We are anticipating a number of Station Manager (B) vacancies attached to the Flexi-Duty System across the service. These vacancies may exist within Community Risk and Response (CRR), Training, Policy, Risk & Performance; Technical Services and Protection Departments. On conclusion of the process a talent pool will be generated to support our Middle Manager career progression and retirement profile over the next 12-24 months.
Assessments for these roles will take place throughout April 2026 and will include:
In-Tray Exercise.
Presentation.
Interview.
Media Exercise.
Staff Panel.
Due to the high number of applicants expected for these positions, we may limit the number selected for the assessment process.
Northumberland is the northernmost county of England, bordering Cumbria, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and the Scottish Borders. We have an outstanding North Sea coastline of 103 km and a county of rural natural beauty. The county is steeped in history and heritage and with a population of over 300,000 residents. The council provides a wide range of services to the residents over an area of 5,000 sq. km.
The post holder will be part of the Service/Directorate/Department middle management team to support the delivery of our ambitious plans to ensure that we really are a Service that “Makes Northumberland Safer” and part of a “council that works for everyone”. Our focus is on delivering an ambitious improvement programme across all parts of the Service. We are interested to seek out highly motivated and competent Watch Manager candidates, as well as inviting applications from current Station Managers from Local Authority Fire & Rescue Services.
The Role:
To lead and motivate our teams, and assist in delivering and implementing service policies, strategies and plans that support the aspirations of both the County Council and the Fire and Rescue Service.
Promote and maintain a positive relationship with all employees and their respective trade unions in the interests of developing a climate of harmonious and constructive employee relations.
Lead on the service’s continuous improvement strategy, whilst supporting a positive and innovative organisational culture through genuine staff engagement. Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills aligned to the ‘Leading the Function’ elements of the NFCC Leadership Framework.
Model our values and desired behaviours; promoting a culture which embraces collaboration, inclusivity, high performance and wellbeing. You will strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.
Manage and lead operational incidents as Level 2 Incident Commander, or in other incident command support roles in accordance with the requirements of EFSM2 and local standard operating procedures.
The Station Manager role, is conditioned to the Flexible Duty System within a department, providing emergency response cover across Northumberland relative to the hours of the duty system.
To be eligible to apply you must:
Be a substantive competent Station Manager or a Competent Watch Manager in a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
Hold current Incident Command Qualification or be prepared to achieve the qualification upon promotion.
Have no current capability issues related to competence.
Have no current formal disciplinary warnings throughout the entire process.
Possess a full UK driving licence
Candidates should apply online and the closing date for applications is 23:59pm on Friday 3rd April 2026.
For further information please see the Job Description attached.
If you are interested in this exciting role, and would like an informal discussion about the role please contact:
Area Manager: Rob Clow
robin.clow@northumberland.gov.uk
Mob: 07787808686
Benefits we will offer you include:
Being conditioned to the flexi-duty officer rota, where a vehicle will be provided whilst on duty.
Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands.
Staff networks; run by staff for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support and personal development e.g.;Armed Forces, ASB, Enable (disability), Carers, LGBY+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Race Equality.
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see our website.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
Alternative application format:
British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930