At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional service and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking fire service with strong values and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have ICL3 and relevant senior-level experience or degree.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 3LH
Duty System: Continuous Duty System
Closing Date: 23:59 hours, Friday 12 June 2026
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is a strongly performing, forward-thinking service with outstanding values and culture. We are seeking motivated and capable leaders to help build on our achievements through continuous improvement, strong performance management and excellent service to our communities.
We are looking to appoint two Area Managers and invite applications from competent Group Managers who hold a current ICL3. Applicants should also hold a degree (or equivalent) or have equivalent experience working at a senior level. You will demonstrate an effective and inclusive leadership style, with a strong focus on performance, delivery of objectives and continuous improvement, while upholding our values and supporting operational and strategic priorities.
All applicants will be required to complete an online application form detailing how they meet elements of the employee specification. References will also be requested, and candidates are encouraged to seek feedback from their referees.
Key Dates:
- Assessment Centre (including a media interview and peoples panel) – Monday 29 June & Tuesday 30 June 2026
- Online psychometric assessment
- Final Interview (which may include a presentation) – Wednesday 15 July & Friday 17 July 2026
- ICL4 Ops Assessment – The successful candidates will be required to undertake an ICL4 Ops Assessment w/c 20 July 2026.
If you are unable to make any of the dates listed above, please let Beth Simpson know via email at BethSimpson@lancsfirerescue.org.uk as soon as possible; however, there is no guarantee that alternative dates can be accommodated.
Further Information:
For further information about this opportunity, please contact either Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Healey on 01772 866801 or Assistant Chief Fire Officer Sam Pink on 01772 866802. Please be advised that recruitment support is only available Monday to Friday 09:00 hours – 16:45 hours. If you experience any issues with the online application form, you can contact us on 01772 866845.
Applicants may wish to seek their own advice in relation to the potential for the Pension Tax Annual Allowance to be applicable in the event of them being successful in their application. This post is subject to a Standard Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Diversity Matters at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. We want to attract the broadest range of people to work with us and the more diverse the workforce, the better able we are to serve our community. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief or age. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This post has been advertised internally and externally.
Area Manager in Preston employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and community service. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive culture that fosters leadership development and career progression. Located in Preston, the service provides unique opportunities for impactful leadership roles, ensuring that every team member can contribute to making a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you tailor your responses and show that you're a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the assessment centre by doing mock interviews and psychometric tests. This will help you feel more confident and ready to tackle any questions or scenarios that come your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights about the role and the interview process, plus it shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Style:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others while driving performance and achieving objectives. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to match the job description. We’re looking for candidates who understand our values and can demonstrate how they align with our mission at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for the Area Manager role!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the values and culture of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to community service and continuous improvement. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Prepare for the Assessment Centre
The assessment centre includes a media interview and a people's panel, so practice your communication skills. Prepare to discuss your past experiences in leadership roles and how you've driven performance and objectives. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Since they’re looking for candidates with senior-level experience, be ready to discuss specific examples from your career that highlight your achievements in performance management and operational delivery. Tailor your examples to reflect the challenges and successes relevant to the fire and rescue service.
✨Engage with Your Referees
As references will be requested, reach out to your referees beforehand. Share details about the role and the qualities the service is looking for, so they can provide tailored feedback that supports your application. This proactive approach shows your commitment and professionalism.
