Senior Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking a seasoned and dynamic Sr. Manager - Fire & Safety to lead our safety and fire protection initiatives at our Mumbai facility. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the absolute reliability of critical fire protection infrastructure, driving a zero-tolerance culture for unsafe practices, and ensuring 100% statutory compliance.

This role requires a strategic leader capable of coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and local authorities to foster a robust safety culture across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fire Protection & Infrastructure Management

• System Reliability: Oversee the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of all critical fire protection systems, including Fire Hydrant Systems, Sprinklers, Fire Pumps, FM200/NOVEC systems, and Fire Alarm & Detection Systems.
• Asset Integrity: Implement predictive and preventive maintenance schedules to ensure the reliability and operational readiness of fire safety equipment at all times.
• Corrective Actions: Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for any fire incidents or system failures; drive aggressive corrective and preventive actions to eliminate unsafe practices and system vulnerabilities.

2. Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Crisis Management: Develop, review, and implement robust Emergency Response Plans (ERP), Disaster Management Plans (DMP), and On-site/Off-site Emergency Plans.
• Drills & Simulations: Conduct regular emergency drills and mock exercises (Tabletop, Functional, and Full-scale) to assess the preparedness of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the workforce.
• Incident Command: Act as a key member of the Incident Command System, ensuring swift and effective response to emergencies.

3. Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Liaison

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure strict compliance with all statutory regulations applicable to fire and safety, including the Factories Act, Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) rules, Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, and local Municipal Corporation (BMC) by-laws.
• Licensing: Manage the acquisition and renewal of all fire-related licenses, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and permits from local administrative and statutory bodies.
• Audits: Liaise with external auditors and government inspectors; ensure closure of all audit observations related to fire and safety.

4. Training & Safety Awareness

• Capacity Building: Design and deliver comprehensive safety and fire training programs for employees, contract workers, security personnel, tanker drivers, and other stakeholders.
• Behavioral Safety: Drive behavioral-based safety initiatives to instill a culture where safety is a core value rather than a priority.
• Induction & Orientation: Ensure all new hires and contract labor undergo rigorous safety induction training covering hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency evacuation.

5. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and HR departments to ensure safety considerations are integrated into all operational aspects.
• External Agencies: Establish and maintain strong relationships with Municipal Fire Brigade, Police, Local Administration, District Disaster Management Authority, and neighboring industries (Mutual-Aid partners).
• Contractor Management: Oversee the safety performance of contractors, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and safe work permit systems (e.g., Work at Height, Confined Space, Hot Work).

6. Safety Culture & Continuous Improvement

• KPIs & Reporting: Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to fire safety (e.g., system uptime, drill compliance, near-miss reporting). Prepare and present safety reports to senior management.
• Incident Investigation: Lead investigations for fires, explosions, and major accidents; prepare detailed reports and implement systemic improvements to prevent recurrence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: 12 to 15 years of progressive experience in Fire Protection, Industrial Safety, and Emergency Response, preferably in Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Chemicals, or Large-Scale Manufacturing sectors.
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Chemical/Electrical/Fire) is mandatory.
• PDIS (Post Diploma in Industrial Safety) from a recognized institute (approved by State Government) is a must.
• CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist) or equivalent fire engineering certifications are highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise:
• Deep knowledge of fire dynamics, sprinkler hydraulics, fire pump sizing, and detection systems.
• Thorough understanding of PESO, OISD (if applicable), and NFPA codes.