Area Manager

About the role:

As an Area Manager, you will be at the forefront of transforming the Fire and Rescue Service, driving meaningful change while embodying our core values. This is a critical leadership position that demands strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills and a genuine commitment to community safety.

Key responsibilities and expectations:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of challenges facing the Fire and Rescue Service
Drive transformational change through innovative and strategic approaches
Make a tangible, positive impact on local citizens’ safety and quality of life
Serve as a role model for organisational values and professional behaviors
Leadership and strategic capabilities:

Exhibit strong strategic planning and decision-making skills
Possess exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing capabilities
Bring an open, engaging leadership style that inspires and motivates teams
Proven track record in resource management and business planning
Ability to provide strategic and policy guidance
Confident to serve as a passionate ambassador for equality, diversity, and inclusion
You will be required to perform operational incident command at Level 4 as part of the Duty Officer Rota; assume Strategic Command in the absence of a Principal Officer and be able to provide a response to Ipswich within one hour.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Eligibility requirements

We welcome applications from:

Area Managers (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
Competent Group Managers with a minimum of 18 months experience in role, serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.

For more information 

Please contact our Recruitment team to arrange a casual conversation with our Deputy Chief Fire Officer. You can reach them by calling 07935 009985 or emailing sfrs.recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Interested candidates are invited to attend a virtual information session via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 18 December at 7:00pm. To participate, please contact our recruitment team (details above) to confirm your attendance.

Please visit our Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service webpage for further information, including our Community Risk Management Plan, Service Plan and HMICFRS Inspection.

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement detailing how your experience over the past 3 years meets the criteria and demonstrates your suitability for the role (no more than 500 words in total). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.  If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 January 2025.

Assessment centre dates: 30 / 31 January 2025. Full details of the assessment centre will be shared with candidates who are shortlisted.

Interview dates: 12 / 14 February 2025.

Provisional start date: 1 April 2025.