A Fire Safety Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with all fire safety matters, legislative and regulatory, relating to an organization's day to day operations. Will provide specialist advice to the management and employees of the organization. May organize training to improve employee understanding of best fire safety practice.
Fire & Life Safety Test and Inspection Operations Manager
TRIP ELECTIC INC., DBA, BENSON ELECTRIC
Lakeside, CA Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $95,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Fuel card Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Qualifications Report preparation Managing customer accounts Customer communication Sales proposal development Fire alarm sales Field service Technical documentation Account development Fire suppression plumbing systems Client relationship development Technical report writing Inspection reporting and documentation Fire alarm system compliance testing Business development Driver's License System testing Compliance documentation Electronics test documentation Cost estimates Productivity software Equipment testing NFPA standards Training & development Life safety system inspection Site surveys Experience with customer site (as sales environment) Fire prevention inspections Full Job Description The Position Benson Electric is seeking an experienced, hands-on Fire & Life Safety Test and Inspection Operations Manager to build, manage, and grow our testing and inspection division. This is not a desk-only management position. The right person will initially wear multiple hats and own the work from the first customer conversation through final compliance submission. Responsibilities include business development, site walks, estimating, proposal preparation, customer management, scheduling, field testing, report preparation, deficiency follow-up, and submission through The Compliance Engine and other AHJ-required portals.
The position covers:
Commercial fire alarm systems Fire sprinkler and standpipe systems Fire pumps Pre-engineered kitchen fire-suppression systems, including ANSUL and comparable manufacturers Portable fire extinguishers The successful candidate will have the technical ability to work in the field, the business sense to price profitable work, and the customer skills to develop long-term inspection and service relationships. Primary Responsibilities Operations and Division Development Take ownership of the day-to-day testing and inspection operation. Develop repeatable procedures for scheduling, testing, documentation, report review, billing handoff, and deficiency follow-up. Build and maintain a recurring inspection-contract portfolio. Coordinate testing dates, site access, monitoring-company notifications, impairments, fire watches, and customer communication. Maintain accurate inspection schedules, customer records, equipment inventories, and renewal dates. Track labor performance, job costs, gross margins, report turnaround, deficiencies, and contract renewals. Help recruit, train, and oversee additional inspectors and support personnel as the division grows. Maintain a high standard of safety, code compliance, documentation, and customer service. Sales and Estimating Develop new inspection and service customers throughout San Diego County. Perform site walks and document system types, quantities, testing requirements, access limitations, and special conditions. Prepare accurate estimates and proposals for recurring inspections, testing, deficiency repairs, and related service work. Follow up on proposals and negotiate scope, pricing, and contract terms. Expand existing accounts by identifying additional fire and life-safety needs. Protect company margins through accurate estimating, clear scopes, and disciplined job-cost review. Maintain a current sales pipeline and provide reliable forecasts. Field Testing and Compliance Personally perform or lead fire and life-safety inspection and testing work. Test fire alarm initiating devices, notification appliances, control equipment, supervising systems, monitoring signals, and related interfaces. Inspect and test sprinkler, standpipe, valve, waterflow, tamper, backflow, and fire-pump equipment as applicable. Inspect and service pre-engineered kitchen suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers within the limits of applicable licenses and certifications. Identify, document, photograph, and clearly explain deficiencies. Prepare complete and accurate inspection and test reports. Submit compliant and noncompliant reports through The Compliance Engine and other required AHJ platforms. Properly document and communicate system impairments and urgent life-safety conditions. Develop repair proposals from inspection deficiencies and follow them through completion. Required Qualifications At least five years of commercial fire-protection testing, inspection, service, or closely related field experience. Direct hands-on experience with fire alarm and water-based fire-protection systems. Experience with fire pumps, kitchen suppression systems, and portable fire extinguishers. At least two years of experience involving estimating, sales, account management, field leadership, or service operations. Working knowledge of applicable California requirements and NFPA 10, 17/17A, 20, 25, 72, and 96. Ability to independently perform site surveys, develop labor and material estimates, and prepare professional proposals. Ability to produce accurate inspection reports and deficiency documentation. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable working directly with building owners, facility managers, property managers, general contractors, technicians, monitoring companies, and AHJs. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic inspection/reporting platforms. Valid California driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Ability to work throughout San Diego County and accommodate occasional early-morning, evening, or weekend testing. Ability to safely use ladders and lifts and perform the physical functions associated with field inspections, with reasonable accommodation where applicable. A college degree is not required. Demonstrated technical knowledge, licenses, certifications, industry experience, and the ability to successfully run the operation are more important. Preferred Qualifications NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems and/or Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems. Current California OSFM credentials applicable to portable fire extinguishers or automatic fire-extinguishing systems. Manufacturer training or certifications for ANSUL or comparable suppression systems. Fire-pump testing experience. Familiarity with California Title 19 requirements and local San Diego County AHJ procedures. Experience using The Compliance Engine. Experience developing recurring inspection agreements and selling deficiency-repair work. Previous responsibility for departmental revenue, gross margin, labor utilization, or operating results. Experience training or supervising inspectors and technicians. Candidates with strong fire alarm and sprinkler backgrounds who can demonstrate the ability to complete additional required licensing or cross-training will also be considered. Compensation and Benefits Base salary of $70,000-$95,000, depending on qualifications. Performance-based commission tied to gross margin. Commission structure and eligibility will be reviewed with qualified candidates. Company vehicle and fuel card, or vehicle allowance and business-mileage reimbursement, depending on the final arrangement. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) retirement plan. Company-provided phone, laptop, testing equipment, and necessary field tools. Who Will Succeed in This Role This position is best suited for someone who has worked in the field, understands how inspection work should be performed, and is ready to take ownership of an operation. You should be comfortable moving between a customer meeting, site survey, estimate, field inspection, technical report, deficiency proposal, and compliance submission without losing track of the details. You will have support from company leadership, but you will be expected to drive the division forward and treat it like a business within the business. Benson Electric is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
