Director of Fire and Life Safety

Job Description

Job Description

The Director of Fire and Life Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all fire and life safety systems for the entire Stark Enterprises and Stark Living portfolio. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations while maintaining best-in-class practices to protect tenants, visitors, employees, and physical assets.

The Director of Fire and Life Safety partners closely with property management, operations, construction, legal, and tenant coordination to deliver safe and compliant environments. This role plays a critical part in risk mitigation and operational continuity across commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily properties.

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Essential Functions:

Fire Life Safety Oversight

• Ensure compliance with fire life safety regulations, codes, and industry best practices.

• Coordinate annual fire inspections, fire alarm tests, sprinkler system maintenance, and emergency equipment checks.

• Develop fire evacuation plans, emergency procedures, and life safety documentation.

• Liaise with local fire departments, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.

Training & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, ADA, and local safety regulations.

• Maintain documentation and records for inspections, certifications, and compliance reporting.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Select, manage, and evaluate fire life safety contractors.

• Negotiate service agreements and monitor vendor performance to ensure adherence to expectations and budgets.

• Coordinate on-site work schedules, system upgrades, testing, and maintenance.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Partner with property management, facilities, construction, and operations teams to integrate safety requirements into project planning and daily operations.

• Support tenant coordination teams during build-outs to ensure fire and safety requirements are incorporated into tenant plans.

Other:

• Demonstrate the company’s core values consistently.

• Complete all additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

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Skills and Experience:

• Must have Fire Protection License for the State of Ohio.

• 5 years of experience in fire life safety, property operations and emergency preparedness.

• Strong knowledge of fire codes, OSHA regulations and NFPA standards

• Experience working with fire alarm systems, and emergency communication platforms.

• Strong communication, training, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to analyze risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement improvement plans.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Must be able to traverse and inspect properties, rooftops, mechanical spaces, stairwells, and construction sites; exposure to typical safety and environmental hazards; travel required.

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Competencies:

• Provides strategic guidance fire life safety requirements.

• Ensures compliance with applicable codes, procedures, and internal standards.

• Builds strong working relationships with internal teams, regulatory officials, and external vendors.

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Why This Opportunity is Exciting for You: We offer a competitive compensation package, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• Health, Dental, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Additional Information:

• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

• Location: Based in Cleveland, Ohio

• Travel: up-to 20%

• Reports To: Sr. Vice President of Commercial Operations

• Direct Reports: N/A

• Decision Making Authority: The Director of Fire and Life Safety oversees day-to-day scheduling of inspections, vendor coordination, and emergency response activities. This role may approve routine service agreements and compliance documentation within delegated limits. Final approval of major contracts, capital expenditures, and strategic security initiatives rests with senior leadership.

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About Stark Enterprises:

Stark Enterprises is a full-service real estate development company based in Cleveland, Ohio, with expertise in acquisition, development, leasing, property management, construction, architectural design, landscape architecture, marketing, and security. We are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Stark Enterprises is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company that values both its employees and the communities it serves.