Design Manager - Fire Suppression

A great opportunity has arisen for a hands-on design manager in the fire suppression / protection industry to join a leading, expanding company with fantastic future plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and personally contribute to the design of water mist fire suppression systems.
• Produce, review, and approve designs, technical drawings, hydraulic calculations, modelling, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all design output complies with LPC, LPCB, BS:8489, and other relevant fire engineering standards.
• Provide expert input into complex or specialist projects.
• Oversee effective use of design software, modelling tools, and component selection.

• Manage, mentor, and develop an internal design team.
• Set and enforce design standards, best practices, and quality expectations.
• Conduct performance reviews and support ongoing professional development.

• Ensure all designs meet or exceed LPCB standards, including strict adherence to LPS 1283, LPS 1223, and related requirements.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of regulations, standards, and industry developments.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, inspectors, and accreditation bodies as required.
• Conduct quality audits across technical documentation and installed systems.

• Work closely with project, installation, commissioning, and commercial teams.
• Provide technical input for tenders, bids, and project specifications.
• Attend client meetings, surveys, coordination workshops, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• LPC or LPCB-relevant fire suppression qualifications
• Experience working to LPS 1283, LPS 1223, or equivalent industry standards.
• 5+ years' experience designing fire suppression systems
• Strong understanding of British Standards, building regulations, and fire engineering principles.
• Proficiency with CAD, hydraulic calculation platforms, and associated design tools.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working within a third-party approved fire suppression organisation.
• Professional registration (IFE, EngTech, IEng, or similar) or working towards it.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to support tenders and pricing.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement and raising technical standards.

Additional Details:

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Company benefits package
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Career progression within a growing technical organisation