HEREFORD & WORCESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (HWFRS)
Group Commander
Salary: Group Commander B in line with NJC Grey Book pay scales plus 20% flexi duty allowance.
Location: The role will be based across the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area with HQ based at Hindlip Hall, Worcester, WR3 8SP.
Contract: Full time, permanent plus pension and benefits including provided car with option for personal use, subject to taxation and mileage charges.
Closing date: 12:00 Noon Friday 20th November 2026.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is pleased to invite applications for the role of Group Commander (aligned to the ‘grey’ book terms and conditions).
HWFRS is a forward thinking and dynamic organisation looking for talented, positive and inspirational individuals to join our leadership team across locations stretching east to west from the Cotswolds to the mid-Wales border, and from the outskirts of Birmingham in the north, to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the south – with the Malvern Hills AONB right at the heart of the two counties.
Our stations are crewed by a mix of Wholetime and On-Call Firefighters, supported by Fire Control and essential Support Staff. We attend over 8,000 incidents each year – including property and countryside fires, Road Traffic Collisions, flooding and water rescues, animal rescues and a range of other incidents, alongside our USAR and High Volume Pumping National Resilience capabilities aligned to our Response Strategy. We also deliver essential key Protection and Prevention services across both counties every day.
We are seeking to appoint a Group Commander with the drive, enthusiasm and leadership capability required of a leader in a modern fire service. The successful candidate will help us to deliver our core strategies and lead our workforce.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate they have the skills and abilities to help deliver our strategic objectives, uphold and champion our core values, and lead others in a variety of environments.
About the role
The Group Commander is a pivotal senior middle management role within HWFRS leading operational and non-operational departments and forms part of the Service’s senior leadership structure.
The role encompasses three key areas: operating as a senior operational commander, leading organisational change, and promoting a positive working environment. As a key departmental leader, the postholder will work closely with Principal Officers, Strategic Leadership Board colleagues, peers, and partners to translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, ensuring departmental and organisational priorities, service improvements, and efficiencies are achieved.
Group Commanders provide visible leadership across the Service, championing its values and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. They are accountable for delivering outcomes that strengthen organisational effectiveness, efficiency, resilience, and long-term success.
Responsibilities will vary according to the assigned portfolio but will remain aligned with the National Group Manager Role Map.
Eligibility to apply
In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria at the point of application:
You will also be required to hold a valid driving licence and be eligible to drive in the UK and must be able to pass an emergency response driving qualification. You must be able to provide a response base for the performance of standby / call-out duties. This base must be within the geographical area of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and acceptable in terms of location within the counties.
Selection process
Applicants will complete an online application form, including a statement evidencing your suitability, skills and qualifications for the role. Shortlisted applicants will then be asked to attend a selection stage comprising of a middle manager assessment day, a decision-making exercise and an interview.
Pre-employment checks will also be required including security clearance vetting (Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2 Abbreviated) and you may be required to pass advanced national vetting processes (for example SC level) as a requirement for the role. Successful candidates may be required to attend a conversion and induction training programme.
Full details of the role and selection process can be found in the job description and person specification and candidate guidance document.
Further information
Interested candidates are welcome to meet or discuss the role with a member of the panel and arrange a visit to HWFRS. This can be arranged by emailing Tracey Hedges THedges@hwfire.org.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the process or you are experiencing any difficulties with your application, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@hwfire.org.uk before the closing date.