At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of people and culture in a leading Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, a vital community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence change and make a real impact in public service.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern aligned with executive leadership requirements.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and lead transformation in a high-performing workforce.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and ability to influence at executive level.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Shape the future of people, culture and leadership in a world-class Fire & Rescue Service. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays a vital role at the heart of our communities - protecting lives, supporting resilience, and responding to critical incidents 24/7. It is a leading and the most improved Fire Service in the country today. We are now seeking an exceptional Deputy Director – People Services to help shape a modern, inclusive and high-performing workforce - ensuring our people are supported, empowered and equipped for the challenges of the future.
This is a rare opportunity to operate at executive level, influencing culture, organisational performance and service delivery in one of the UK’s most important emergency services.
The Opportunity
As Deputy Director, you will act as a strategic executive business partner to GMFRS; driving transformation across people, culture and organisational effectiveness. GMFRS is one of three organisations under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority umbrella, and this role will work strategically alongside other People Services leaders in the group to deliver improved outcomes for the communities of Greater Manchester under the wider ‘three organisations, one team’ ethos. It will play an important part in ensuring alignment between service priorities and the broader people agenda across the organisation.
Working closely with the Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Chief Fire Officer and senior leadership teams, you will lead the Fire Service’s contribution to the wider GMCA People Strategy, aligned to national Fire & Rescue priorities and local service ambitions. You will work alongside other People Services leaders across the group and matrix into a shared HR operational service, helping to create a more connected, consistent and high-impact people offer. You will also provide expert strategic advice at the highest level, deputise for the Director of People Services as required, and directly lead key GMFRS functions including the Professional Standards department.
Through this, you will elevate People Services as a strategic partner, improving customer experience and organisational impact, and help shape organisational culture and behaviour, fostering inclusion, wellbeing and psychological safety.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a credible, values-led HR leader with the experience and impact to operate at executive level and provide expert, credible advice at the highest level, influencing key decisions across the Service. You will bring:
- Significant senior HR leadership experience in a complex, unionised environment
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders, Members and a wide range of stakeholders
- Deep expertise in employee relations, industrial relations, negotiation and organisational change
- Experience of delivering strategic people programmes linked to organisational performance outcomes
- Strong understanding of the Fire & Rescue, emergency service or wider public service context, including how people services support operational resilience
- Experience of using workforce insight, benchmarking and best practice to shape decisions at senior level
- The political awareness and judgement to operate effectively in a complex public service and governance environment
As GMFRS is a 24/7 emergency response service, this role is based at Service Headquarters and requires the flexibility to work in a pattern aligned to executive leadership requirements, including regular office based working.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a strategic, people-focused leader with the ambition to make a real difference at scale, we want to hear from you. Work at the heart of public service reform in Greater Manchester. Join us and help shape the future of People Services in Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
Deputy Director - People Services (GMFRS) in Swinton employer: Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) is an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping a modern, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, GMFRS offers a unique opportunity to influence culture and organisational performance within one of the UK's most vital emergency services. Join a collaborative environment that values strategic leadership and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director - People Services (GMFRS) in Swinton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Fire & Rescue sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at GMFRS. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research GMFRS thoroughly – know their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting communities and enhancing organisational culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When discussing your past experiences, highlight how you’ve influenced culture and driven change in previous roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to empower teams and improve performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at GMFRS and making a difference where it matters most.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director - People Services (GMFRS) in Swinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Director role. Highlight your senior HR leadership experience and how it aligns with GMFRS's mission to shape a modern, inclusive workforce.
Showcase Your Impact:Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to influence senior leaders and deliver strategic people programmes. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
Understand the Context:Familiarise yourself with the Fire & Rescue service and the unique challenges it faces. This will help you articulate how your expertise can support operational resilience and organisational performance at GMFRS.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all candidates effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Deputy Director - People Services and how it fits within GMFRS. Familiarise yourself with their current people strategies, organisational culture, and recent initiatives. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've influenced change in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, especially in complex, unionised environments. This will demonstrate your capability to operate at an executive level.
✨Engage with Their Values
GMFRS is looking for a values-led leader, so be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs. Reflect on how you've fostered inclusion, wellbeing, and psychological safety in your past roles, and be prepared to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the organisation's future and challenges. Inquire about their strategic priorities, how they measure success in people services, and what they envision for the culture at GMFRS. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
