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- Tasks: Lead and manage on-call fire services, ensuring public safety and efficient operations.
- Company: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, retainer, and disturbance allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 21 £ per hour.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a substantive on-call Watch Manager position within Service Delivery, one at Hungerford Fire Station and a second at Lambourn Fire Station. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for providing leadership to support the effective and efficient delivery of services to the public, aligned with the local safety plan, and for managing resources and administration at their on-call fire station, with direct managerial responsibility for their crew managers and/or firefighters at their appointed station.
They will also be required to support the delivery of effective development activity aligned to progressing DAPS and OCTP. Additionally, they will work alongside a variety of departments and stakeholders to help implement activity that supports on-call operations.
The roles for both on-call stations will require the successful candidate(s) to provide between 40 and 120 hours of cover per week, from either their home or work location, or a combination of both; however, they will need to respond to their allocated station within the 6-to-8-minute response times. Additional positive hours will also be expected on a Monday night ‘drill night’ and for managerial responsibilities.
Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, that is appropriate to the role applied for. Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.
Eligible staff wishing to apply for this position should apply through the portal, submitting a supporting statement (restricted to 1000 words) detailing how they meet the person specification for the role. Closing date for applications is 09:00hrs on 26/01/2026. Anticipated start date is 16/02/2026.
Assessment process: If shortlisted, on the same day as the interview, candidates will be given 30 minutes to review a scenario linked to being an on-call Watch Manager, making notes if required, before delivering a 10-minute presentation, with a further 5 minutes allocated to any supplementary questions that the interviewers may deem necessary to clarify responses.
Please note that it is the personal responsibility of applicants to check whether applying for or accepting this position would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.
Salary: (£20.11 to £20.67 per positive hour) plus a retainer of up to £6606 to £6789, depending on cover hours provided, and a disturbance allowance of £5.12 per occasion.
On-call Watch Manager vacancies at Hungerford and Lambourn – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On-call Watch Manager vacancies at Hungerford and Lambourn – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an On-call Watch Manager and think about how your experience aligns with what they're looking for. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. They can give you insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like working there.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the scenario-based assessment by simulating the presentation part with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace On-call Watch Manager vacancies at Hungerford and Lambourn – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what being an On-call Watch Manager involves. Check out the job description and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and skills required. This will help you tailor your application to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to detail how you meet the person specification for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership and management skills. Remember, we want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: With a 1000-word limit, every word counts! Be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our portal! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an On-call Watch Manager. Familiarise yourself with the local safety plan and how it aligns with service delivery. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and commitment during the interview.
✨Prepare for the Scenario Presentation
Since you'll be given a scenario to present on the interview day, practice structuring your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use real-life examples from your experience to illustrate how you would handle the situation, and ensure you can explain your reasoning behind your decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Watch Manager, leadership is key. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams or projects. Highlight how you've motivated others, resolved conflicts, and ensured effective communication within your crew.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Hungerford and Lambourn. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
