Fire Protection Program Manager (IL/WI Market)

Major Responsibilities

• Serves as the enterprise authority on fire protection engineering.
• Develops, implements, and monitors enterprise-wide programs that drive value in the organization.
• Provides expert consulting on local, state, and federal fire and life safety codes, ensuring compliance and safety across Advocate Health facilities.
• Performs fire protection and/or life safety related surveys in various buildings such as hospitals, high-rises, freestanding emergency departments, and medical office buildings to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.
• Prepares detailed technical reports based on survey findings.
• Collaborates with the Building Information Modeling (BIM) team to ensure that life safety code drawings are accurately updated to reflect any changes needed from inspections and assessments.
• Develops and implements fire safety strategies for special hazards, tailored to the unique needs of healthcare environments.
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) equivalencies and waivers related to fire protection and building construction across the enterprise, including Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) analysis to ensure compliance and optimize safety strategies.
• Utilizes working knowledge of active fire protection systems, including selection, design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Facilitates continuing education and training opportunities for team members to enhance their skills in fire and life safety.
• Investigates fire incidents and recommends improvements to prevent future occurrences, enhancing overall safety.
• Collaborates with architects, engineers, and construction teams on new healthcare facility projects and renovations to integrate fire protection measures from the design phase through completion.
• Collaborates with the organization’s insurance carrier to review and implement recommendations aimed at reducing Maximum Foreseeable Loss (MFL).
• Develops and integrates risk mitigation strategies into facility operations and capital projects to enhance fire protection and resilience.
• Co-chairs and/or participates in the Enterprise Regulatory and Safety Council.
• Participates in other councils and committees as needed.
• Participates in department initiatives.

Qualifications

• Licensed Fire Protection Engineer in WI and IL.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, preferably from an ABET accredited program, or a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Master’s in Fire Protection, or equivalent ABET accredited degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional working experience in fire protection engineering, with at least 5 years in a healthcare setting.

Skills & Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of fire protection systems and technologies.
• Familiarity with healthcare-specific fire safety codes and standards (e.g., CMS, TJC, NFPA 101, NFPA 99).
• Solid understanding of relevant software including BlueBeam, Microsoft Office Suite, and facilities Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and cultivate strong internal and external relationships.
• Detail-oriented, demonstrated organizational and time management skills, and ability to manage/prioritize, track, and complete tasks/projects within established deadlines.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Committed to customer service, timely response, collaboration, cooperative professional relationships, and diversity.