Director of Fire & Life Safety

JOB SUMMARY
The DIRECTOR OF FIRE & LIFE SAFETY leads SecureConnect's fire division, directing its daily operations and driving continuous improvement in performance, quality, and profitability. This role establishes the division's operating model, technical standards, licensing, and compliance program, then directs delivery of fire alarm and life safety projects, along with access control, video surveillance, intrusion, structured cabling, and fiber optic work sold through the division. The director owns division P&L, staffing, and customer outcomes, ensuring work is installed safely, to code, on time, and on budget, while coordinating with SecureConnect's existing security division on shared customers, vendors, and resources.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. STRATEGY & PLANNING: Partner with the Vice President of Operations on service offerings, target markets, staffing, pricing, and growth plans; maintain and improve core processes from estimating through closeout and service.
2. OPERATIONS & PROJECT DELIVERY: Direct all division projects from contract award through installation, testing, commissioning, closeout, and ongoing service; set crew assignments, schedules, and priorities across multiple job sites.
3. CODE COMPLIANCE & AHJ INTERFACE: Ensure all work meets applicable codes, standards, and manufacturer requirements; serve as the primary contact with Authorities Having Jurisdiction and fire marshals for permits, plan review, inspections, and acceptance testing.
4. LICENSING & TECHNICAL STANDARDS: Maintain the division's fire alarm and low-voltage licensing; lead system design review and submittals, and resolve complex troubleshooting and integration issues.
5. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Develop and manage the division budget and P&L; approve estimates and proposals, set pricing and margin guidelines, monitor job costs and change orders, and oversee billing and collections.
6. CUSTOMER & SALES SUPPORT: Support the Sales & Field Operations Manager on technical sales, large bids, and key accounts; build relationships with general contractors, owners, and facilities, and grow recurring inspection, testing, and service revenue.
7. VENDOR & PARTNER MANAGEMENT: Select manufacturer and distributor partners; pursue dealer authorizations and factory training; coordinate with the existing security division on shared vendors, equipment, and labor.
8. PEOPLE LEADERSHIP: Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and mentor division staff; build a technician development path tied to licensing, NICET, ESA, and factory certifications.
9. SAFETY & QUALITY: Build and enforce the division's jobsite safety program, quality standards, and documentation requirements, including as-built drawings, test reports, and project records.
10. PERFORMS OTHER ESSENTIAL DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:
General office equipment (computer, phone, printer/scanner); estimating, project management, and CRM software; video meeting platforms.
Fire alarm and low-voltage test equipment, including multimeters, programming tools, and cable and fiber certification testers.
Hand and power tools, ladders, and aerial and scissor lifts.
Company fleet service truck for regional travel to job sites.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of fire alarm, life safety, and low-voltage systems, including voice evacuation, mass notification, access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, structured cabling, and fiber optics
• Knowledge of state and local fire alarm licensing requirements
• Knowledge of construction project delivery: contract documents, submittals, schedules of values, change orders, AIA billing, and closeout documentation
• Knowledge of estimating, job costing, budgeting, and P&L management
• Knowledge of major fire alarm platforms such as Notifier, Gamewell-FCI, and Siemens
• Ability to build a new business unit, including processes, staffing, and vendor relationships
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, specifications, and technical drawings
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex system integration and troubleshooting issues
• Ability to lead, train, and develop technicians and field leaders
• Ability to translate strategy into executable plans with clear outcomes, KPIs, and ownership
• Skilled in communicating with executives, customers, general contractors, and inspectors
• Skilled in managing multiple projects, priorities, and crews in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled in vendor management and contract oversight
• Skilled in interpersonal engagement, customer service, and professional communication across multiple channels

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent, PLUS
Minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in the installation, service, testing, and integration of fire alarm, life safety, and low-voltage systems, AND
Minimum of five (5) years in a lead, supervisory, or ownership role managing technicians and projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, construction management, business, or a related field
NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II or higher
Experience starting or growing a business unit or company
Experience in healthcare, commercial, industrial, educational, and R-2 residential environments

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Must pass a criminal background check
Must hold a current Arkansas Fire Alarm License and NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level I certification
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record
Must be AGILE. The ability to hold yourself and others Accountable, have a personal Growth mindset, ability to act with Integrity, ability to demonstrate Leadership attributes to motivate and support coworkers, and practice Everyday Improvement.

WORK CONDITIONS:
Works in a heated and cooled office environment and on active construction sites with exposure to weather, dust, and noise.
Ability to travel 40% for site visits, client meetings, and inspections, including occasional overnight stays.
Must be able to climb ladders, work from lifts, and work in attics, ceilings, and crawl spaces.
Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

The above describes the general content and requirements for this job. It is not intended to be an all­ inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.