

This position is responsible for leading and managing the fire and life safety functions to ensure complete regulatory adherence, protection of safety standards, and facilitation of secure development. It involves driving efficient, transparent, and risk-focused procedures in alignment with Civil Defense and Saudi Building Code mandates according to Qiddiya's operating framework and the memorandum of understanding with Civil Defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and define the strategy and operating model for fire and life safety.
• Set up governance structures, policies, and decision-making guidelines internally.
• Ensure Qiddiya’s fire and life safety policies conform to Civil Defense and Saudi Building Code standards.
• Champion risk-centered, performance-focused, and result-oriented methodologies.
• Manage the full cycle of fire and life safety approvals including reviews, inspections, licenses, certificates, and NOCs.
• Handle monthly report submissions to Civil Defense bodies.
• Guarantee preparedness for final inspections for all projects.
• Oversee allocation of resources for fire and life safety tasks and priorities.
• Address escalated stakeholder concerns and resolve complex issues.
• Represent Qiddiya in strategic meetings and committees relevant to fire and life safety.
• Lead the integration of digital permitting platforms and automation solutions.
• Implement risk-oriented screening procedures and accelerate fast-track mechanisms.

Core Deliverables

• An updated governance structure clarifying roles and responsibilities in fire and life safety.
• Consistent reporting and issue escalation with Civil Defense.
• Simplified and dependable processes maintaining full regulatory compliance.
• Digitized permitting workflows utilizing technology to enhance efficiency, traceability, data integrity, and user experience.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
• At least 8 to 10 years of advancing experience in fire and life safety engineering, regulatory compliance, or enforcing fire codes, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Extensive understanding of Civil Defense regulations, the Saudi Building Code, and recognized international fire safety standards such as NFPA and IBC.
• Proven track record in driving or supporting the adoption of digital platforms for permitting and automation to boost operational efficiency, data quality, and traceability.