Group Manager Service Delivery Change and Improvement

Salary and Grade

Group Manager:  £55,953 – £62,028 per annum

+ 20% flexible duty allowance (Flexi-duty officer rota)

+ CPD – Apply for 1 year following competency (£884 per annum)

Total salary package circa £67,143 – £74,433

Hours: Full time – Flexible Duty System

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Benefits: Lease car scheme, superb pension schemes available, onsite gym and parking facilities, excellent health care support through Benenden and additional support through our Occupational Health provider and Fitness and Health Adviser

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is a progressive and community-focused organisation that works as one team to deliver services to the people of Berkshire. We have an engaged and dedicated team of some 700 diverse and talented individuals, an inclusive culture as well as a commitment to the training, development and wellbeing of our people.

We are seeking a dynamic, adaptable and enthusiastic individual as Group Manager Service Delivery Change and Improvement.

As a Group Manager you will have a unique opportunity to work across the service to shape and tailor the services we provide to meet the diverse needs of the community we serve.

The post-holder will be able to drive change in a complex and dynamic organisation and have a passion for improving and delivering services to the public. Specifically we are seeking an individual who can identify and lead the implementation of improvements to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the services we provide.

The role will also be responsible for managing the Operational Support and Improvement Team, a critical operational function key to the effective management of our Response function.

The post will offer excellent opportunity for personal development.

Applicants will be highly motivated, forward-thinking and looking for an opportunity to lead and develop within RBFRS. Applicants must be competent in Incident Command Level 2 with ongoing evidence of Incident Command.

The key focus of this role is to:

• Be responsible for leading and contributing to the delivery of the Service Plan
• Identify and deliver change and improvement projects / work-streams relating to professional standards
• Identify and implement change and improvement projects / work-streams relating to Service Delivery practices and processes
• Lead and support as appropriate CRMP project work on behalf of Service Delivery
• Support and lead the implementation of Equality, Diversity and inclusivity initiatives on behalf of Service Delivery
• Engage with key stakeholders including staff, elected Members and representative bodies

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• Highly motivated and innovative person with a positive pro-active approach
• Able to create effective plans and prioritise work to meet deadlines
• Able to utilise data to assist and inform delivery and planning of service activities
• Ability to work with others collaboratively, establishing and maintaining close working relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct complex and thorough investigations.
• Experience of leading and delivering change and Service improvement initiatives
• Successful track record of managing a demanding workload, effectively balancing management and operational responsibilities.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from Group Managers, Station Managers or Competent Watch Managers in receipt of CPD, with evidence of acquisition of knowledge and understanding relating to people and process management.

Competent in ICS L2 with relevant / ongoing incident command experience / organisational assurance and provide evidence of this qualification.

You will need to successfully acquire L3 Advanced Incident Command qualification (Skills for Justice Awards – Fire) within 6 months of appointment, as appropriate.

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

If you are interested in applying for this position, please click Apply now  

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Stage One:
Please submit a CV and a supporting statement (restricted to 2000 words) detailing how your behaviours, knowledge, skills and experience meet the job profile / person specification for the role.

Stage Two:
of a role specific selection process including but not limited to a 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 role based task.

Please see the task briefing and Presentation template (optional use) for the process. Task details have been provided ahead of time to facilitate preparation. If shortlisted, you will be required to present to the recruitment panel prior to your interview. You must submit any documentation by 9:00am on 22 September 2025. If you are shortlisted this should be sent via email to Recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk

For further details about the role please contact Lola O’Neill, Business Support Officer, at oneilll@rbfrs.co.uk or on 07733301740 to arrange an informal discussion.

For further details about the application and selection process or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you please contact Sue Press, Coaching and Succession Lead at recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk

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 Thursday 12 September 2025

It is anticipated that the date of interview will be Thursday 25 September 2025

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile and our Behavioural Competency Framework as attached.

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.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Our Commitments:

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.