Watch Manager – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator
Permanent
WM Salary: £44,038 (Development) – £48,202 (Competent WMB)
Hours – 42 hours per week / 9 day fortnight
Location – RBFRS HQ Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
Superb Pension Scheme
Onsite Gym and Parking Facilities
About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Watch Manager (B) – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator to join our Service Delivery Directorate. This important role sits at the forefront of protecting Berkshire’s communities and supporting a safer built environment. As a key member of the Business Fire Safety team, you will help ensure that local businesses understand and meet their responsibilities under fire safety legislation, while also contributing to the wider prevention and economic resilience agenda across the county.
In this role, you will deliver high quality fire safety audits, provide targeted education and guidance to responsible persons, to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You will also conduct Tier 2 fire investigations as part of the Thames Valley Forensic Fire Investigation Unit, providing professional analysis, supporting evidential requirements, and contributing to organisational learning and legal processes. This is a critical position for someone who is passionate about improving public safety and committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism within RBFRS.
About you:
A position within the Business Fire Safety team is an ideal career move for an ambitious individual who:
– Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.
– Confidence, resilience and commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
– Ability to make effective decisions and deliver practical solutions.
– Commitment to personal development and the development of others.
– Awareness of risk and ability to work safely in varied environments.
For details of the key role specific requirements please see the Job Profile
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):
The Watch Manager Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator will:
– Deliver targeted fire safety education and advice to businesses.
– Conduct statutory and non‑statutory fire safety audits and maintain accurate records.
– Provide Tier 2 fire investigations for the Thames Valley Forensic Fire Investigation Unit and act as an expert witness.
– Maintain operational competence including Level 1 Incident Command.
– Lead, support and develop team members to achieve objectives and maintain high performance.
– Work collaboratively with partner agencies, building control, local authorities and enforcement bodies.
Eligibility:
Applications are restricted to Competent Crew Managers or above who have successfully completed a Level 1 Incident Command qualification and have maintained their knowledge and skills.
Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills, and experience against the relevant Personal Specification contained within the Job Profile.
You will be required to pass a relevant medical assessment as appropriate, and a fitness test (or evidence of recent pass).
Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.
Application and Selection Process:
Stage One: Supporting Statement
Eligible staff wishing to apply for this role, should apply through the portal, submitting a Supporting Statement (restricted to 1000 words). If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply now
Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills and experience against the relevant Job Profile/ Person Specification.
Stage Two: Role based task and Behavioural and Competency- based Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be assessed for suitability for the role by means of a behavioural and competency-based interview alongside a presentation task.
Please see the role based presentation task instructions which are provided in advance to allow you to start considering your approach.
If you are successful at shortlisting, you will deliver the presentation and have a professional discussion before interview.
The task led assignment is a presentation lasting no longer than 15 minutes on the following topic:
Outline a range of activities and interventions that could be delivered by the business fire safety team to reduce risk at business across Berkshire.
Eligible staff wishing to apply for this role, should apply through the portal. If you are interested in applying for this position, Apply now.
For further details regarding the role, please contact Group Manager Dan Pithers (pithersd@rbfrs.co.uk) to arrange an informal discussion.
Please see the link to the Job Profile
For more information regarding the application process, please contact Coaching and Resourcing Assistant Esme Dunne: Dunnee@rbfrs.co.uk or Recruitment@RBFRS.co.uk
Timelines:
Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.
Closing date for applications is 09:00 hours on the 13th April 2026 at 09:00
Task Due: May 8th 2026 at 09:00
It is anticipated that assessment process will run week commencing 11th May 2026
Anticipated start date: 25th May 2026
Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement
Disclosure and Barring Service
Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, that is appropriate to the role applied for.
Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Statement.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.
Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.
Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.
All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Disability Confident Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme). To find out more: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-service/about-us/equality-diversity-and- inclusion/
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.
Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.