At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to enhance community safety and service delivery.
- Company: Join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, a forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation package, professional development, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a beautiful area.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience and Level 3 Incident Command qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 102895 - 102895 £ per year.
Salary Range: £102,895 per annum
Work Location: HIWFRS HQ, Eastleigh and locations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 18 November 2026
Interview Date: 14 or 16 December 2026
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is seeking to recruit a number of Area Managers. Are you that forward-thinking leader who upholds our Service values and seeks to lead a positive culture? Can you bring innovation, self, and people performance as well as excellent community service to the Area Manager role?
As a successful applicant, you'll become an integral part of our dedicated and diverse Head of Service Team, united in our commitment to people-focused leadership and providing outstanding services to the communities we serve. You’ll play a pivotal role in driving initiatives aimed at enhancing our services, showcasing exceptional leadership traits that support our continuous cultural improvement and drive achievement of our strategic objectives.
About us: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is a forward-thinking organisation committed to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment. With a rich history of service excellence and innovation, we are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of service delivery to achieve our purpose of ‘Together We Make Life Safer’.
About the role: We are seeking dynamic and experienced professionals, who hold both a relevant leadership and Incident Command Level 3 qualification, to join our leadership team as Area Managers. In this role you will advise strategic direction, drive performance and professional standards, whilst providing inspirational and motivational leadership to our teams across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area. You will play a key role in driving excellence, enhancing service delivery, and promoting collaborative partnerships to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
You will possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners. You will have proven experience in working on large scale projects and managing change in a unionised environment.
Benefits of the role: Working as part of our high performing Head of Service team the successful candidate will be supported with professional development such as executive coaching, professional leadership training opportunities, and other role specific requirements dependent on current attainments. The area we serve is one of the most beautiful areas within the UK and we recognise that relocation can be challenging. We have a full relocation package which is negotiable for the right candidate. We offer a salary of £102,895 per annum and access to an employer contributed pension scheme. You will be expected to join the operational rota as an advanced and strategic commander working a 1 week in 4 duty system.
How to apply: If you are ready to take on this exciting leadership role and make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of our communities, we invite you to apply by completing the application form and attaching your CV and a covering letter (with maximum word count of 1000 words) outlining your suitability for the position. This will be evaluated against the required qualifications and experiences listed in the person specification. Shortlisted applicants without their Level 4 Incident Commander qualification will be required to undertake a test of potential exercise in person on Wednesday 25 November 2026. We are unable to accommodate an alternative date for candidates who are unavailable on this date. Shortlisted applicants with their Level 4 or who perform highly in the test of potential will be invited to attend a formal interview with an Executive Team panel on either 14 or 16 December 2026.
Additional Information: Area Manager Job Description and Person Specification. Please note this post is Politically Restricted.
HIWFRS Values: Reaching Further - Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others. Showing Respect - Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do. Supporting Others - Listening and acting with compassion and empathy. Everyone Playing Their Part - Recognising the contribution we all make.
Vetting Requirements: This post is subject to a Standard Criminal Record Check and an SC Security Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: Shantha Dickinson, Deputy CFO on Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Corporate Equalities Employment Policy: In order to combat indirect discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied to any posts which may unintentionally exclude certain groups of potential applicants from applying or have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, creed, sexuality, trade union activity or responsibility for dependants unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Area Manager HIWFRS625363 in Eastleigh employer: Shared Services Partnership
Hampshire County Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on continuous learning, competitive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, you will find meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working from Havant or Totton. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, respect, and professional integrity.
Contact Details:
Shared Services Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager HIWFRS625363 in Eastleigh
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Shared Services Partnership, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Shared Services Partnership and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager HIWFRS625363 in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Shared Services Partnership and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Services Partnership
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Shared Services Partnership, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Shared Services Partnership.
