At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team of Fire Safety Inspectors to enhance community safety.
- Company: Join Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, a top-performing emergency service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, apprenticeship programme, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in fire safety while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills and a passion for learning; fire safety experience is a plus.
- Operational Wholetime Watch Manager B Location: Ascot
- Drive
- Vacancy
Type: Permanent (42 hours per week worked on a 9 -day fortnight basis) At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, we’re more than an emergency service—we’re a team of over 900 dedicated people working together to make Derbyshire safer every day.
Whether it’s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents before they happen, or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes, every role here makes a real difference.
We’re proud to be one of the country’s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated ‘Good’ in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
This recognition reflects the professionalism, progress, and dedication of our people.
We continue to strive to be an outstanding Service and we know we have more to do.
Lead, Inspire and Develop the Future of Fire Safety We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Watch Manager to join our Fire Safety Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to develop a career in fire safety while managing and leading a team of highly skilled Fire Safety Inspectors who help keep our communities safe.
Whilst previous fire safety experience would be advantageous, it is not essential.
We are looking for an exceptional people leader with a passion for learning, development and continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will undertake a structured apprenticeship programme, leading to nationally recognised fire safety qualifications and supporting the development of specialist knowledge and competence within the role.
This position offers a unique opportunity to combine operational leadership experience with professional development in a specialist area of the Fire and Rescue Service.
About the Role As a Watch Manager within the Fire Safety Team, you will: - Lead, motivate and develop a team of experienced Fire Safety Inspectors. - Foster a high-performance culture focused on professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement. - Manage team performance, wellbeing and development. - Support the delivery of risk-based fire safety activities across the Service area. - Ensure the team delivers high-quality inspections, audits and enforcement activities in line with relevant legislation and Service standards. - Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. - Undertake and successfully complete a Fire Safety apprenticeship programme, achieving the required professional qualifications and competence standards. - Contribute to the strategic development of Fire Safety services and community risk reduction initiatives.
What We're Looking For We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate: Essential Criteria
- Evidence of aligning to the Code of Ethics and applying them in your role as a Supervisory Manager and across the Service.
- Operational Competence
- Operational Effectiveness
- Personal Impact
- Outstanding Leadership
- Service Delivery
- Organisational Effectiveness
- Provide examples of your successful performance when working at Supervisory Manager level.
- Evidence of personal development at Supervisory Manager level.
- Provide examples of successfully managing people at Supervisory Manager level.
- Competency in current role which includes completion of all development/training and currency in all core skills.
- Current local authority substantive competent Wholetime or On-Call Crew Manager looking for promotion, or existing Watch Managers looking to transfer.
NB This process is specific to the posts advertised.
Successful candidates will therefore only be offered this role.
- Proven experience of leading, managing and developing highly motivated teams.
- Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to inspire, influence and support people to achieve organisational objectives.
- Experience of managing performance and delivering successful outcomes.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Ability to undertake a structured apprenticeship programme and achieve the required qualifications.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. A permanent appointment will only be offered to candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Be competent at Level 1 Incident Command. Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working within a regulatory, compliance or assurance environment.
- Knowledge of Fire Safety legislation and enforcement processes.
- Experience of project management, change management or service improvement activities.
What We Offer A rewarding leadership role within a specialist and professional team.
Fully supported apprenticeship programme leading to recognised fire safety qualifications.
Ongoing professional development opportunities.
Access to a supportive and inclusive working environment.
Opportunities to contribute directly to protecting people, businesses and communities from fire risk.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, please click apply to our website to complete your application
Operational Wholetime Watch Manager B in Derby employer: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its workforce, offering flexible working hours and a supportive work culture. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from generous annual leave, health and wellbeing services, and ongoing training opportunities, all while playing a vital role in shaping community-focused services. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we strive for continuous improvement and innovation in public service.
Contact Details:
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Wholetime Watch Manager B in Derby
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Wholetime Watch Manager B in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join Derbyshire Fire and Rescue specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
