Supervisory Recruitment Process – Watch Manager

Supervisory Recruitment Process – Watch Manager

Salary:  Watch Manager Development – £45,711

Watch Manager Competent – £50,034

About the role

We are inviting applications for upcoming Watch Manager opportunities within TWFRS. Reporting directly to the Station Manager you will provide operational and organisational leadership across a watch, taking responsibility for operational readiness, people performance, competence, resources, risk and the effective delivery of Service priorities.

As a Watch Manager you will:

• Lead and manage a watch providing clear direction, setting expectations and taking accountability for effective performance and delivery.
• Provide effective operational leadership, managing risk and supporting the safe and effective resolution of operational incidents
• Ensure and provide assurance of operational readiness
• Lead, develop and manage individuals and teams, addressing performance, welfare, conduct and development needs appropriately
• Lead and coordinate prevention, protection, community safety and partnership activity
• Manage health, safety and risk within your area of responsibility, monitoring standards and taking appropriate action where required.
• Support continuous improvement by using performance information, operational learning and feedback to improve team and Service delivery.

We are seeking individuals who can demonstrate the professional competence, leadership behaviours and personal qualities required to lead and support others effectively. You will be expected to communicate clearly, build positive working relationships, make appropriate decisions and contribute positively to the delivery of Service priorities and positive outcomes for our communities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to the TWFRS Values of Safety, Integrity, Inclusivity and Learning, consistently role modelling these through their leadership, behaviours and decision-making. They will demonstrate high standards of professional and ethical conduct, acting in accordance with our Code of Conduct, Behavioural Framework and the standards expected of leaders within the Fire and Rescue Service.

We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of society from individuals who meet the requirements of the relevant role and particularly encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented within our workforce.

We welcome applications from:

• Substantive, competent Crew Managers seeking promotion to Watch Manager; and
• Substantive, competent Watch Managers seeking a position at Watch Manager level.

To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be an operationally competent, substantive Wholetime Crew Manager or Watch Manager employed within a UK Fire and Rescue Service.
• Hold a valid and in date Level 1 Command validation.

Applicants subject to a live disciplinary sanction may be excluded from the process.

About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is one of the UK’s leading Fire and Rescue Services for operational response and innovation. We pride ourselves in striving to ‘Create the Safest Community’ and our dedicated, and diverse workforce is committed to delivering this.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters are located in purpose-built premises based in Washington, within easy reach of the A1 and A19. On site facilities include a staff gym, ample free parking and canteen facilities.

The Selection Process

Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:

Stage Timeline*

Advert closes – Monday 12th October at 1700 hours
Shortlisting outcomes issued – W/C 19th October
Interview plus assessment – W/C 26th October and W/C 2nd November

Interested in applying?

Further details can be found in the accompanying job description and person specification. You are required to submit a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words which should demonstrate how you meet the criteria stated on the person specification.

Crew Managers are welcome to apply for both Crew Manager opportunities at their current level and promotion to Watch Manager. If you wish to be considered for both, you will need to submit a separate application for each role and participate in each selection process independently. Progress or success in one process will not automatically transfer to the other.

Further information about our Service can be found by visiting twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels.

Reasonable adjustments

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please email: recruitment@twfire.gov.uk.

Safer recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect this, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Pre-employment checks

The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes a standard DBS check, completion of an occupational health medical and a substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work and reference checks.

Application forms must be submitted no later than 1700 hours on Monday 12th October 2026.