At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance community safety and service delivery.
- Company: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, a progressive and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, relocation allowance, extensive development opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fire services and make a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Strong operational background and experience in leading organisational change.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the UK, serving a dynamic, diverse region of around 3 million people, and playing a vital role in keeping our communities safe. With 41 stations across ten districts, a dedicated workforce, and a strong reputation for innovation and inclusion, GMFRS sits at the heart of a progressive and ambitious Combined Authority.
Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, GMFRS is delivering major modernisation, investing in its people, technology, estate, fleet, and culture as it continues shaping a forward-looking, high-performing, and inclusive service. Its Fire Plan sets out bold commitments around prevention, protection, emergency response, and organisational transformation, and we are proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to equality and inclusion.
We are now seeking exceptional Assistant Chief Fire Officers (ACFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal strategic role in shaping the next phase of our journey. These are rare and exciting opportunities to influence the future direction of one of the UK’s most ambitious and progressive fire and rescue services.
About the RolesAs ACFO, you will provide strategic leadership across a major functional area, driving excellence in performance, culture, and service delivery. You will champion the GMFRS values, inspire trust across our workforce, and contribute directly to delivering the GMFRS Fire Plan and the wider Greater Manchester Strategy. You will play a vital role in strengthening the services delivered to the communities of Greater Manchester, collaborating with local and national partners, responding to HMICFRS priorities, and driving innovation and improvement. In the absence of the Chief or Deputy Chief Fire Officer, you will assume full strategic command of the Service. These roles demand leaders with vision, authenticity, empathy, and resilience; someone who can both inspire and challenge, creating the conditions where people thrive, and deliver outstanding outcomes for the communities we serve.
Who We’re Looking For- A strong operational background with credibility at strategic command level
- Experience leading complex organisational change with clarity and compassion
- A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, confidence, and shared purpose
- The ability to strengthen partnerships across blue-light services, local authorities, community organisations, and national forums
- A personal commitment to workforce health and wellbeing, talent development, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included
- A deep commitment to public service, ethical decision making, fairness, and delivering for our communities
We particularly welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives and strengths that enhance our leadership team and reflect the communities of Greater Manchester.
Why Join Us?- A state-of-the-art Leadership Development Academy
- Major fleet, estate, and digital innovation programmes
- A strong culture of collaboration across the GMCA
- Recognition as a national leader for inclusion, including Stonewall Top 100 status
We offer a generous remuneration package, including a relocation allowance of up to £10,000, car allowance, extensive development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing offer.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community safety. With a strong focus on employee development through its state-of-the-art Leadership Development Academy and a collaborative work culture, GMFRS offers a unique opportunity for Assistant Chief Fire Officers to lead transformative initiatives while enjoying a generous remuneration package and relocation support. Join us in shaping the future of fire and rescue services in one of the UK's most dynamic regions.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Fire Officer – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of GMFRS on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the application process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding GMFRS's values and Fire Plan. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission. We want you to showcase your vision and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common leadership questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience in a clear and compelling way.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our service.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Fire Officer – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Service:When writing your application, let your passion for public service shine through. We want to see how your values align with GMFRS's commitment to community safety and inclusion. Share personal experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Make sure to showcase your leadership experience clearly. We’re looking for candidates who can inspire and drive change, so include specific examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully in the past. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic command skills!
Be Authentic and Personable:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Use a conversational tone while maintaining professionalism. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure 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 details you need about the role and our values right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your GMFRS Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Fire Plan and how it aligns with the wider Greater Manchester Strategy. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant Chief Fire Officer, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative approach, ability to inspire trust, and experience in leading complex organisational change. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a culture of inclusion and wellbeing within the workforce.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about the future of fire and rescue services and be prepared to share your vision. Discuss how you would drive innovation and improvement while responding to HMICFRS priorities. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and readiness to contribute to GMFRS's ambitious goals.
✨Engage with Community Focus
Highlight your commitment to public service and community engagement. Prepare to discuss how you would strengthen partnerships with local authorities and community organisations. Showing that you understand the importance of collaboration will resonate well with the interviewers.
