Fire Technical Officer

A newly created role due to business growth, giving you ownership of all fire and performance testing across a market-leading manufacturer.

You’ll shape testing strategy, influence product direction and play a critical role in ensuring technical compliance, while progressing towards senior and executive leadership.

Rapid Access is a leading UK manufacturer specialising in fire‑rated access solutions. Known for our testing‑led approach and technical integrity, we work closely with UKAS‑accredited laboratories, building control bodies and construction professionals to deliver compliant, defensible and real‑world fire performance solutions.

This is a high‑impact role reporting directly to the Managing Director, with a clear pathway into senior management and executive‑level responsibility.

As Fire Technical Officer, you will be the principal technical authority for fire resistance, smoke, acoustic and airtight testing across Rapid Access. This is a senior, trusted role combining strategic oversight with hands‑on technical judgement.

You will take ownership of testing strategy, work closely with UKAS‑accredited test houses, review and justify technical reports, and ensure all testing reflects real‑world construction and installation practices.

• Act as the senior technical authority for all fire, smoke, acoustic and airtight testing activities
• Define and lead the company’s testing strategy, ensuring tests are purposeful, compliant and commercially justified
• Oversee testing carried out by UKAS‑accredited laboratories, attending installations and tests where required
• Monitor changes to standards and regulations, advising the business on impact and implementation
• Establish robust technical governance, approval and compliance processes
• Support senior leadership with risk management, compliance decisions and product approvals

You’ll be a confident technical professional from a construction, fire engineering or fire‑rated products background, comfortable operating as the go‑to authority for fire testing and compliance.

• Strong background in construction, fire engineering or fire‑rated building products
• Experience with fire resistance and performance testing standards (e.g. BS EN 1634)
• Proven ability to interpret fire test evidence and apply it to real‑world construction scenarios
• Experience working with UKAS‑accredited test houses (client‑side, manufacturer‑side or consultancy)
• Confidence making technical and compliance‑based decisions

• Competitive salary of up to £55,000
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (with additional holidays after 5 years’ service)
• Christmas shutdown
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Company pension
• Birthday bonus after 1 year’s service

If you’re looking for a role where your technical expertise genuinely matters, and where you can influence strategy rather than simply follow it, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.