Fire Safety Manager at University of Canterbury, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Ratonga Whakahaere Paenga |Facilities Management
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• Permanent position
• 37.5 hours per week

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
We are seeking a highly capable Fire Safety Manager to join our Health & Safety team at the University of Canterbury (UC). As the Fire Safety Manager, you will be the University’s lead specialist for all fire safety matters.

Working closely with Facilities Management, Health & Safety team, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), and a wide range of internal stakeholders, you will drive the development and implementation of fire safety systems, policies, risk assessments, audits and training programmes. You will provide expert advice on legislation, fire risk management and compliance while helping shape a proactive, safety-focused culture across the University.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Leading the University’s fire risk assessment programme
• Developing and maintaining fire safety policies and procedures
• Providing expert technical advice on fire legislation and best practice
• Managing fire evacuation schemes and trial evacuations
• Investigating fire-related incidents and identifying improvement opportunities
• Delivering fire safety training and awareness programmes
• Partnering with stakeholders to reduce risk and strengthen compliance
• Working collaboratively with FENZ and internal governance groups

Mōu | Who You Are
We’re looking for a confident and experienced professional who can operate strategically while also being hands-on in delivering practical fire safety solutions.  You will hold:

• A recognised Health & Safety qualification (minimum Level 5), such as NEBOSH International General Certificate
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety or equivalent essential

You will ideally be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in fire safety management within a large, complex organisation
• Strong working knowledge of New Zealand fire safety legislation, standards and compliance frameworks
• Experience conducting fire risk assessments and incident investigations
• The ability to influence, engage and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills
• A collaborative and proactive approach to leadership and relationship management
• Experience working with FENZ and external regulatory bodies
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
UC is made up of approximately 150 buildings across 87 hectares, covering a gross floor area of 223,000m².  The University of Canterbury (UC) is situated on a beautiful campus located in Ilam, Christchurch.  Through the delivery of the UC Campus Master Plan, we are committed to achieving and maintaining a community that encompasses sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration resulting in a safe, secure and inspirational environment.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued. 

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development and study opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: 2 June 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role