Fire Protection Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Fire Protection Designer / Project Manager

Location: Minnesota (Onsite)

Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 + potential per diem/relocation

Schedule: Full-time

Overview

We are seeking a Fire Protection Designer / Project Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale fire protection projects. This role is responsible for managing projects from design through installation and final commissioning, with full ownership over schedule, cost, quality, and client communication.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical expertise in fire protection systems and the ability to manage complex, cost-plus project environments.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead all phases of fire protection projects from kickoff through closeout
• Coordinate engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and subcontractors
• Develop and manage project schedules, deliverables, and execution plans
• Ensure compliance with NFPA codes and industry standards

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage cost-plus project structure including tracking labor, materials, and subcontractor costs
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost-to-complete analysis
• Review job cost reports and identify potential risks or overruns early
• Partner with accounting to ensure accurate billing and documentation

Schedule & Execution

• Build and maintain project schedules across all phases
• Coordinate sequencing and critical path activities with field teams
• Identify and mitigate schedule risks

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the client
• Lead project meetings, updates, and reporting
• Communicate proactively around scope, schedule, and cost impacts

Procurement & Subcontractor Oversight

• Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, and requisitions
• Manage subcontractor performance and change orders
• Ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and budget

Change Management

• Identify and manage project scope changes
• Lead internal and client approval processes
• Ensure all changes are documented and reflected in cost and schedule

Quality & Safety

• Enforce safety standards and ensure compliance across all teams
• Oversee system testing, inspections, and commissioning
• Ensure all deliverables meet regulatory and client requirements

Documentation & Closeout

• Maintain project documentation (RFIs, submittals, reports)
• Ensure projects are audit-ready
• Oversee as-builts, O&M manuals, and turnover documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 5–10+ years of experience in fire protection, mechanical systems, or related project management
• Experience managing cost-plus or reimbursable contracts
• Strong knowledge of NFPA standards and fire protection systems
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• NICET, PMP, or PE certification (Fire Protection)
• Experience with large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects



Why This Role

This is an opportunity to take full ownership of complex fire protection projects in a growing environment where your leadership, technical expertise, and ability to manage both people and projects will have a direct impact on success.