Senior Manager Fire Safety and Standards

The Senior Manager – Fire Safety & Standard leads Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Engineering and Design Management for capital projects and operational enhancement programs within ADA.

The role holds primary responsibility for all Fire & Life Safety aspects of design development and regulatory code compliance. It serves as the technical authority for Fire & Life Safety matters across all project phases—from concept and detailed design through construction, testing, commissioning, and handover.

The position ensures full compliance with applicable local and international fire codes, standards, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements while overseeing design governance, system integration, and operational readiness of fire protection systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Fire & Life Safety (FLS) engineering strategy for capital and operational enhancement projects.
• Act as the Fire & Life Safety Technical Authority, establishing governance, standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of architectural and engineering drawings for fire code compliance.
• Review fire protection systems including:
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Smoke control systems
  • Emergency lighting systems and calculations
• Review hydraulic calculations, heat and smoke modelling, and other fire protection analyses.
• Review and approve fire protection system designs prepared by external consultants.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and construction teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Conduct site inspections to assess existing fire protection systems and identify deficiencies.
• Coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), Airport Emergency Services, and regulatory bodies for permits and approvals.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST), and handover to operations.
• Manage specialized design and supervision consultancy services (design, supervision, ORAT, peer review).
• Develop consultancy scope of services for design, supervision, ORAT, operations, and value engineering.
• Perform strategic and tactical planning across all project stages including:
  • Forecasting and sizing
  • Concept, preliminary, and final design
  • Budget and total cost of ownership development
  • Value engineering
  • Construction implementation planning
  • Program scheduling and milestone development
• Manage Fire & Life Safety engineering budgets, procurement of equipment, and services.
• Provide executive-level reporting on compliance, risks, and project status.
• Develop, update, and enforce ADA Fire & Life Safety design standards and lessons learned.
• Lead multiple consultancy teams and supervise performance delivery.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the reporting manager.

Requirements and Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• NEBOSH International Diploma in OHS (IDipNEBOSH) or equivalent (preferred).
• NFPA – Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS®).
• PMI – Project Management Professional (PMP®).
• Professional membership with national and international institutions.
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Fire & Life Safety Engineering and code compliance within the airport industry.
• Minimum 4+ years in a senior design management or technical leadership role.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure or aviation projects.
• Demonstrated experience in design, engineering, and construction of airport projects.
• Strong knowledge of international and local Fire & Life Safety codes.
• In-depth knowledge of NFPA standards (e.g., NFPA 13, 20, 72) and International Building Codes (IBC).
• Experience in reviewing hydraulic calculations, smoke modeling, and fire system analyses.
• Strong understanding of building occupancy classifications and fire protection requirements.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
• Strategic and Innovative Thinking
• Leadership, Delegation, and Supervision
• Influence and Negotiation Skills
• Governance and Compliance Management
• Effective Communication and Presentation Skills
• Planning and Organizing
• Teamwork and Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Ability to Work Independently and in Large Teams
• Project Management and Vendor Management
• Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Reporting