Life Safety Systems Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Life Safety Systems Manager to lead the technical delivery of safety systems across a large, highly regulated science estate in Weybridge. You will act as the subject‑matter expert, ensuring critical assets remain safe, compliant and resilient.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and SME guidance for all life safety systems on the campus.
• Governance, assurance and compliance oversight of fire detection, alarm, suppression, emergency lighting, smoke control and related infrastructure.
• Ensure systems are maintained, tested, validated and fully operational.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, procedures and best‑practice guidance.
• Conduct audits, inspections and technical assurance reviews, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Support incident investigations with technical reports and recommendations.
• Oversee FM suppliers and contractors, reviewing designs, modifications and installations for regulatory compliance.
• Assist capital projects through design reviews, commissioning, FAT and SAT, and maintain accurate asset and compliance records.

Required profile

• Significant experience managing life safety systems in complex, high‑risk or highly regulated environments such as science, research, pharmaceutical or healthcare.
• Strong knowledge of fire detection, fire suppression, emergency lighting, smoke control, oxygen monitoring and related systems.
• Ability to provide technical oversight, conduct audits and support incident investigations.
• Clearance (SC) highly preferred.

Required skills

• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Gas fire suppression and sprinkler systems
• Emergency and escape lighting
• Smoke control and pressurisation systems
• Oxygen depletion monitoring
• Man‑trapped alarm systems
• Emergency egress and protected building systems
• FM supplier technical oversight
• Design review for legislative compliance
• Commissioning, FAT and SAT
• Asset information management and technical documentation
• Compliance auditing and risk assessment

What we offer

• Day rate up to £585 (umbrella)
• Contract length 3‑6 months, IR35 inside
• Hybrid working: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote per week
• Opportunity to work on a high‑profile public sector science campus