Senior Manager - Fire & Life Safety

The Senior Fire and Life Safety Manager is responsible for leading the planning, design review, implementation, and compliance of all Fire and Life Safety systems across the project. The role ensures that all designs, construction activities, and operational strategies comply with applicable international codes, local regulations, and project requirements while safeguarding people, assets, and business continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Fire and Life Safety discipline throughout all project phases, including design, procurement, construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.
• Review and approve Fire and Life Safety designs prepared by consultants and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards such as NFPA, IBC, IFC, SBC, Civil Defense requirements, and other relevant regulations.
• Coordinate with architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers, and external stakeholders to integrate Fire and Life Safety requirements into the project.
• Review fire engineering reports, evacuation studies, smoke management strategies, and performance-based fire engineering designs.
• Monitor contractors' compliance with Fire and Life Safety requirements during construction.
• Participate in design workshops, technical reviews, and value engineering sessions.
• Support authority approvals and coordinate with Civil Defense and regulatory authorities.
• Manage testing, commissioning, inspections, and acceptance of Fire and Life Safety systems.
• Identify project risks related to Fire and Life Safety and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management.
• Ensure timely delivery of project milestones while maintaining quality, safety, and compliance standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the Fire and Life Safety discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CFPS, PE (Fire Protection), PMP, or equivalent are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in Fire and Life Safety engineering.
• Experience delivering large-scale mixed-use developments, airports, stadiums, metros, hospitality, healthcare, or mega projects.
• Strong experience in both design management and construction phases.
• Experience working with international consultants and multidisciplinary teams.

Technical Knowledge

• NFPA Codes and Standards
• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• Saudi Building Code (SBC)
• Civil Defense regulations
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Fire Fighting Systems
• Smoke Control Systems
• Emergency Evacuation Planning
• Performance-Based Fire Engineering
• Fire Risk Assessment
• Testing & Commissioning
• Design Review and Technical Assurance

Skills

• Strong technical expertise in Fire and Life Safety Engineering.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in project management and risk management.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, large-scale project environments.