Watch Manager (Control)

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• Beacon House, Landmark Business Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5PB
• Watch Manager B (Control) in accordance with NJC pay scales
• 42 hours per week including weekends and bank holidays.
• Shift pattern 2 days (8am – 6pm), 2 nights (6pm – 8am) followed by 4 rest days.
• Permanent
• This position is open to both current Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) employees and external applicants.

Be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of fire control in Suffolk.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are launching a brand-new, state-of-the-art fire control room, this month in Ipswich, and we’re looking for experienced control professionals to be part of a professional and motivated team looking to help lead the return of this function here in Suffolk. This is your chance to answer the call.

Work with cutting-edge technology, contribute to a new mobilising system, and play a vital role in protecting Suffolk’s communities every single day.

We’re welcoming applications from both current and former substantive, competent Crew Manager (Control) who are looking for career progression or competent substantive Watch managers wanting to transfer within a UK Fire and Rescue Service.  If you haven’t previously worked within a UK Fire and Rescue Service, you will not be eligible to apply for this position.

This is an exciting opportunity to either take the next step in your management career or transfer over to Suffolk and be part of a new and dynamic control room team.

We’re passionate about saving lives and protecting the communities we serve. If you are too, then join us and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving.  This is your opportunity to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Your role and responsibilities 

As Watch Manager (Control), you will lead and co-ordinate the core function of call handling, mobilisation and incident oversight.

Your responsibilities will include:  

• Manage the performance of the watch personnel through guidance and mentoring, evaluating progress and supporting development.
• Manage compliance with policies, procedures and service standards.
• Manage health, safety and wellbeing of self and others at work.
• Provide statistical analysis information procedures.
• Maintain staffing levels for all watches.
• Oversee equipment testing recording for operational readiness.
• Audit watch and control work to ensure standards are maintained.
• Contribute to the management of Fire Control in the absence of the Station Manager.

Our control room employees will follow a Control Duty system. The shift pattern is based on an average of 42 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays, based on 2 days (8am – 6pm), 2 nights (6pm – 8am) followed by 4 rest days.

You will need:  

• Current or former substantive competency as a Crew Manager (Control) (Experience from within last 3 years would be desirable).
• Excellent communication skills verbal and written.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Experience of managing people and process.
• Proven resilience to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• An aptitude for decision-making in challenging situations.
• A collaborative approach to managing multi-agency relationships.
• Excellent digital competence.

You can view a full list of requirements in the  Job and Person Profile (Word). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

In return, we will offer you:  

• Scope to shape the future of our new Control Centre.
• A fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Suffolk residents.
• A rewarding and challenging career in a vital public service.
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Training and support to expand your knowledge.
• Diverse and active staff networks.

Looking for other exciting opportunities within Suffolk’s new Control Room?

We’re currently seeking talented individuals to join us in the below positions:

Crew Manager (Control) – Shift

Please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website  for more information and to apply.

Empowering Everyone  

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve.

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information 

Please visit our  Suffolk Firefighters website.

If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation, please reach out to us at SFRS.Recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.