Senior Design Manager (m/f/d) Firestopping Coordination

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (m/f/d) Firestopping Coordination

Company: Exyte GmbH

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations (Construction & Engineering Project Management)

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end firestopping coordination process across Engineering, Construction, and Commissioning phases for complex industrial projects.

• Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements, fire protection concepts, and manufacturer approvals for all service penetrations.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration and interface management between diverse engineering disciplines, QA/QC teams, and specialist subcontractors.

• Implement robust quality control measures, including site inspections, defect tracking, and remedial work management, to guarantee compliance and safety standards.

• Establish and maintain comprehensive digital documentation for firestopping measures, ensuring an auditable trail and accurate as-built records.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader scope of Operations, specifically focusing on the critical area of Firestopping Coordination within large-scale construction and engineering projects. The emphasis on project phases, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration highlights a strong demand for process management and strategic oversight, aligning with typical Senior Operations or Project Management roles in the EPC/EPCM sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assume full accountability for the planning, coordination, supervision, and documentation of all firestopping activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proactively review and integrate fire protection concepts, authority mandates, expert inspection directives, applicable standards (e.g., DIN 4102, EN 1366, EN 13501), and manufacturer approvals.

• Facilitate seamless coordination and communication across interfaces including Architecture, Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), HVAC, Piping, Electrical, Automation, QA/QC, and specialized subcontractors.

• Systematically identify, assess, and define appropriate firestopping solutions and standard details for all penetrations related to piping, cables, ducts, and other services.

• Conduct rigorous monitoring of on-site firestopping execution, performing detailed site inspections, quality assurance checks, proactive defect tracking, and overseeing the implementation of corrective actions.

• Organize, prepare for, and support pre-inspections, interim inspections, and final approvals by regulatory bodies and independent third-party experts.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive digital firestopping register, ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and auditability of all project documentation and as-built records.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to project execution and quality assurance within a highly regulated environment. The focus on interface management and documentation directly impacts project timelines and compliance, typical of senior operational roles in construction and engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Services Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

• Alternatively, a qualification as a certified technician or master craftsman with substantial, relevant experience in passive fire protection. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated professional experience in the field of passive fire protection.

• Proven track record in the design and execution of large-scale industrial projects, ideally within the pharmaceutical, biotech, semiconductor, or similar high-specification sectors.

• Demonstrated experience working within an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) or EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) project delivery environment, understanding its unique processes and demands. Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of passive fire protection systems, materials, and installation methodologies.

• Strong understanding of construction processes and project lifecycle management, particularly within industrial or complex facility builds.

• Proficiency in reviewing and interpreting fire protection concepts, regulatory documents, and technical specifications.

• Experience with various firestopping systems, including understanding manufacturer approvals and technical documentation (e.g., ETA systems).

• Expertise in site inspection protocols, quality control procedures, and defect management for construction elements.

• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage interfaces between multiple engineering disciplines and external stakeholders.

• Proven experience in establishing and maintaining comprehensive project documentation, including registers and as-built records.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to assertively manage on-site activities.

• A structured, methodical, and quality-driven approach to problem-solving and task execution. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with relevant German regulations and standards such as DIN 4102, MLAR/MBO, and Austrian OIB guidelines.

• Experience with international standards like EN 1366 and EN 13501 for fire resistance testing.

• Proficiency in digital project management and documentation platforms, specifically ACC, BIM360, Procore, or PMWeb.

• Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) from a coordination and data management perspective.

• Familiarity with specialized industrial sectors like semiconductor manufacturing or biotechnology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements clearly define a senior-level role demanding specialized technical expertise in firestopping coupled with broad project management and construction experience. The emphasis on digital tools points towards a need for modern operational practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successfully managed firestopping coordination projects, showcasing scope, complexity, and outcomes.

• Case studies detailing how regulatory requirements and fire protection concepts were translated into practical site execution plans.

• Documentation samples illustrating interface management and coordination strategies across diverse engineering disciplines.

• Evidence of implementing and maintaining quality control processes, including site inspection reports, defect logs, and resolution strategies.

• Examples of digital registers or databases used for tracking firestopping installations and associated documentation. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions outlining the firestopping coordination process from design through commissioning.

• Documentation demonstrating a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and specifying firestopping solutions for service penetrations.

• Records of quality assurance procedures and site supervision methodologies employed to ensure correct installation.

• Examples of audit trails and documentation management systems used to ensure compliance and traceability.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it directly showcases the candidate's ability to manage complex operational processes and ensure critical compliance in a high-stakes environment. The emphasis on digital tools suggests a preference for candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in modern project management systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Design Manager title, the location in Stuttgart, Germany, and the specialized nature of firestopping coordination within industrial projects (pharmaceutical, biotech, semiconductor), a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Germany, the estimated annual gross salary would likely fall between €75,000 and €100,000. This range accounts for the required 5+ years of specialized experience, technical expertise, and project management responsibilities within an EPC/EPCM context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on general market data for senior engineering and project management roles in Germany, considering the specified industry (high-tech industrial construction) and the specialized nature of the role. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, experience, and the company's specific compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Onboarding: A structured two-day onboarding event designed to integrate new employees and foster early connections with colleagues.

• Ergonomic Workspace: Modern, spacious workstations equipped with height-adjustable desks to promote employee well-being and comfort.

• Mentorship & Support: A dedicated Buddy System providing several weeks of close guidance and familiarization within the team.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for mobile working are available, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

• On-site Amenities: Complimentary access to high-quality coffee specialties and water dispensers on every floor.

• Health & Wellness: Exyte subsidizes fitness contracts through Egym Wellpass, providing access to over 5,000 fitness and wellness locations across Germany.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical industry standards in Germany. Flexibility is offered through the possibility of mobile working.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is designed to support employee well-being, professional integration, and work-life balance, which are key considerations for attracting and retaining talent in specialized engineering and operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Exyte GmbH operates within the high-tech engineering and construction sector, specializing in the design and construction of facilities for industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data centers. This highly regulated and technologically advanced environment demands precision, innovation, and a rigorous focus on quality and safety.

Company Size: Exyte is a global company with a significant workforce, indicating a well-established organizational structure with dedicated departments for various specializations. This size suggests ample resources, established processes, and opportunities for career development, while also requiring strong coordination and communication to maintain efficiency.

Founded: Exyte has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1910, providing a foundation of extensive experience and stability in the global market. This longevity underscores a commitment to long-term projects and client relationships, often associated with a culture of expertise and reliability.

Team Structure:

• The Firestopping Coordination team is likely part of a larger Engineering or Project Management department, comprising specialized roles such as design engineers, project managers, and quality assurance personnel.

• Reporting structures will typically involve a direct line to a Head of Engineering, Project Director, or a Senior Project Manager, with clear accountability for firestopping compliance.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring close interaction with architects, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, automation specialists, QA/QC inspectors, and various trade subcontractors on-site. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not a primary data analyst role, the position requires the analysis of technical specifications, regulatory documents, and site inspection findings to ensure compliance and identify risks.

• Workflow Planning: The role necessitates detailed planning and coordination of firestopping activities across all project phases, ensuring smooth integration with other construction workstreams.

• Automation & Efficiency: The use of digital platforms like BIM360 and Procore points to a company culture that values leveraging technology for improved efficiency, documentation, and collaboration in project execution.

Company Website: https://careers.exyte.net/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Exyte's focus on high-tech industries implies a culture that values technical expertise, meticulous planning, and adherence to stringent quality and safety standards, which are critical for firestopping coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a role with significant responsibility and autonomy. It sits above entry-level or mid-level coordination roles, requiring a deep understanding of passive fire protection principles, extensive project experience, and the ability to manage complex interfaces and documentation within large-scale industrial construction projects. The scope includes strategic oversight of firestopping measures across multiple project phases.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager for Firestopping Coordination will likely report to a Project Director, Head of Engineering, or a Senior Project Manager. They will be responsible for guiding and coordinating the work of firestopping technicians or subcontractors, and will collaborate closely with discipline leads (e.g., HVAC Lead, Electrical Lead) and the QA/QC department.

Operations Impact: The effective coordination of firestopping measures directly impacts project safety, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity. Failures in this area can lead to significant project delays, increased costs due to rework, and severe safety risks. Therefore, this role has a critical impact on the successful and compliant delivery of Exyte's high-tech facilities, directly influencing project timelines, budget adherence, and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in passive fire protection, potentially leading to roles as a Fire Protection Engineer or Consultant within Exyte or the broader industry.

• Project Management Progression: Opportunity to move into broader Project Management roles, overseeing larger scopes of work or entire project packages, leveraging the foundational project coordination experience.

• Leadership Development: Potential for leadership roles within the engineering or construction management departments, managing larger teams and taking on more strategic project responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Exposure to various engineering disciplines (MEP, Automation, etc.) can lead to a more holistic understanding of complex facility construction, opening doors to roles with wider project scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Design Manager" title suggests a clear path for career progression within Exyte, focusing on both technical specialization and broader project leadership within the complex industrial construction domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of office-based work and on-site presence at project locations. The Stuttgart office is noted to have spacious workstations with height-adjustable desks, suggesting a modern and employee-centric office setup designed for comfort and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Stuttgart, Germany, a major industrial and technological hub. This location likely provides excellent connectivity and access to skilled professionals. On-site work will occur at project construction sites, which can vary depending on the project's geographical location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional coordination suggest a work environment that encourages regular interaction and collaboration, both virtually and in person. The Buddy System further reinforces a supportive team atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency in digital project management platforms (ACC, BIM360, Procore, PMWeb) are essential, indicating a technology-forward workspace where digital tools are central to daily operations.

• Team Interaction: Daily interactions will involve coordinating with internal engineering teams, QA/QC personnel, and external subcontractors. Site visits will require direct engagement with construction teams and supervisors.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a framework, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. The nature of construction projects may sometimes require extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines or conduct essential site inspections, particularly during peak construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and the description of the Stuttgart office suggest a company that balances remote work flexibility with the necessity of on-site presence for critical project coordination and oversight, typical for senior roles in construction management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by the HR team and potentially the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience in passive fire protection, knowledge of relevant standards (DIN, EN), and your approach to firestopping coordination. Expect questions on managing interfaces, quality control, and documentation. This may include a case study or problem-solving scenario related to firestopping challenges on a large project.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio showcasing successful firestopping coordination projects, highlighting their process, challenges overcome, and outcomes. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Discussions with potential team members or other stakeholders to assess communication style, collaboration skills, assertiveness, and alignment with Exyte's company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 complex projects that best demonstrate your experience in firestopping coordination within industrial or high-tech environments.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the firestopping challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, the key stakeholders involved, and the documented outcomes (e.g., successful inspections, compliance achieved, timelines met).

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explicitly detail the processes you followed for planning, coordination, quality assurance, and documentation. Showcase your proficiency with digital tools like BIM360, Procore, or PMWeb by describing how you utilized them.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as the number of penetrations managed, reduction in defects, or successful completion of inspection phases within schedule.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process, how you handled conflicts, and your understanding of specific regulations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios involving complex penetrations, conflicting requirements, or challenging site conditions. Think about how you would approach defining solutions and ensuring compliance.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Brush up on key German fire protection regulations (MLAR/MBO, DIN 4102) and relevant EN standards. Understand the implications of authority requirements and expert inspections.

• Interface Management: Practice articulating how you would coordinate with different engineering disciplines and