Lead our service. Drive our future.

Chief Fire Officer

Leamington Spa with county-wide travel

Competitive salary

Who we are

Here at Warwickshire County Council our commitment to caring and supporting our residents is underpinned by a partnership approach. That partnership applies to all that we do, including the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. It makes this an exciting time to take the next step in your Fire Service career. To build on your experience by bringing your ideas and vision to an organisation that’s always open to fresh thinking. Join us and you can help shape our future, improve the county and see just how much of a meaningful difference you can make to its people.

An opportunity to create change

Our direction is clear – our people are making Warwickshire the best it can be for everyone. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge and abilities in a place that matters to people and communities. You’ll make sure our service continues to achieve operational excellence and receive the support and respect of residents living in a thriving county. This role is also about finding and realising new opportunities. As a Council we think commercially, meaning, where we are successful, we look to broaden our services and commercialise any in-house products we might develop, such as training programmes.

The role will see you building on the positive outcomes from our most recent HMICFRS inspection and forging collaborative partnerships with a range of organisations, including the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire Fire Services. As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll have a direct role to play in making sure our entire organisation is financially sustainable as you enable us to continue protecting thousands of people, supporting the vulnerable and promoting fire safety throughout our community.

The scale of our service is vast, which means you’ll have huge scope for impact as you work to deliver the highest standards across all of the service’s programmes, projects, processes, resources, people and performance.

What we’re looking for

Educated to degree level or equivalent and based in Warwickshire (or happy to relocate), you’ll bring experience in a leadership role within a Fire and Rescue Service. You’ll certainly have experience in the strategic management of critical incidents, as well as being qualified with the Fire and Rescue National Joint Council Conditions of Service and the associated National Occupational Standards. You should also have a flexible approach to working hours and locations, plus a clean driving licence with blue light clearance.

We’ll expect you to meet all of the competencies set out in the NFCC Leadership Framework and it goes without saying that you will have exceptional management skills, together with a solid understanding of the principles and responsibilities of the Fire and Rescue Service. Just as important as your Fire Service expertise will be your innovative thinking – this is an opportunity to share your commercial ideas to create a better service for all.

Your rewards

Success here will mean we’re able to provide a better quality of life for our 577,900 residents – not to mention the businesses investing in our ever-growing commercial and cultural scene.

Join us, and you can look forward to a generous holiday allowance and participation in the contributory pension scheme.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities on 01926 412705 or by email to markryder@warwickshire.gov.uk

For further information please see the Candidate Pack and visit our website at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/chief-fire-officer

If you wish to apply, please click the Apply Online button below.

Closing Date: Thursday 15^th April 2021 at midnight

Interview Dates: Wednesday 26^th May 2021 with final Member Panel on Tuesday 1^st June 2021

Should you require application forms in an alternative format / language or any adjustments to be made throughout the application process or upon appointment, please contact katieeade@warwickshire.gov.uk and we will make every effort to meet your specific requirements.

As part of being a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application demonstrates that they meet the criteria for the post. This means the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the person specification.

Warwickshire County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and would particularly welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from the BAME community, people with a disability and people from the LGBT+ community.