Fire Chief

Main Job Purpose:

The Fire Chief leads the Fire & Emergency Response function at King Abdullah Port, with full accountability for emergency response readiness, fire prevention and protection, training, and continuous improvement to protect life, property, critical assets, and business continuity.

The role oversees day-to-day emergency and non-emergency response operations, provides incident command leadership during major incidents, and manages the performance and development of fire personnel across all operational shifts.

The Fire Chief establishes and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards; leads fire risk assessments, evacuation drills, and fire safety awareness programs; and provides oversight to ensure the inspection and compliance of fire protection and suppression systems across port facilities.

The position supports departmental planning, budgeting, and operational reporting, while maintaining compliance with regulations and recognized fire and emergency response standards and aligning with internal stakeholders, contractors, , and relevant government agencies.

Accountabilities:

1. The Fire Chief is responsible for leading, managing, and ensuring the operational readiness of King Abdullah Port’s Fire Protection and Emergency Response Division. The role ensures compliance with HCIS Safety and Fire Protection (SAF) Directives, NFPA Standards, and ECZA Regulations, overseeing all firefighting, rescue, and emergency preparedness activities within the port area. Schedules, trains, supervises, coordinates, oversees, and evaluates the work of assigned employees.
2. Ensure full compliance with HCIS SAF Directives, Fire Risk Analysis, Fire Protection Design & Systems, and Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance.
3. Lead and coordinate the implementation of Fire Risk Analysis (FRA) and Pre-Incident Planning (PIP) in collaboration with the approved HCIS consultant.
4. Maintain documentation and records for HCIS audits and inspections.
5. Establish, maintain, and update the Port Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Firefighting Pre-Plans.
6. Functions on emergency overhead teams during major incidents
7. Command all firefighting and rescue operations, ensuring safe and effective response to incidents including fires, hazardous material spills, and medical emergencies.
8. Ensure the availability, functionality, and maintenance of all firefighting vehicles, equipment, and systems (hydrants, pumps, foam systems, etc.).
9. Supervise Fire Officers, Captains, and Firefighters to ensure operational discipline and readiness across all shifts.
10. Review incident reports, root cause analyses, and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.
11. Formulation of work plans, programs, and long-range strategic planning e.g. KPI, SOP, Training etc.
12. Enforcement of Department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
13. Provide fire safety input during design reviews, new project approvals, and permit processes.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Fire Engineering, or a related field.
• Fire Officer I, II certification (NFPA 1021).
• Fire Investigator certification (NFPA 1033), where investigation responsibilities
• Valid driver’s license (and/or internationally recognized license as applicable).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• NFPA-aligned certifications appropriate to operational scope, such as Firefighter I & II (NFPA 1001) and Hazardous Materials (NFPA 1072 / NFPA 470 series).

Experience

• Minimum 13 years of progressive experience across major phases of professional firefighting and emergency response, preferably in industrial, port, petrochemical, or critical infrastructure environments.
• At least 3 years in an administrative and supervisory role at the Battalion Chief / Fire Captain level (or equivalent).

Demonstrated experience in incident command, operational planning, training management, and stakeholder coordination.

Skills & Knowledge:

1. Command incidents, plan emergencies, and allocate resources effectively under pressure.
2. Select, supervise, coach, and performance-manage fire personnel; build team capability and accountability.
3. Diagnose operational issues, conduct fire risk assessments and incident investigations, and drive corrective actions through to closure.
4. Maintain strong working knowledge of firefighting tools, apparatus, suppression and detection systems, and safety/PPE requirements.
5. Develop and maintain SOPs and operational plans, manage KPIs, ensure compliance, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
6. Communicate effectively with leadership, employees, contractors, tenants, government agencies, and the public; maintain accurate records and reports; and meet required physical readiness standards.