Senior Fire and Life Safety Manager

Role Overview

The Senior Fire and Life Safety Manager takes charge of the comprehensive planning, design validation, implementation, and compliance monitoring of Fire and Life Safety systems within the project. This position ensures that all designs, construction stages, and operational practices conform with international codes, local regulations, and project specifications, aimed at protecting people, assets, and ensuring business continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the Fire and Life Safety discipline across all project phases, from design and procurement to construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Assess and authorize designs related to Fire and Life Safety prepared by consultants and contractors.
• Ensure adherence to relevant standards and codes including NFPA, IBC, IFC, SBC, and Civil Defense guidelines.
• Collaborate with architects, MEP and structural engineers, and external stakeholders to seamlessly integrate safety requirements into all project aspects.
• Examine fire engineering analyses, evacuation plans, smoke control measures, and performance-based fire designs.
• Supervise contractor compliance with Fire and Life Safety mandates during construction activities.
• Engage actively in design workshops, technical evaluations, and value engineering processes.
• Support and coordinate authority approvals and liaise with Civil Defense and other regulatory bodies.
• Manage the testing, commissioning, inspections, and final acceptance of Fire and Life Safety systems.
• Identify and address project risks related to Fire and Life Safety by devising effective mitigation strategies.
• Compile technical reports, develop presentations, and provide informed recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure project milestones are met punctually while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and compliance.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers within the Fire and Life Safety discipline.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CFPS, PE (Fire Protection), PMP, or their equivalents are advantageous.
• At least 15 years of experience in Fire and Life Safety engineering roles.
• Proven track record handling large-scale projects including mixed-use developments, airports, stadiums, metros, hospitality, healthcare, or other mega projects.
• Extensive experience managing both design and construction phases.
• Proficiency in collaborating with international consultants and multidisciplinary project teams.

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive knowledge of NFPA Codes and Standards.
• Familiarity with International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC).
• Understanding of Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Civil Defense regulations.
• Expertise in Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting, and Smoke Control systems.
• Competency in Emergency Evacuation Planning and Performance-Based Fire Engineering.
• Fire Risk Assessment, Testing and Commissioning, and Design Review practices.

Skills

• Strong technical proficiency in Fire and Life Safety Engineering.
• Effective leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Capability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Project management and risk management experience.
• Adept at working in fast-paced environments on large-scale projects.