At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in the Fire and Rescue Service to enhance community safety.
- Company: Join the second largest fire service in England, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Be part of a progressive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and tackle challenges head-on in a rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while leading a dynamic and resilient team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Brigade Commander or equivalent, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’. This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.
Are you ready for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be a part of one of the country’s biggest and most progressive Fire and Rescue Services? West Midlands Fire Service is seeking a Deputy Chief Fire Officer to join our team.
Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction to support the Chief Fire Officer across all service-related matters.
- Champion and deliver the strategic priorities of the Fire and Rescue Service.
- Apply innovative and creative thinking to meet the challenges of a transformational Fire and Rescue Service.
- Build capacity and capability across the workforce, fostering high performance and organisational resilience.
- Ensure the safe, effective and efficient delivery of Fire and Rescue Services to communities across the West Midlands.
- Support the Chief Fire Officer by offering clear, informed strategic options to the Fire Authority.
- Help maintain an agile and adaptable Service capable of responding to cultural, financial and operational challenges within the sector.
- Provide visible, engaging and inspirational leadership as a Brigade Commander.
- Demonstrating excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, with a strong track record of driving positive organisational change.
- Displaying outstanding strategic-level behaviours aligned to core values and principles.
- Working collaboratively and communicating effectively, adapting style to suit a wide range of audiences.
- Engaging confidently with peers, employees, Fire Authority Members, trade unions, representative bodies, external agencies and partners.
- Providing operational emergency response as part of the Principal Officer (Gold Command) group, including national response under a locally agreed continuous duty system.
- Attending incidents as Incident Commander in line with the WMFS Incident Command System, or acting as WMFS Gold Commander at Multi-Agency meetings across the West Midlands.
- Applying with substantial prior experience as a Brigade Commander (DCFO/ACFO or equivalent) or Area Commander (or equivalent).
- Holding accredited Level 4 Incident Command and demonstrating the ability to assume on-scene command.
- Understanding that an assessed incident command exercise may be required based on application information.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer – West Midlands Fire Service in Birmingham employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
West Midlands Fire Service is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making the West Midlands safer, stronger, and healthier. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture of innovation, we offer our staff the opportunity to lead transformative change in one of the largest fire and rescue services in England. Join us for a rewarding career where your leadership will directly impact the safety and well-being of over 2.9 million residents in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Fire Officer – West Midlands Fire Service in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of West Midlands Fire Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching WMFS's recent initiatives and challenges. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in making the West Midlands safer and stronger.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our leadership stories! Think of examples where we’ve driven change or led teams effectively. This will help us shine when discussing our strategic vision during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Fire Officer – West Midlands Fire Service in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about making the West Midlands safer and how your values align with our vision.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for strategic leaders, so showcase your past achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive positive change in a fire and rescue service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key messages stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Vision
Familiarise yourself with the West Midlands Fire Service's vision of ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style and strategic priorities align with this vision during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to drive positive organisational change and foster high performance. Highlight your experience as a Brigade Commander or in similar roles to show you’re the right fit for the Deputy Chief Fire Officer position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders, including Fire Authority Members and external agencies. Be prepared to share strategies on how you would engage confidently and effectively with these groups.
✨Be Ready for Incident Command Scenarios
Brush up on your incident command skills and be prepared for any scenario-based questions. You might be asked to demonstrate your understanding of the WMFS Incident Command System, so think through your approach to managing incidents and leading teams under pressure.