Group Manager – External Process

Salary: £55,953 (development) – £62,028 (competent) per annum plus a 20% flexible duty allowance.

We are delighted to announce that we have several Group Manager opportunities across the Service, and we are looking individuals who possess excellent leadership and communication skills to come and join us. We have roles available across both Devon and Somerset and there will be a requirement to be based in and provide operational cover in these localities.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in the UK.

Employing almost 2,000 people with the highest number of fire stations and appliances outside of London, could you be our newest team member?

We are looking for the best people to join the organisation and support us in providing Devon and Somerset with a world class fire and rescue service, which is trusted to serve and protect our communities.

Applications are invited from suitably experienced and qualified Station Managers and Group Managers. Eligible applicants will need to meet the following criteria as a minimum: 

Be a competent substantive Station Manager 
Qualified L2 ICS & PRDC 
Able to demonstrate and evidence significant leadership experience 
Not subject to formal performance improvement actions, nor have any live disciplinary sanctions 

If you are interested in this position, you will need to complete the application form via the link on our careers page, which will include a personal impact statement. The personal impact statement relates to each of the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework as well as operational and professional expertise. Your impact statement should focus on demonstrating your impact at Leading the Function level. 

The selection process will comprise of an application, Leading the Service Assessment Centre (taking place on Tuesday 20th January 2026), a leadership-based interview and presentation. If successful in these elements, you will then be invited to submit your expression of interest in specific Group Manager roles. 

Closing date
04 Jan 2026

It is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Fire and Rescue Services are changing, and we are no exception. Our vision is that together, with colleagues and our communities we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.

This process will also be used to fill permanent Group Manager vacancies that arise over the next 6 months.

From 1 April 2024, we have introduced development rates of pay for any new individuals moving into a development or an acting-up role. These pay rates are set out by the National Joint Council.