Fire Safety Manager - West Midlands

Fire Safety Manager - West Midlands

About Us

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive..

Purpose of the Role (full job description will be available during the recruitment process)

The ideal candidate will have combined a progressive career within the fire service, culminating in a leadership role

(EG Watch Commander) with commercial experience gained in the Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities sector.

As the Fire Safety conscience for Stonegate, the Fire Safety Manager will regularly be asked to make Fire Safety

recommendations that are both legally compliant and financially astute in line with our “We invest wisely” company

value. This is a national role, and national travel is a part of the role.

Stonegate Group operate three Business Models: Managed (439), Craft Union/Operator model (655) Pub

Partners/Leased and Tenanted (circa 3000). The primary focus areas across each Business Model are:

• Regulatory compliance
• Authority interface
• Technical oversight

While direct experience of one or more of our business models would be advantageous, the ability to differentiate between each model is vital to ensure a proportionate level of support. Finding the right balance between reactive (investigating fires) and proactive (championing preventative measures) is crucial when managing a heavy workload and working in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment. While nationwide travel and overnight stays will be required, the Fire Safety Manager is responsible for managing their calendar apart from when having to respond immediately to serious fires.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee statutory fire compliance, including Planned Maintenance Visits, and work closely with Head of Compliance (Property)
• Acting as Subject Matter expert and providing technical advice to contractors and facilitates managers.
• Management of statutory notice tracker to ensure that all statutory notices are dealt with in a timely, cost effective and safe and legal manner while limiting pub closure and avoiding prosecution.
• Take lead on developing and maintaining Fire Safety dashboard, as part of riskbased approach, including the collation and analysis of data from a variety of sources including fire risk assessments (FRAS), NSF (third party auditor), Area/Regional Manager checks, late night audits, statutory notices and previous fires/significant near misses
• Fire Safety conscience and primary contact across all three business models. Inform company on any changing legislation or fire safety trends

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Ideally a combination of a progressive fire service career with commercial experience working as a Fire Safety Manager (Hospitality/Retail/Property/Facilities)
• SFJ Level 3 certificate in fire safety or equivalent
• Level 4 diploma fire safety in complex premises. Including Licensed premises, BS9999 and Building Regulations
• Affiliation of an accredited industry recognised safety body
• A balanced and considered approach with a cando attitude committed to delivering results and continuous improvement.
• Strong networking skills, particularly with Enforcing authorities, third parties and Primary Authority
• Project Management – lead and support value adding and cost benefit projects EG Lowcost capacity opportunities
• Ability to communicate at all levels from pub teams, managers, operators, publicans, departmental colleagues, leadership team and board members
• Administration – support “selfserve” methodology and prioritise workload on an urgent, non-urgent, important, not important basis (Eisenhower Matrix)
• Experience in auditing and assessing the fire risk in simple and complex premises.
• Experience in putting together case files and providing expert witness statements under the Fire Safety Order.
• Experience is assessing and advising on architects/building plans (as part of work with project managers)
• Experience in writing technical documents i.e. specs and standards in relation to fire safety systems.
• Current driving licence, this role requires national travel.

What makes Stonegate a great place to work?

At Stonegate, we believe that when you feel your best, you do your best. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of every team member. From lifestyle perks and flexible support to mental health resources, our benefits are designed to help you thrive, both in and out of work.

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year
• Bonus Scheme
• Access to discounted Private Medical Insurance through Vitality
• Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance
• Reward Card via the MiXR app, giving you and your friends 25% off food and drinks as well as VIP entry across our Managed Estate
• Life Assurance which gives access to Help @ Hand
• Access to your pay early via Stream
• The Stonegate Xtra portal with access to a wide range of high street discounts and offers
• Discounted access to David Lloyd membership
• Award winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career

If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. You can contact us on hrsupport@stonegategroup.co.uk. #LI-HR1