Engineering Manager - Fire & Life Safety systems

This National fire detection and suppression systems installer and service provider based in the Southeast of England is looking to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager to oversee and mentor talented engineers working on fire and life safety systems. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring engineering function runs efficiently, safely, and with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
Responsibilities:
• Providing on-site support for complex technical challenges when needed, while developing the team to reduce reliance on personal intervention.
• Leading and mentoring engineers across disciplines, promoting high standards and continuous improvement.
• Overseeing technical platforms (SimPro, Nimbus, CLSS, Siemens Remote) to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.
• Collaborating with schedulers to optimise engineer deployment based on competence, site familiarity, and availability.
• Driving improvements in first-fix rates and reducing return visits through performance KPIs.
• Supporting contract mobilisations and conducting regular efficiency reviews to streamline operations.
• Forecasting recruitment needs and leading the hiring process, including interviews and practical assessments.
• Coordinating onboarding and training for new engineers and apprentices, both on-site and in the academy.
• Developing and maintaining the Training and Skills/Grading Matrix and annual training plans.
• Delivering technical training and mentoring to support career progression.
• Conducting audits, supporting investigations, and ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Managing remote monitoring platforms to ensure accurate fault detection and performance tracking.

• 10 years’ experience in technical roles, ideally within fire detection, security systems, or related engineering fields.
• Proven experience in technical training, field support, and team development.
• 5+ years in engineering team management, with strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Deep technical knowledge of fire detection systems, aspiration systems, voice alarms, and related technologies.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting abilities, with hands-on field experience.
• Proficiency in Nimbus, CLSS, and Siemens remote monitoring platforms.
• Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex technical concepts and build strong working relationships.
• Highly organised, resilient, and capable of balancing field and administrative responsibilities.
• Strong critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Comfortable and competent with MS Office.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities
The role offers:
• An excellent salary and package
• Training and development programmes
• Support for professional qualifications and career progression, including apprenticeships
• A collaborative, inclusive workplace where every voice is valued
• Generous leave allowance
• Company pension scheme
• Medicash health plan (supporting everyday healthcare costs and wellbeing)
• Company parking
• Wellbeing support, including access to mental health resources
• Employee discount scheme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Company vehicle/allowance