Fire Alarm Design Manager

This company is an established fire alarm and life safety contractor delivering fire alarm systems across large commercial and mission critical environments nationwide. They are investing in the growth of their national design department and are looking for a proven leader to drive quality, efficiency, and scale across a team of 30+ designers.

Position Overview

The National Fire Alarm Design Manager leads a national team of in-office and remote fire alarm designers and owns design quality from concept through construction. This role oversees the design of large, complex fire alarm systems, ensures NFPA and code compliance, and manages design hours and budgets for profitability.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader who never stops looking for ways to improve processes, tools, and team performance. This position is based in the Tempe, AZ office. It starts in-office with the potential to move to a hybrid schedule over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a national fire alarm design team of 30+ designers across in-office and remote positions
• Supervise designer tasks, workloads, and schedules to meet project deadlines
• Review designer drawings for compliance with department standards, NFPA 72, IBC, IECC, and local AHJ requirements
• Monitor design hours and budgets to drive efficiency and profitability
• Oversee planning, design, and execution of fire alarm system projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to contracts, budgets, timelines, and scope
• Perform quality assurance reviews on design documents, submittals, and permit drawings
• Provide design direction and technical support to the team during bidding, permitting, and construction phases
• Work with clients, engineers, general contractors, and inspecting authorities to align designs with life safety codes and customer needs
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, Installers, Technicians, and Service Teams to resolve field and design conflicts
• Mentor junior designers and support staff, building team skills and design best practices
• Drive cost-effective system design and continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and tools

Required Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in fire alarm system design
• 10+ years designing fire alarm systems of significant size and complexity
• 5+ years of experience with 3D design software, Revit strongly preferred
• NICET Level IV in Fire Alarm Systems, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Proven experience leading, scheduling, and developing a team of fire alarm designers
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 72, IBC, IECC, and AHJ plan review requirements
• Experience supporting projects through bidding, permitting, construction, and closeout
• Strong understanding of design budgets, design hours, and cost-effective system layout
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Detail oriented with excellent organization skills
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary range: $150,000 – $175,000 per year, DOE
• Relocation assistance available
• Hybrid schedule potential after onboarding
• Participation in profit sharing and annual bonus program
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Ongoing education, manufacturer training, and certification support

Why Work With Us

• Lead a national design department with real influence on standards, tools, and process
• Work on large, complex fire alarm projects across commercial and mission critical environments
• Join a company that is investing in growth and values continuous improvement
• Competitive salary, profit sharing, and bonus potential with relocation support
• Room to build and shape a high-performing team