Principal Fire Safety Manager

Job description

• Principal Fire Safety Manager
• Based at Manchester Airport
• Permanent Position
• Competitive salary and benefits outlined below

Why MAG?

Every year, Manchester Airport connects over 30 million passengers with more than 200 destinations across the globe. As the third largest airport in the UK, Manchester is also in the top 20 airports in Europe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, Manchester Airport supports over 19,000 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region.

Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive. You'll also have access to some great benefits including:

• Bonus scheme
• 10% company contribution pension
• Car allowance
• Private medical scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts
• 2 volunteering days per year
• Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Care Concierge service

About the role:

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Manchester Airport's award-winning Fire and Safety Team and make a real impact, driving fire safety compliance, governance and continuous improvement across the airport.

This role is responsible for setting the strategic direction, governance and assurance of fire safety across the Manchester Airport estate. The postholder will act as Manchester Airport's competent fire safety lead, reporting to the Associate Safety Director and providing expert support to the Managing Director, as the Responsible Person.

Key responsibilities include:

leading the Fire Safety Team, maintaining and continuously improving the Fire Safety Management System (FSMS), overseeing fire risk assessments, managing fire safety audits and compliance reporting, providing specialist advice on projects and asset management, and acting as the airport's representative with regulators, fire authorities, insurers and other external stakeholders.

The role requires close collaboration with senior leaders, third - parties, operational teams, project managers, maintenance teams and the Airport Fire & Rescue Service to embed fire safety across all airport activities. It also involves analysing performance data, managing fire safety governance, influencing strategic decisions, and driving continuous improvement to protect life, assets and business continuity.

The postholder will be responsible for ensuring Manchester Airport maintains a robust fire safety framework that protects people, supports operational resilience and meets all legal and corporate requirements.

What will make you successful?

Candidates should hold a Degree, Level 6 Diploma, or equivalent qualification in Fire Safety Management. Applicants with a minimum Level 4 fire safety qualification will also be considered where they can demonstrate experience in senior fire safety leadership roles.

• Professional membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), or another recognised professional body.
• Extensive experience leading and managing fire safety within complex, high-risk environments, such as airports, transport networks, critical infrastructure or large public estates.
• Proven ability to lead fire safety teams and drive continuous improvement across an organisation.
• Strong technical expertise in fire risk assessment, fire safety legislation, governance, and compliance.
• Detailed knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Regulations, Approved Documents, BS 9997, BS 9999, and fire engineering principles, alongside an understanding of aviation-related fire safety requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex fire safety risks and regulatory compliance matters.

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments

We're building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We're on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there's space for your unique strengths to shine.

Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you - even if you don't think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We're committed to helping you perform at your best.

At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women's Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.