Fire Safety Officer

Location: Belfast
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm) with 30min lunch.
Salary: £19.32
Contract: Temporary until March 2027 with possibility of extension About the Role:

MPA Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Fire Safety Officer - Risk Assessment on behalf of our client, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

Based within the Building Safety Management Compliance team, this is an important technical role responsible for managing fire safety across a designated portfolio of premises.

The successful candidate will act as a competent person in relation to Fire Risk Assessments, identifying hazards and risks, recommending appropriate risk reduction measures and ensuring fire safety actions are effectively managed through to completion.

You will work closely with internal departments, contractors, tenants, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure statutory fire safety obligations are met, and risks are reduced as far as reasonably practicable.

Key Responsibilities: Fire Safety & Risk Assessment

• Manage fire safety across a designated portfolio of NIHE premises.
• Undertake Fire Risk Assessments as a competent person, identifying hazards and risks to relevant persons.
• Develop and maintain appropriate Fire Safety Action Plans and recommend suitable risk reduction measures.
• Monitor, manage and update actions arising from Fire Risk Assessments, ensuring remedial works are progressed within agreed timescales.
• Proactively monitor actions assigned to other departments and stakeholders to ensure they are completed.
• Provide professional recommendations where significant fire safety risks or situations requiring immediate action are identified.

Fire Safety Works & Contractors

• Manage and coordinate the operational delivery of fire safety works through contractors.
• Monitor contractor performance and participate in contract performance meetings.
• Identify and elevate issues relating to non-compliance, poor performance or delays.
• Issue and manage works Task Orders, including cost centre allocation, priority, works descriptions and associated requirements.
• Approve necessary variations and authorise invoices within delegated levels of authority.

Compliance & Technical Advice

• Provide technical fire safety advice to internal stakeholders and relevant external organisations.
• Advise on fire safety statutory obligations, Building Regulations and relevant National and European Technical Standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fire safety legislation, industry best practice and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a focal point for general Fire Safety enquiries as directed by the Fire Safety Manager.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with tenants, local authorities, NIHE staff, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in consultations relating to fire safety matters and improvement works.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments, professional teams and external organisations to deliver effective fire safety services.
• Monitor and manage complaints, resolving issues and identifying trends where appropriate.

Reporting, Training & Development

• Assist with the preparation of reports for Health & Safety Committees and other relevant assurance committees.
• Support the design, development and delivery of internal and external Fire Safety training.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve team objectives and KPIs.
• Undertake ongoing professional development, training courses and relevant seminars to maintain knowledge of legislation and best practice.

What We're Looking For: Essential Criteria:

• NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management qualification.
• Colin Todd Fire Risk Assessment Competency Training or equivalent relevant FRA competency training.
• 1-5 years' relevant experience within Fire Safety, Fire Risk Assessment or a related technical environment.
• Demonstrable experience undertaking Fire Risk Assessments as a competent person.
• Experience identifying fire hazards and risks and developing appropriate risk reduction measures and action plans.
• Strong knowledge of fire safety legislation, statutory obligations and Building Regulations.
• Knowledge of relevant National and European Technical Standards.
• Experience working with contractors and monitoring the delivery of works.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Good IT skills and the ability to use relevant systems for reporting and managing work.

We're Also Looking For:

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to make sound professional judgements and recommendations where significant risks are identified.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A proactive approach to managing Fire Safety Action Plans and remedial works.
• Willingness and ability to attend sites as required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Additional Information:

• A Basic Access NI Check is Required at a cost of £16.

What we can offer you:

• Weekly pay
• Holiday pay
• 24/7 support from our dedicated recruitment consultants
• Access to a wide range of public sector roles
• Ongoing role availability - if one placement ends, we aim to secure another

Why Apply:

• Play a key role in improving fire safety and protecting communities
• Gain experience in a high-impact public sector environment
• Work within a supportive and professional team
• Opportunity for ongoing career progression within housing and safety services

MPA Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.