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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive performance in the Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Join West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, committed to community safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with a mix of home and office-based tasks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while leading transformative change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in Fire & Rescue, with strong governance knowledge required.
- Other info: This role is politically restricted and offers visibility at local and national levels.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent Full-Time
Politically Restricted Post: Yes
Location: County Hall, Chichester. A typical week will combine homeworking with attendance at the office or visits around the County, led by the needs of the service.
Make a lasting impact. Lead change that protects lives. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is proud to serve our communities with commitment, professionalism, and innovation. We are on a journey of transformation, with our newly opened, state-of-the-art Horsham Fire Station and Training Centre symbolising our investment in people, capability and service excellence.
Your Role
- As a key member of our Principal Officers Group, you will work alongside the Chief and Deputy Chief Fire Officers to drive forward our strategic vision, performance and governance agenda.
- Lead key corporate services, including assurance, finance, digital & ICT, fleet, logistics, and technical services.
- Lead the service through the development and delivery of disaggregation and devolution plans.
- Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement and performance across the service.
- Ensure we meet the highest standards of statutory compliance, value for money, and organisational resilience.
- Lead collaboration across blue light services and public sector partners.
This is a highly visible leadership role that will influence and shape WSFRS at local, regional, and national levels.
About You
You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in Fire & Rescue service environment. You will bring:
- Strategic leadership experience and the ability to lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
- A deep understanding of national governance, inspection, and regulatory frameworks for fire and rescue services.
- Proven experience in successfully delivering complex programmes and organisational transformation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at executive and political levels.
- Financial acumen, with experience managing substantial budgets.
- Passion for innovation, partnership working and driving change that improves outcomes for communities.
You will also be resilient, highly organised, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
Key Requirements
- Extensive experience in a senior leadership role within a Fire & Rescue service.
- In-depth knowledge of the statutory framework and national performance measures in FRS.
- A commitment to public service values, WSCC leadership behaviours and the FRS Code of Ethics.
Assistant Director of FRS Strategy, Improvement and Assurance - West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service employer: Local Government Chronicle
Contact Detail:
Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of FRS Strategy, Improvement and Assurance - West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in fire and rescue services, particularly those related to governance and performance measures. Being well-informed will help you demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led change and improvement in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in managing complex programmes will show that you have the skills necessary for this leadership position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your financial acumen by being ready to discuss budget management experiences. This role requires substantial financial oversight, so demonstrating your capability in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of FRS Strategy, Improvement and Assurance - West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Director of FRS Strategy, Improvement and Assurance. Make notes on key responsibilities and required skills to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior leadership experience within a Fire & Rescue service. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully delivered complex programmes and led multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your understanding of national governance and regulatory frameworks in your application. Highlight your financial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly at executive and political levels.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for innovation and public service values. Make sure to connect your personal values with those of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Familiarise yourself with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's strategic vision and recent initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their transformation journey.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles, especially in fire and rescue services. Provide specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and delivered complex programmes successfully.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience managing substantial budgets. Prepare to explain how you've ensured value for money and compliance with financial regulations in past roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your communication strategies and how you've engaged with stakeholders at various levels. Share examples of how you've navigated politically sensitive environments and built partnerships across public sector services.
