Contract Manager – Active Fire

Job Title: Contract Manager – Active Fire
Salary: £70,000–£75,000 per annum
Location: Chelmsford (Office & Site Based – 5 Days per Week)
Contract Value: Circa £4m per annum

The Opportunity
This is a flagship contract. High value. High visibility. Proper responsibility.
Our client is looking for a commercially sharp Active Fire Contract Manager to take full ownership of a £4m per annum portfolio. You won’t just be maintaining performance, you’ll be driving it.
The contract is established, secure, and performing, but there’s room to add value. They want someone with common sense, technical credibility, and the confidence to challenge where needed. Someone who can strengthen relationships, spot commercial opportunities, and run the contract like it’s their own business.
If you’re comfortable managing demanding stakeholders, leading teams from the front, and taking full P&L responsibility, this is a role where you can genuinely make your mark.
Based out of the Chelmsford office, you’ll be visible, hands-on, and embedded in delivery five days a week, either on site or in the office.

The Role
As Contract Manager, you will have full operational and commercial responsibility for the performance and profitability of the contract.
You will oversee the delivery of works relating to:

Fire alarm systems
Sprinkler systems
Fire suppression systemsThis will include service, maintenance, testing, remedial works, and small installations, ensuring compliance, performance targets, and high service standards are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Full P&L responsibility for a £4m active fire contract
Management of operational teams including engineers, supervisors, and support staff
Ensuring KPIs, SLAs, and compliance standards are met and exceeded
Driving health & safety, quality, and performance standards
Managing subcontractors and supply chain relationships
Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships
Identifying commercial opportunities and growth within the contract
Providing strategic input to strengthen delivery and profitability
About You

Proven background in Active Fire systems (essential)
Strong working knowledge of fire alarm, sprinkler, and fire suppression systems
Previous experience in a Contract Manager, Senior Operations Manager, or similar role
Commercially aware with experience managing budgets and margin performance
Confident communicator who can manage expectations and hold their ground
Practical, solutions-focused, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
An electrical background is welcome, provided you have solid active fire experience
What’s On Offer

£70,000–£75,000 salary
Long-term contract stability
High-value, established framework
Senior leadership role with real autonomy
Opportunity to genuinely shape and grow the contract
If you’re an experienced Active Fire professional ready to step into a contract you can truly own, apply now for a confidential conversation