Fire & Safety Officer

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Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live‑event space – it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards testify to client satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen communities, and protect the environment. Today Olympia is undergoing a transformation into a cultural hub that will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world‑class office space and public realms.

Job Purpose

Provide advice and guidance on all Fire and Safety policies, processes and procedures. Advise the Venue Management Department on safety aspects of event floor plans. Carry out fire and safety inspections, complete preliminary investigations of accidents and incidents, and provide first aid at the level set by the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Convey and display the company core values of Confident, Attentive, Imaginative and Vibrant.
• Support venue management and other departments in all matters of fire safety and workplace safety, providing regulatory advice as required.
• Comply with the current department service level agreement (SLA).
• Monitor safe working practices, liaise with event organisers’ safety teams and report any safety breaches.
• Carry out safety briefs for all event organisers and their security teams when required.
• Ensure appropriate safety signage is in place for the period of any event.
• Support the Group Health and Safety Manager and Senior Fire & Safety Officer by undertaking workplace inspections to ensure contractor compliance with Olympia Events rules and regulations.
• Monitor health and safety compliance during build‑up, open and break‑down phases of all events; inform organisers of any breaches.
• Complete a daily event safety check sheet.
• Ensure the appropriate levels of fire extinguishers are in place for each event.
• Maintain a communication link to the Olympia control room and duty manager.
• Carry out a daily brief and supervise the duties of all Fire/First Aid auxiliaries as required.
• Liaise with the appropriate enforcement/licensing authorities on issues relating to event fire and safety.
• Conduct fire risk assessments and any other associated risk assessments as required.
• Carry out scheduled testing, inspection and servicing (where required) of the venue fire safety lifesaving systems and equipment in accordance with current fire safety regulations.
• Monitor the test programme for sprinklers, fire alarms, automatic fire detection (AFD), public address systems and emergency lighting.
• Complete preliminary accident and incident investigations as required.
• Issue all hot work permits within the venue and monitor hazardous work activities.
• Take the lead to ensure the required level of first aid/medical cover is in place, as per the risk assessment for the venue and for events.
• Conduct all fire briefs and induction training of new employees and contractors.
• Deliver annual fire safety training (theory and practical) for all Olympia employees and service partners.
• Assist in carrying out any other health and safety duties as required by the Group Health and Safety Manager and Senior Fire & Safety Officer.
• Respond as part of the venue IRT team for all emergency situations per Olympia emergency procedures.

Person Specification

Skills, Experience and Behaviours

• Self‑motivated, able to positively influence and motivate others.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Good team player with a practical approach to problem solving and creating solutions.
• Driven and continually strives to improve (Personal Development Plan).
• Good IT skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Appropriate qualification relating to the role of Fire & Safety Officer (e.g., NEBOSH General H&S, NEBOSH Fire, IOSH, NVQ, FAAW/FREC 3).
• Previous experience in the exhibition/leisure industry is advantageous.
• Good knowledge of the events industry and e‑Guide is advantageous.

Sustainability Responsibilities

• Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme – the ‘Grand Plan’.
• Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives.
• Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role in initiating change.

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment, and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary according to the changing needs of the business.