Director of Fire Engineering (London, Glasgow or Edinburgh)

Job description

Company Description Thomas & Adamson International Ltd (part of the Egis Group) are an award-winning UK based consultancy firm specialising in project management, cost management, building surveying and safety services in the Buildings space. Over the last 90 years, T&A have been supporting and leading organisations through the challenges of procuring, delivering and operating their built assets. We do this across the UK, USA and Middle East. The personalised nature of our expertise and advice gives our clients what they really want - greater confidence, more time and increased return on investment. Our parent company Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable and resilient development. Our 22,000 employees operate across over 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting-edge innovations and solutions for clients. Through the wide range of our activities, we are central to the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world. Job Description This is a new role and the first dedicated Fire Consultant within Thomas & Adamson. You will be the founding specialist for this service line – shaping the offer, delivering projects, and building the team and capability over time. It is an excellent and exciting opportunity to establish and grow a fire consultancy in a rapidly expanding market (including cladding remediation, building safety, retrofit and complex refurbishment), working hand‑in‑hand with our Project Management, Building Surveying, Cost Management and Principal Designer teams. You will also be able to draw on the expertise and global reach of our parent company, Egis – accessing international know‑how, tools and collaboration across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US – to accelerate service development, quality, and market impact. The role combines hands‑on technical delivery with practice leadership: setting standards, mentoring colleagues, developing client relationships and propositions, and creating a resilient, high‑performing fire consultancy service for Thomas & Adamson. Our Director of Fire Consultancy will be responsible for the following: Project Work Act as an integral interface between client, design team, contractors and approving authorities to achieve successful technical and commercial outcomes. Lead the development of proportionate fire strategies for new build and refurbishment projects (e.g., BS9999, BS9991, Approved Document B), including performance‑based approaches where appropriate. Plan and deliver project scopes, budgets, and programmes; manage risk, change, and quality through the lifecycle. Provide construction stage support: design checks, site inspections, technical queries, witnessing/validation of fire safety systems, and review of O&M/Record information for handover. Technical Delivery Produce and review fire strategies, compartmentation layouts, means of escape and evacuation analyses, smoke control concepts, structural fire resistance requirements, and fire service access provisions. Undertake and/or interpret modelling and calculations (e.g., evacuation modelling, smoke movement/computational fluid dynamics, radiation/tenability checks) and document engineering judgements and assumptions clearly. Specify active and passive fire protection systems (e.g., detection and alarm, sprinklers/watermist/clean agent systems, fire stopping, cavity barriers, structural protection); coordinate with MEP and architectural details. Prepare third‑party reviews/design verifications; develop retrospective strategies for occupied buildings; support remedial design for façade/cladding, compartmentation and fire stopping. Establish project‑specific compliance plans and evidence trails (e.g., BIM aligned), ensuring auditable golden‑thread documentation. Lead quality reviews and sign‑off of deliverables; maintain discipline standards, templates, and guidance notes. Façade & Cladding Remediation (Design & Assurance) Lead fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) and retrospective strategy development for existing buildings, applying current guidance (e.g., PAS 9980 methodology) and local Building Regulations/Technical Handbooks. Diagnose external wall system risks (rainscreen/EWI, ACM/HPL, timber/composite claddings, insulation types) and define proportionate remediation strategies aligned with performance objectives. Develop or review remediation details: cavity barrier/fire‑stopping strategies, horizontal/vertical fire‑stops, window/door interfaces, balcony/soffit treatments, and service penetrations. Coordinate façade fire performance with structural and MEP requirements; align with relevant guidance, BS/EN standards (including smoke/heat release considerations), and insurer requirements. Interpret and challenge large‑scale system test evidence (e.g., BS 8414 with BR 135 classification) and component certification; advise on suitability, substitutions, and equivalence. Plan and oversee intrusive surveys/openings; prepare opening schedules, photographic evidence requirements, and remediation verification plans. Provide construction‑stage assurance: review installers’ method statements, Inspection & Test Plans, and QA records; witness critical stages; maintain a digital evidence trail to support the golden‑thread objectives. Update fire strategies and handover information to reflect as‑built façades; prepare client packs to support funder/insurer/lender processes (e.g., EWS1 liaison where applicable). Business Development & Practice Leadership Build and sustain client relationships; identify opportunities, contribute to bids/fees, and present technical solutions. Support service line growth: recruitment, mentoring, CPD planning, and technical training for the wider business. Promote Thomas & Adamson through thought leadership (briefings, articles, conference speaking) and participation in standards/industry networks. Champion Health, Safety & Wellbeing and drive a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Shape and lead cladding remediation propositions (portfolio programmes and single‑asset schemes), including diagnostic surveys, options appraisal, cost/risk trade‑offs, procurement advice, and funder/insurer/authority engagement. General Duties Ensure all activities align with relevant UK legislation, standards, and guidance (e.g., Building Regulations, Approved Document B/Scottish Technical Handbooks, BS/EN standards, NFPA/IBC where applicable, insurer requirements) and client governance processes. Protect client and Thomas & Adamson interests by proactively identifying risks, advising on mitigation measures, and communicating clearly and professionally. Represent Thomas & Adamson in line with our values; ensure accurate records, timely reporting, and robust change control. Delivering Great Client Experience Building strong, professional relationships founded on trust, integrity, and reliability. Communicating clearly and concisely with clients and stakeholders regarding information needs, decisions, risks, and residual obligations. Translating complex technical issues into practical, implementable, and value‑for‑money solutions. Managing and Motivating the Team Allocate resources effectively, balancing workload, deadlines, and staff development goals. Coach and mentor junior colleagues; support routes to professional registration, and project responsibilities commensurate with competence. Foster a collaborative, supportive culture across disciplines and offices; model exemplary behaviours. In doing all of this, the FE will act in a manner which fully reflects the cultural values of Thomas & Adamson; confident, honest, responsible, supportive. Qualifications Essential Degree in a Fire related subject with substantial consultancy experience. Strong knowledge of UK codes and standards (e.g., ADB/Scottish Handbooks, BS 9999, BS 9991, BS/EN suites) and familiarity with international frameworks (e.g., NFPA, IBC) where relevant to client/insurer requirements. Demonstrable proficiency in developing fire strategies, means of escape design, smoke control principles, structural fire resistance requirements, and fire service access. Experience with analysis/modelling tools and methods (e.g., evacuation modelling; familiarity with CFD workflows and limitations; ability to commission, interpret and challenge specialist studies). Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of authoring clear technical reports and presenting to clients and authorities. Evidence of leading multi‑disciplinary coordination and managing delivery to time, cost, and quality. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site/client engagements. Desirable Chartered Consultant(CEng) with IFE (or working toward Chartership) and/or relevant professional memberships/accreditations. Experience in façade/fire remediation, compartmentation surveys, and golden‑thread/Building Safety evidence requirements. Working knowledge of external wall appraisal and remediation frameworks (e.g., FRAEW per PAS 9980), BS 8414/BR 135 interpretation, CWCT guidance, and lender/insurer information needs (e.g., EWS1 liaison). Peer review advice. Technical support on feasibility studies and project support. Knowledge of BIM/CDE workflows (e.g., model review, data drops, assurance sign‑offs) and digital QA tools. Business development exposure, bid writing, and fee scoping. You are a pragmatic, client‑focused Fire Consultant who combines technical rigour with clear communication and collaborative teamwork. You are proactive, organised, and attentive to detail; confident when required, supportive by default, and motivated to mentor others. You uphold discretion, integrity, and accountability, and you take pride in delivering safe, compliant, and elegant Fire solutions that stand up to scrutiny. Additional Information Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Egis is an equal opportunities employer who recognises the value of having a diverse workforce. Your application will be assessed based purely on your skills and experience, the stated essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role.