Fire Chief

Job Purpose

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a world-renowned private university located in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a 36 km2 suburban campus on the Red Sea, a residential city of >8,000 residents, a university campus with 200,000 m2 of modern research laboratories and a research park with local and global research centers. Within KAUST, there are >2,000 separate fire alarm systems connected to >65,000 detectors. Our Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) expertise leads the university in the development of innovative systems and programs that enable a strong safety culture and the ability to manage the risks associated with our state-of-the-art research and education.

The Fire Chief within the Fire Department plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the campus community by overseeing fire prevention, emergency response, and fire department operations. This position requires strategic leadership, effective management of service provider contracts, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and emergency preparedness for routine and emergency services, including but not limited to, firefighting, rescue, hazardous material response, evacuation, salvage, emergency planning, training, inspections, testing & maintenance. Ensures compliance and consistency with programs. Works directly with counterparts in Civil Defense for mutual aid, utilizing resources to provide the most cost-effective fire protection. 

Major Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to enhance fire prevention and emergency response across the campus.

• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department, including personnel management, resource allocation, and incident command during emergencies.

• Contract Management: Manage service provider contracts related to fire protection systems, equipment maintenance, and other fire safety services, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and KPIs.

• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards and develop mitigation strategies to minimize risks.

• Training and Development: Develop and implement training programs for fire department personnel and campus residents to enhance fire safety awareness and emergency response capabilities.

• Community Engagement: Collaborate with campus stakeholders, local authorities, and community partners to promote fire safety initiatives and foster a culture of safety within the university community.

• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.

• Emergency Planning and Response: Develop and maintain emergency response plans, coordinate emergency drills, and lead the response to fire incidents and other emergencies.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, national, and international fire safety regulations, codes, and standards applicable to university facilities and operations.

• Continuous Improvement: Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of fire prevention and emergency response efforts, and implement continuous improvement initiatives as needed.

Person Requirements  / Competencies

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals in a dynamic and challenging environment.

• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and address emerging fire safety challenges.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals and objectives.

• Decision Making: Sound judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure emergency situations.

• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention principles, firefighting techniques, and fire safety regulations.

• Contract Management: Experience in managing service provider contracts, including negotiation, performance monitoring, and contract compliance.

• Emergency Response: Proficiency in incident command systems and emergency response procedures, with the ability to lead coordinated responses to fire and other emergencies.

• Risk Management: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate fire risks effectively.

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities while maintaining a focus on achieving objectives.

• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a fire department or emergency services agency.

• Demonstrated knowledge of fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response techniques.

• Familiarity with the principles of incident command system (ICS) and emergency operations management. Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fire services, including structure firefighting, at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.

• Experience in managing service provider contracts preferred.

• Track -record of developing and implementing performance metrics to assess fire department effectiveness.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate emergency response efforts in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.