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- Tasks: Lead and support the fire control room, ensuring effective emergency response.
- Company: Join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a vital part of community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of emergency response and help save lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in fire control, strong communication, and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Permanent role with opportunities for additional shifts and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB – Onsite.
Salary: Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales (pro rata for part time).
Hours: Bank availability including weekend and bank holidays. Minimum of 2 shifts a month (24 hours – one 10-hour shift per month (08:00-18:00) & one 14-hour shift per month (18:00-08:00)).
Contract: Permanent.
We are looking for experienced fire control room professionals to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as Watch Managers (Control). This opportunity is open to both green and grey book applicants with previous fire control experience.
About the role: Based in our control room in Ipswich, you will play a vital role at the heart of Suffolk’s emergency response. Our control room operates 24/7, year-round, acting as a crucial link between the public and our operational firefighters. The role requires a minimum commitment of two shifts per month (a total of 24 hours): one 10-hour day shift (08:00–18:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:00–08:00). Additional hours may be offered to support absences or operational needs. As a Watch Manager (Control), you will play a critical role in saving lives and protecting communities across Suffolk every day.
What we’re looking for:
- Prior experience in a fire control environment.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Proven ability to lead and motivate others.
- Confidence, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Strong decision-making skills in challenging situations.
- The ability to work collaboratively to manage multi-agency relationships.
- Excellent digital competence and confidence using IT systems.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
For more information, please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website. If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation, please reach out to us by emailing SFRS.Recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.
Watch Manager (Control) employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Contact Detail:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Watch Manager (Control)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fire service or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you’ve demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills, as these will be key for the Watch Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your digital skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with IT systems and how you’ve used them in previous roles. This is crucial for the control room environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t tick every box, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences could be just what we’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Watch Manager (Control)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in fire control. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts well!
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a Watch Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate others. Be sure to include examples of your leadership experience in your application. We’re keen to know how you’ve successfully managed teams or situations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our Suffolk Firefighters website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. 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 Fire Control Basics
Brush up on your fire control knowledge and procedures. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in a control room setting, highlighting specific situations where you demonstrated your decision-making skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with both the public and operational teams in past roles, especially during high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Watch Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate others. Think of instances where you've successfully led a team or managed a challenging situation. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you inspire confidence in your colleagues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Given the importance of digital competence, make sure you're comfortable discussing the IT systems you've used in previous roles. If possible, research any specific systems used by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to show your proactive approach and readiness to adapt.
