Job Description

Diales Group Plc are a leading provider of expert witness, dispute resolution and specialist consultancy services across multiple technical disciplines. Our experienced team are committed to adding value to our clients' businesses by avoiding disputes, achieving early resolution of contentious matters, and/or reaching a fair settlement over disputes. The role: Diales Group Plc are seeking to hire a Senior Fire Engineer to join our growing team of technical experts as an Associate Director and support our Operational Director, who is a well-established Fire Engineering Expert Witness. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious professional to work on a wide range of projects and play a key role in the continued growth of our Fire Engineering department. Key duties will include (but not be limited to): Undertake on-the-job training in the role, responsibilities, and techniques of being a fire engineering expert witness (prior expert witness experience not required). Undertake building and/or document analysis and write an in-depth report (without technical jargon) on your findings within the timescales set. Attend meetings and communicate professionally with our appointing client, its legal and project teams. Meet representatives of other parties involved in the dispute. When required, give expert evidence in hearings (adjudication, arbitration, mediation and in court). Allocate, organise, and manage other internal and external resources for the Project, including those required for opening-up works when disruptive investigations are required. Represent and promote Diales at relevant CPD events and similar. Develop network of client contacts with a view to receiving direct expert appointments in the future. Propose ideas for improvement in the delivery of the expert witness service. Deliver presentations (individually or as part of a group) to client organisations on topics where you have considerable experience/knowledge to impart. Key candidate criteria: Essential: Qualified Fire Engineer with a minimum of 8 years' experience in fire safety engineering, fire protection design, or fire investigation. Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, Approved Document B and associated fire design standards Proven ability to analyze complex technical data, drawings, and reports to determine compliance, performance, and cause of failure. Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to express complex concepts in clear, layperson language. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Confident in client liaison, negotiation, and managing conflict constructively. Acceptance that the role focuses on technical analysis, reporting, and expert evidence, not design delivery. Desirable: Experience in remediation of high-risk buildings, or litigation support. Contract Administration experience. Experience of site inspections, failure investigations, and fire strategy reviews across residential, commercial, and public sector buildings. Prior exposure to Building Safety Act 2022, Defective Premises Act, or Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 matters. Experience with computational fire modelling (FDS), evacuation analysis, or performance-based design. Chartered status (CEng / MIFireE) or equivalent.