Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate within the largest fire service outside London, ensuring community safety.
- Company: Join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, a proud leader in public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation assistance, service vehicle, and comprehensive rewards programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in fire and rescue services with strategic management skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 57834 - 62300 £ per year.
Salary: £67,792 - £74,360 per annum. Vehicle provided and relocation assistance available – further details to be confirmed.
Are you an ambitious, forward‑thinking leader ready for your next challenge? Would you like to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an outstanding leader to join our service as an Area Manager. This is an exciting time to join us – we are delivering a major change programme to secure long‑term sustainability and ensure our communities continue to receive a resilient, high‑quality service that meets future challenges.
As the largest non‑metropolitan fire and rescue service in England, our Service has a proud history of keeping people safe through prevention, protection and emergency response. We cover Devon County, Plymouth City, Somerset and Torbay Councils. With 83 fire stations and over 1,900 highly skilled staff, we protect 1.8 million residents and 1.1 million visitors to Devon and Somerset each year.
Our Area Manager will report to and support the Assistant Chief Fire Officers (ACFOs) and form part of the Senior Leadership Team. You will help create a vision, direction and culture of the Service that builds public trust and confidence through the delivery of effective services. You will act with authority under pressure to carry out operational command duties during major incidents and will demonstrate a strong track record of innovation, transformation and modernisation in a large organisation.
Benefits
- Involvement in leading the largest fire service outside London
- Relocation package – further details to be confirmed
- Service‑provided vehicle
- Competitive holiday entitlement
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme – wellbeing, counselling and physiotherapy provision
- Comprehensive rewards and benefits programme
- Lifestyle benefits – national and local discounts and offers, savings on travel, leisure and entertainment
- Three yearly medical checks
- Various salary sacrifice schemes
Essential Criteria
- Inspirational leadership at a strategic level with highly effective people‑management and engagement skills
- Significant experience as Group/Area Manager leading significant change within a Fire and Rescue Service with a track record in improving organisational effectiveness
- Significant experience in a strategic management role involving decision making, policy formulation and implementation at a political level
- Substantial experience in the operational control of major incidents
- A performance focus with the drive to deliver agreed outcomes and raise standards of performance
Closing Date
Applications close on Sunday 21 December 2025 at 23:59. Shortlisting begins 05 January 2026. The selection and interview process will take place during the weeks starting 1, 2 and 19 January 2026 and 02 February 2026.
How to Apply
Complete the application form via the apply link. Provide a Personal Impact Statement using the ‘AM Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria’ template attached. Your statement should relate to the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework and demonstrate impact at the ‘Leading the Service’ level.
Contact
For further discussion, contact Gerald Taylor – Deputy Chief Fire Officer – or Damien Borlase – Temp Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
Background Checks & Disclosures
Appointment is subject to a Successful Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Medical Screening, National Security Vetting to Security Check (SC) level and a Standard DBS Check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy. The Fire and Rescue Authority hosts roles listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order. Applicants must disclose any criminal convictions (spent or unspent) including driving offences, cautions, and reprimands. We are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders; any positive disclosures will be treated with a reasonable and proportionate response.
Values
- We are proud to help
- We are honest
- We are respectful
- We are working together
Diversity
We recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of local communities we serve and aspire for the workforce to reflect this. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs who share our values are encouraged to apply.
Key Details
Job Number: WTPT00255
Location: Exeter
Contract type: Permanent
Application Materials
Download the following documents for application guidance:
- Area Manager application pack 2025.pdf
- Area Manager PPR JD November 25.docx
- AM Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria.docx
Area Manager in Exeter employer: Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in fire and rescue services. Show us that you’re not just a leader, but a forward-thinker who can bring innovative ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your personal impact statement! Make sure it aligns with the NFCC Leadership Framework. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles and how you plan to lead our service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really understand what we do at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Familiarise yourself with our values and the key responsibilities of the Area Manager role. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in with our mission.
Craft Your Personal Impact Statement: Your Personal Impact Statement is your chance to shine! Use the provided template to clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to leading the service effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Area Manager, strong leadership is crucial. Make sure your application highlights your strategic leadership experience and your ability to manage change. Share examples that showcase your effectiveness in people management and decision-making at a high level.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the necessary documents and guidance there. Don’t forget to double-check your application before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Area Manager within the fire and rescue service. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around leadership, operational command, and strategic management. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your inspirational leadership and people-management skills. Think about times when you've led significant change or improved organisational effectiveness. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Their Values
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service values honesty, respect, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that reflect these values in action, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and operational control during major incidents. Think through potential challenges you might face as an Area Manager and how you would handle them. This will show your ability to act under pressure and your strategic thinking skills.
