Job Description

Purpose of the Role The Senior Designer is responsible for producing accurate, compliant, and cost-effective fire protection system designs in line with project requirements and industry standards. This role ensures all design activities support project delivery, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and effective stakeholder communication. The Senior Designer also provides mentorship and technical support to junior design staff.
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.

Skills Required