Senior Designer – Fire Protection Cape Town

SUMMARY:
Senior Designer – Fire Protection

POSITION INFO:
Job Description

Purpose of the Role

Minimum Requirements

• AutoCAD 2D and/or Revit qualification (essential).
• ASIB / IFE Certificate or similar qualification in fire protection.
• Where the ASIB Competency Certificate is not available, comprehensive knowledge of relevant fire protection standards is required.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Fire Protection Designer.
• Ability to run hydraulic calculations (FHC / Canute or equivalent software).
• Proven ability to produce accurate, compliant designs within project timelines.

Core Competencies

1. Technical Design

• Prepare detailed 2D/3D drawings for fire detection and suppression systems.
• Ensure all designs comply with ASIB, NFPA, SANS, and other applicable standards.
• Conduct hydraulic calculations and pipe sizing using FHC / Canute.
• Develop design specifications, system layouts, equipment schedules, and technical documentation.

2. Project Management

• Manage design deliverables according to project programs.
• Coordinate design timelines, approvals, and revisions.
• Attend project meetings to align design requirements with site, client, and engineering needs.

3. Reporting

• Prepare design progress reports, technical summaries, and updates to project managers.
• Provide status on design milestones, risk items, and compliance requirements.

4. Quality Management

• Review and validate all drawings for accuracy and compliance before submission.
• Participate in internal audits and quality checks.
• Implement continuous improvement in design processes and standards.

5. Risk and Compliance

• Ensure all designs adhere to statutory and regulatory fire protection standards.
• Identify design-related risks and recommend corrective measures.
• Support preparation of compliance documentation and submission to relevant authorities.

6. Communication

• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, contractors, and clients.
• Present design concepts clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely communication of design changes and critical issues.

7. Report Writing

• Produce technical reports, system descriptions, design basis documents, and change reports.
• Document design assumptions, calculations, and justifications.

8. Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies to review and approve designs.
• Maintain professional relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Leadership Responsibilities

1. Mentoring and Coaching

• Guide junior designers on standards, software, design methods, and best practices.
• Provide technical oversight on drawings and calculations produced by junior staff.

2. Staff Development

• Support skills development through on-the-job training and design reviews.
• Encourage continuous learning and professional development within the design team.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

1. Project Design

• Deliver complete and accurate fire protection designs aligned with project timelines and specifications.
• Ensure all design submissions meet required standards and client expectations.

2. Design

• Prepare, review, and update drawings, specifications, schematics, and hydraulic calculations.
• Maintain design accuracy and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

3. Design Administration

• Maintain design records, drawing versions, document control, and system calculations.
• Coordinate design approvals, revisions, and archiving in accordance with company procedures.