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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing fire and rescue service in Derbyshire.
- Company: Join Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, committed to community safety and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, health services, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while shaping the future of fire services.
- Qualifications: Masters level qualification and proven strategic leadership experience required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for employee wellbeing.
Organisation: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Starting salary of £172,033 per annum
Location: Based at Headquarters Ripley, with some regional and national travel. It is a contractual requirement that the CFO / CE must reside within the County of Derbyshire following appointment. A relocation allowance to support the above requirement will be available subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
Hours: 39.5 hours per week
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 11 January 2026
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) serves a population of over 1 million people, living and working within a thousand square miles of some of the most attractive landscapes, including parts of the Peak District National Park. The area is diverse, with both rural and city areas, including rivers, farms, manufacturing sites, and an extensive road and rail network, all putting varied demands on our firefighters.
DFRS is seeking its next Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive (CFO / CE) to lead our Service, as we continuously improve, ensuring we are well trained and well equipped. As an inspirational leader, you will empower our people to play their part in Making Derbyshire Safer Together, for all who live, work or visit the area.
We are a high performing, forward thinking organisation and as our next CFO / CE, you will have an impact to shape the future of a respected and ambitious fire and rescue service which celebrates the diversity of our workforce. You will also play a critical role in driving our strategic priorities, not only to inspire excellence across the organisation, but for our people and the communities of Derbyshire too.
To succeed as our next CFO / CE you will be a trusted, community focused leader; a role model, capable of delivering the very best climate and culture for all our people. We are ambitious and want to be at the forefront, as a modern Fire and Rescue Service. You will share this vision and have the skills, operationally and strategically, to deliver that vision.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant qualification at Masters level for example MBA / MSc.
- Critical Incident Command training and experience at Gold Command Level 4.
- Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) qualified.
- Leadership Qualification such as; Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), ILM level 7 or equivalent.
- Proven success in leading at a strategic level, ensuring effective performance and service delivery across the organisation.
- A professional Firefighter background.
- Experience of building high-performing teams, including a strong track record of supporting effective relationships with stakeholders and Elected Members.
- Strategic oversight of budgets, prioritisation, and resource allocation.
- Ability to interpret information for forecasting, data driven decision-making, and strategic problem-solving.
- Leading and managing organisational change to improve effectiveness, alongside developing and implementing corporate strategies and plans.
What We Offer in Return
- Flexible working hours.
- Agile working.
- Family friendly policies.
- Annual Leave entitlement in a full leave year of 41 days, inclusive of concessionary and extra statutory days, plus bank holidays.
- Free, secure on-site car parking.
- Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
- Employee discount scheme (Boost) and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
- Employee support networks.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Eligibility to join the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
We are a Disability Confident employer committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’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.
Police security vetting procedures at the appropriate level will be requested for the successful applicant. Applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
Due to the sensitive nature of the duties that the postholder will be expected to undertake, an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be requested for the successful applicant.
For an informal chat regarding the role please contact the Service Centre on 01773 305441 or via email at service_centre@derbys-fire.gov.uk.
If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form, please contact the Service Centre on 01773 305441 or via email at service_centre@derbys-fire.gov.uk.
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO/CE) employer: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue
Contact Detail:
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO/CE)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent initiatives or challenges faced by DFRS. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just interested in the job, but also in how we can contribute to Making Derbyshire Safer Together.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our leadership stories! Think of specific examples where we’ve led teams through change or improved service delivery. This will help us showcase our strategic thinking and operational experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily, which is always a bonus.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO/CE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive. Dive into the job description and person specification to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what DFRS is looking for!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for community safety and leadership. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for DFRS!
Tailor Your Application: Generic applications just won’t cut it. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for this role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the needs of DFRS. We love a personalised touch!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer. Brush up on your knowledge of fire safety regulations, community engagement strategies, and leadership principles. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or managed crises. Highlight your ability to inspire and empower others, as this is crucial for the CFO/CE position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Community
Research Derbyshire and its diverse communities. Be ready to discuss how you would address the unique challenges faced by different areas, from rural to urban settings. This shows that you’re not just a leader but also a community-focused individual who understands the local context.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the strategic priorities of DFRS or how they measure success in their initiatives. Asking questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
