Fire Safety Auditor (Freelance) - China

Company Description

Note: this position is open to candidates who are working as a freelancer in China.

At QIMA, we're on a mission to help our clients make products consumers can trust.

Working with over 30,000 global brands, retailers, manufacturers and food growers, we are on the ground wherever products are made. We help businesses secure every step of their supply chain with quality inspections, supplier audits, certifications, and lab testing, all powered by our intelligent digital platform.

Our team of 5,000 QIMers (and counting) across 40 offices and laboratories, are united in our shared passion for innovation and integrity, and guided by our QIMA values in the decisions we make every day. We believe in the work we do, and in making a positive difference in the world. Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of?

Our Consumer Goods Division is dedicated to helping brands, retailers and manufacturers worldwide deliver safe, quality and ethically made products to their consumers. Every day at work, our inspectors, auditors, and lab techs use their expertise to help safeguard the products you use every day in your home: from clothes and footwear to toys and baby products, to electronics, appliances, and furniture.

Job Description

THE JOB
The Fire Safety Auditor is responsible for conducting on-site fire safety assessments at factory and industrial facilities, ensuring compliance with applicable international and national fire safety codes, client-specific audit protocols, and QIMA standards. The role is primarily field-based and requires hands-on execution including fire protection system inspections, diagnostic testing, risk identification, and report preparation.
The Auditor will serve factory clients across China and may be deployed to support projects in Southeast Asia as business needs require.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Field Audit Execution
- Conduct on-site fire safety audits at factory and industrial facilities, including opening meetings, document review, facility walkthroughs, equipment inspections, and closing meetings.
- Inspect and assess fire protection systems including sprinkler systems, fire hydrants and hose reels, fire extinguishers, fire alarm and detection systems, and emergency lighting.
- Perform functional testing as required, including fire alarm activation tests, sprinkler pressure and flow tests, and emergency exit and egress checks.
- Review and verify fire safety documentation, including evacuation plans, fire drill records, and maintenance logs against actual installations.
- Inspect egress routes, exit doors, and fire compartmentation for compliance with applicable standards.
- Identify non-conformities, determine risk levels, and communicate practical corrective recommendations to factory management.
- Prepare audit reports with clear, evidence-based findings supported by photographs and standard clause references, submitted within the requested timeframe.

Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Support
- Conduct follow-up verification visits to confirm closure of critical or high-risk fire safety findings.
- Review corrective action evidence submitted by factories and provide technical clarification as needed.

Standards and Continuous Improvement
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable international and national fire safety standards and codes.
- Continuously update audit processes in line with current regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Team Collaboration
- Provide technical support to fellow auditors on fire safety matters during multi-discipline audits.
- Participate in internal calibration sessions and quality improvement activities as required.

Qualifications

THE CANDIDATE
It could be you, if you have:
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Safety Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in fire protection system installation, inspection, maintenance, or safety auditing within industrial, manufacturing, or factory environments; 7+ years of experience is strongly preferred
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in fire safety inspections, including visual assessment of sprinkler systems, fire alarm and detection systems, hydrant systems, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting.
- Proficiency in fire protection system testing methods, including fire alarm activation tests, sprinkler pressure and flow tests, and egress and emergency lighting checks.
- Familiarity with international fire codes and standards (NFPA) as well as Chinese national fire safety standards (GB series).
- Chinese fire safety certifications (e.g., Registered Fire Protection Engineer, Fire Facility Operator License) are desirable; international fire safety certifications (e.g., NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist, or equivalent) are a strong advantage.
- Good command of written and spoken English for report preparation and client communication.
- Willing and able to travel extensively to factory sites across China and Southeast Asia, including overnight stays and multi-day field assignments.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with digital reporting tools and AI-assisted productivity tools is an advantage.

It also helps if you are:
- A hardworking and self-motivated professional with strong attention to detail and report quality awareness.
- Able to work independently in the field while maintaining team communication and reporting standards.
- Sound technical judgment with the ability to assess fire risk and prioritize findings effectively.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with factory management, client representatives, and cross-functional team members.
- Ability to manage multiple audit assignments and meet tight reporting deadlines under pressure.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules, client requirements, and project scope adjustments.
- A team player who actively supports cross-discipline collaboration during multi-functional factory audits.