Area Manager

Organisation: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service

Salary: £94,581 per annum

Location: Based in Ripley, with some local and national travel

Do you have what it takes to lead, inspire, and drive meaningful change?

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Area Manager (AM) to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in one of the UK’s most diverse and picturesque regions. Serving a population of over 1 million across 1,000 square miles, our Service protects communities ranging from the stunning landscapes of the Peak District to bustling cities, manufacturing hubs, and rural areas.

Following the retirement of one of our current Area Managers, we are looking for an exceptional leader to join us on our mission to Make Derbyshire Safer Together.

This opportunity is open to substantive operational Group Managers and existing operational Area Managers.

About the Role

As one of our AMs, you will:

• Lead portfolios aligned to corporate priorities, ensuring effective governance, resource management, and adherence to relevant Fire Standards.
• Drive the delivery of strategic objectives outlined in the Community Risk Management Plan (Our Plan) and contribute to the high performance of the organisation.
• Command operational incidents at a strategic level and provide gold command support to Duty Principal Officers.
• Develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance service delivery, policy implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

About You

To succeed in this critical role, you will have:

• Strategic change management and risk management expertise.
• Experience managing complex projects and delivering organisational objectives.
• Financial management skills, including resource allocation and budgeting.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and personal integrity.

Essential Criteria includes:

• Leadership and management qualification at Level 5 or equivalent e.g. Chartered Management Institute (CMI) or Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). (NB if Level 5 held, attainment of Level 7 will be required as part of the role).
• Four Level 4 IFE Papers (including Mandatory Papers) as detailed in the Services IFE Examinations Procedure (Link to FireView IFE Examination Procedure below and attached) and/or a Masters level degree e.g. MBA
• Incident Command competent at Level 4. (NB if Level 3 held, attainment of Level 4 will be required as part of the role).
• A Multi Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) qualification. (NB If not already held, the postholder will be required to complete as part of the role.)

Why Join Us?

At DFRS, we pride ourselves on being a progressive organisation that values innovation, inclusivity, and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to influence the future direction of a high-performing fire and rescue service and put our people at the heart of everything we do. This is your opportunity to make a real impact—not just within the Service, but across the communities of Derbyshire.

You will have a DFRS provided car for business travel and to meet the requirements of the rota arrangements.

The normal working hours are 39.5 per week, normally worked on a Monday to Friday basis, to meet the needs of the Service.

In addition to ‘out of hours’ or rota call out arrangements, there will be occasions for some planned evening and weekend work to support the corporate activities of DFRS. The post holder will be expected to provide operational cover and therefore live, or be located (whilst on duty) within the County boundary of Derbyshire.

The Area Managers currently operate on a one week in three operational rota and provide Gold Command Support to the Principal Officers.

Guidance on the Pension implications of undertaking a promotion can be found in the attached guidance document: ‘Pensions and Tax – The Annual Allowance – Briefing Note for Candidates’

In return we offer;

• Flexible working hours.
• Family friendly policies.
• Annual Leave entitlement of 36 days, inclusive of concessionary and long service days, plus bank holidays.
• Free, secure on-site car parking.
• Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
• Employee discount scheme (Boost).
• Employee support networks.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Eligibility to join the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.

We are committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse

communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People.

Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect this, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Police security vetting procedures at National Security Check (SC) and Non Police Personnel Vetting

(NPPV3) Level 3 will be requested for the successful applicant. Please note that, due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK. Given the nature of the role, an enhanced DBS check will also be required.

Appointable candidates will remain on a hold list for up to 12 months or until the next AM process, whichever is sooner.

Key Dates

• Closing Date for Applications: midnight on Monday 20 January 2025.

• Assessment Centre and Interviews: 6/7 February and 14 February 2025 (to be held at our Joint

Training Centre (JTC), located next to DFRS Headquarters in Ripley).

Apply Now

If you would like to arrange a telephone appointment to discuss the position, please contact Leanne Mellors via email at lmellors@derbys-fire.gov.uk.

If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form, please contact the Service Centre on 01773 305441.

Join us, and be the change that drives Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service forward.