Head of fire safety

We are recruiting an experienced Head of Fire Safety on behalf of an NHS organisation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of fire safety across a large, complex hospital estate.

You will act as the organisation's professional lead for fire safety-providing expert guidance, overseeing compliance, shaping long term strategy, and ensuring safe environments for patients, staff, and visitors. This is a high impact role with significant visibility at Board and system level.

• Lead and continuously improve the organisation's Fire Safety Management System.
• Ensure compliance with all fire safety legislation, HTM Firecode, and national standards.
• Oversee fire risk assessments, audits, inspections, and performance reporting.
• Advise senior leaders and governance committees on fire safety risks and assurance.
• Support incident response, emergency preparedness, and business continuity.
• Embed fire safety requirements within capital projects, procurement, and contractor oversight.
• Lead and develop the fire safety team, including workforce planning and succession development.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, auditors, and Fire and Rescue Services.

Essential:

• Degree level qualification in Fire Safety, Fire Engineering, Health & Safety or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of fire safety legislation and HTM Firecode.
• Senior management experience in a complex, multi site environment.
• Proven ability to lead audits, compliance programmes, and strategic fire safety initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in advising senior leaders.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Desirable:

• Chartered/professional membership (e.g., IFE).
• Postgraduate qualification in fire safety, risk, or safety management.
• Experience managing budgets and contractor performance.

• A proactive, hands on approach.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• High integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast paced environment.

• Regular travel between Cheltenham and Gloucester hospital sites.
• Office based work with periods of detailed analysis and report writing.
• Participation in the senior manager on call rota.

This is a temporary to permanent opportunity for the successful candidate.