FM Operations Manager (Fire, Security, Incidents) in Norwich

Job Description

Your new company
Are you an experienced facilities professional with expertise in fire safety, security systems and operational resilience?
We are recruiting on behalf of a highly respected organisation operating a complex, multi-building estate that supports critical scientific, technical and operational activities. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of fire safety, physical security and incident management arrangements across a diverse and challenging environment where operational excellence, compliance and risk management are paramount.

Your new role
As Facilities Manager, you will lead the operational delivery and performance of fire and security systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining a safe, secure and resilient environment.
You will act as the operational lead for life safety and security infrastructure, overseeing fire detection and alarm systems, CCTV, access control, intruder detection, emergency response arrangements and business continuity activities.

This is a role that combines hands-on operational management with strategic influence, offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on safety, resilience and business continuity across a large estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management and performance of fire safety and electronic security systems.
• Ensure statutory inspections, testing and maintenance programmes are delivered and evidenced.
• Manage CCTV, access control, alarm systems and security operations.
• Oversee specialist fire and security contractors, driving performance through KPIs and service level agreements.
• Manage a significant security services contract and operational compliance budget.
• Coordinate emergency response arrangements, business continuity exercises and resilience planning activities.
• Lead investigations into security and safety incidents, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into future practice.
• Develop operational procedures, compliance documentation and audit evidence.
• Liaise with emergency services, regulators, insurers and other external stakeholders.
• Support capital projects and infrastructure upgrades by providing specialist fire and security expertise.

What you'll need to succeed
We are seeking a confident facilities professional who can operate autonomously, manage risk effectively and build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners.

You will have:

• Significant experience managing fire safety systems within a complex estate or multi-site environment.
• Experience overseeing security systems including CCTV, access control and intrusion detection.
• Proven contract management experience, including managing outsourced service providers.
• Experience delivering compliance programmes and operating within regulated environments.
• Knowledge of emergency planning, incident management and business continuity principles.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering value for money.

Qualifications

• Degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in Facilities Management, Fire Safety, Security Management, Building Services or a related discipline.
• Recognised fire safety qualification (such as NEBOSH Fire or equivalent).
• SIA accreditation, or willingness to obtain.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Experience within scientific, healthcare, higher education, technical or research environments.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Business continuity, emergency planning or resilience qualifications.
• Experience managing large-scale security operations or critical infrastructure environments.

What you'll get in return
This role offers the opportunity to work within a technically complex and highly collaborative environment where safety, security and resilience are fundamental to organisational success. You'll be trusted to make decisions, influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement while developing your expertise within a challenging and rewarding setting.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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