At South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue we have a clear vision – to make South Yorkshire safer and stronger – and we base everything we do around this core aim. We also have a set of three key aspirations – to be a great place to work, to put people first and to strive to be the best. Having great people in place to enable us to reach these aspirations is key to our strategies and success and we are seeking likeminded, proactive individuals who will form a core part of our middle manager cohort to help us further improve the services that we offer and the working experience for all our staff.
Employee Benefits
You will be joining a passionate, professional and inclusive team and will receive a range of benefits including:
Eligibility Criteria
Assessment Process
Stage 1 – Command Assurance (table top exercise) and Media Assessment
Operational Assessment
The Operational assessment is a table top equivalent to a Level 4 assessment based around the Effective Command Behavioural Framework (Katherine Lamb Associates) and linked to the Skills for Justice Framework. Stage 1 will also include a media assessment.
The outcome of the operational assessment will be either a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ and will not be scored. Those unsuccessful would be ineligible for further stages of the process. The Operational assessment would take place prior to any further elements.
Stage 2 – Assessment Centre
The assessment will be in the form of 2 interviews and a presentation. These will consist of:
Key dates
Group Manager Selection Process Timeline September 2026
Closing date for applications:
Monday 31st August 2026 1200hrs
Notification of longlist by:
Friday 11th September 2026
Operational command with media interview (pass/fail):
w/c 14th September 2026
Notification of shortlist:
Friday 18th September 2026
Assessment Centre – w/c 21st September 2026:
Notification of outcome:
By 25th September 2026
Candidates will need to be available to attend a date during Stage 1 and then a further date in Stage 2 (only for candidates who pass Stage 1).
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process or if you require any of our recruitment documents in larger print please contact our recruitment team by emailing recruitment@syfire.gov.uk.
We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups within our workforce, including individuals from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT+), and individuals with disabilities. In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to innovation, creativity, and better decision-making, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Please note any appointment is subject to the relevant level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. Enhanced checks with barred lists will be carried out for roles that undertake ‘regulated activity’ which is a term related to working with children or vulnerable adults.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
Please note that any final offer of appointment is subject to confirmation of competence and training records from your current service and an endorsement reference from your current Line Manager will be requested. In addition, applicants must not have any live disciplinary sanctions or formal performance plans. References will be sought prior to final offer.