Director of Fire Consultancy (Glasgow, Edinburgh or London)

Description

• Lead fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) and retrospective strategy development for existing buildings, applying current guidance (e.g., PAS 9980 methodology) and local Building Regulations/Technical Handbooks.
• Communicating clearly and concisely with clients and stakeholders regarding information needs, decisions, risks, and residual obligations.
• Lead quality reviews and sign‑off of deliverables; maintain discipline standards, templates, and guidance notes.
• Represent Thomas & Adamson in line with our values; ensure accurate records, timely reporting, and robust change control.
• Prepare third‑party reviews/design verifications; develop retrospective strategies for occupied buildings; support remedial design for façade/cladding, compartmentation and fire stopping.
• Coordinate façade fire performance with structural and MEP requirements; align with relevant guidance, BS/EN standards (including smoke/heat release considerations), and insurer requirements.
• Diagnose external wall system risks (rainscreen/EWI, ACM/HPL, timber/composite claddings, insulation types) and define proportionate remediation strategies aligned with performance objectives.
• Shape and lead cladding remediation propositions (portfolio programmes and single‑asset schemes), including diagnostic surveys, options appraisal, cost/risk trade‑offs, procurement advice, and funder/insurer/authority engagement.
• Produce and review fire strategies, compartmentation layouts, means of escape and evacuation analyses, smoke control concepts, structural fire resistance requirements, and fire service access provisions.
• Ensure all activities align with relevant UK legislation, standards, and guidance (e.g., Building Regulations, Approved Document B/Scottish Technical Handbooks, BS/EN standards, NFPA/IBC where applicable, insurer requirements) and client governance processes.
• Allocate resources effectively, balancing workload, deadlines, and staff development goals.
• Specify active and passive fire protection systems (e.g., detection and alarm, sprinklers/watermist/clean agent systems, fire stopping, cavity barriers, structural protection); coordinate with MEP and architectural details.
• Provide construction‑stage assurance: review installers’ method statements, Inspection & Test Plans, and QA records; witness critical stages; maintain a digital evidence trail to support the golden‑thread objectives.
• Provide construction stage support: design checks, site inspections, technical queries, witnessing/validation of fire safety systems, and review of O&M/Record information for handover.
• Coach and mentor junior colleagues; support routes to professional registration, and project responsibilities commensurate with competence.
• Act as an integral interface between client, design team, contractors and approving authorities to achieve successful technical and commercial outcomes.
• Establish project‑specific compliance plans and evidence trails (e.g., BIM aligned), ensuring auditable golden‑thread documentation.
• Plan and oversee intrusive surveys/openings; prepare opening schedules, photographic evidence requirements, and remediation verification plans.
• Update fire strategies and handover information to reflect as‑built façades; prepare client packs to support funder/insurer/lender processes (e.g., EWS1 liaison where applicable).
• Support service line growth: recruitment, mentoring, CPD planning, and technical training for the wider business.
• Building strong, professional relationships founded on trust, integrity, and reliability.
• Interpret and challenge large‑scale system test evidence (e.g., BS 8414 with BR 135 classification) and component certification; advise on suitability, substitutions, and equivalence.
• Champion Health, Safety & Wellbeing and drive a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive culture across disciplines and offices; model exemplary behaviours.
• Develop or review remediation details: cavity barrier/fire‑stopping strategies, horizontal/vertical fire‑stops, window/door interfaces, balcony/soffit treatments, and service penetrations.
• Promote Thomas & Adamson through thought leadership (briefings, articles, conference speaking) and participation in standards/industry networks.
• Undertake and/or interpret modelling and calculations (e.g., evacuation modelling, smoke movement/computational fluid dynamics, radiation/tenability checks) and document engineering judgements and assumptions clearly.
• Protect client and Thomas & Adamson interests by proactively identifying risks, advising on mitigation measures, and communicating clearly and professionally.
• Plan and deliver project scopes, budgets, and programmes; manage risk, change, and quality through the lifecycle.
• Build and sustain client relationships; identify opportunities, contribute to bids/fees, and present technical solutions.
• Lead the development of proportionate fire strategies for new build and refurbishment projects (e.g., BS9999, BS9991, Approved Document B), including performance‑based approaches where appropriate.
• Translating complex technical issues into practical, implementable, and value‑for‑money solutions.

Requirements

• Demonstrable proficiency in developing fire strategies, means of escape design, smoke control principles, structural fire resistance requirements, and fire service access.
• Experience in façade/fire remediation, compartmentation surveys, and golden‑thread/Building Safety evidence requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of authoring clear technical reports and presenting to clients and authorities.
• Working knowledge of external wall appraisal and remediation frameworks (e.g., FRAEW per PAS 9980), BS 8414/BR 135 interpretation, CWCT guidance, and lender/insurer information needs (e.g., EWS1 liaison).
• Strong knowledge of UK codes and standards (e.g., ADB/Scottish Handbooks, BS 9999, BS 9991, BS/EN suites) and familiarity with international frameworks (e.g., NFPA, IBC) where relevant to client/insurer requirements.
• Degree in a Fire related subject with substantial consultancy experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site/client engagements.
• Knowledge of BIM/CDE workflows (e.g., model review, data drops, assurance sign‑offs) and digital QA tools.
• Experience with analysis/modelling tools and methods (e.g., evacuation modelling; familiarity with CFD workflows and limitations; ability to commission, interpret and challenge specialist studies).
• Chartered Consultant(CEng) with IFE (or working toward Chartership) and/or relevant professional memberships/accreditations.
• Business development exposure, bid writing, and fee scoping.
• Evidence of leading multi‑disciplinary coordination and managing delivery to time, cost, and quality.

Benefits

• Peer review advice.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance