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- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic initiatives for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's dynamic Fire and Rescue Service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days leave, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while advancing your management career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Group Manager or Station Manager in a UK Fire Service.
- Other info: Diverse environment with strong support for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 56000 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service – Address: Bury St Edmunds Fire Station, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3BA.
Salary: Group Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales: £57,743 (dev) - £64,013 (comp) per annum + 20% flexible duty allowance. Hours: 42 hours per week, flexible working options available. Contract: Permanent.
This is an exciting opportunity to either take the next step in your management career or transfer over to Suffolk. At Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate Group Manager (GM) to join our team. Here, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what’s possible. Are you ready to grow with us and shape the future of Suffolk?
About The Role
As a Group Manager, you will assist the Area Manager in developing and delivering a strategic approach for the Fire and Rescue Service, aligning with the National Framework, the Fire and Rescue Services Act and local priorities. Your efforts will ensure that resources, culture, systems, and procedures within your area are resilient and consistently focused on providing high-quality services to the people of Suffolk.
Key responsibilities and expectations
- Perform operational incident command at Level 3.
- Proven track record of managing complex, large-scale emergency incidents.
- Participate in the Tactical Coordinating Group (TCG) and engage in collaborative efforts with multiple agencies.
- Focus on your professional development and work towards obtaining necessary qualifications.
- Lead and manage a department to support the strategic delivery of our service plan.
The role is based in Suffolk, with a mixture of working from your base location, other sites across the county and opportunities to work from home. You must live in Suffolk or have a base that allows for quick operational response across the county. You’ll be required to attend TCG meetings in Ipswich and evening commitments across the Service will be expected.
Eligibility Requirements
We welcome applications from:
- Group Managers (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
- Competent Station Managers with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in role, serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Assessment Process
External candidates, who have not previously attained an SFRS GM Assessment Centre pass, will be required to complete a VCA Assessment. This includes an initial e-learning component (to be complete before 17 February 2026), followed by an in-person assessment at Wattisham Training Centre on 18 February 2026. This will consist of an operational assessment as well as a values and behaviours assessment. Internal candidates who meet Step 2 of the Service Progression Document are eligible to apply.
How To Apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
- Upload a supporting statement detailing how your experience over the past 3 years meets the criteria and demonstrates your suitability for the role (no more than 500 words in total).
- Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
Reasonable adjustments
If you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 February 2026.
Assessment centre dates: 18-19 February 2026.
Interview dates: 2-3 March 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career.
Benefits
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 40 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata)
- membership of a competitive Firefighters' Pension scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- eligibility for a Blue Light card
- a lifetime of support from the Fire Fighters Charity for you and your loved one(s)
- family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and pay
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- access to national training schemes facilitated by the Fire Service College, Women in the Fire Service and the Asian Fire Service Association
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Group Manager in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Manager in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. A casual chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the assessment centre! Brush up on your operational incident command skills and be ready to showcase your experience in managing large-scale emergencies. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion during interviews! Talk about why you want to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and how you align with their values. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t tick every box, we value potential and are keen to see what you can bring to the table. Your unique experiences could be just what we need!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Manager in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile. It’s like your roadmap to understanding what we’re looking for in a Group Manager. Knowing the ins and outs will help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Keep it concise (500 words max) and make sure it reflects your genuine skills and experiences. We want to see the real you!
Upload a Clean CV: When you upload your CV, remember to remove your name and personal details. This helps us focus on your skills and experience without bias. Make sure it’s well-organised and showcases your achievements relevant to the Group Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Group Manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Brush up on operational incident command, managing large-scale emergencies, and your understanding of the National Framework and local priorities. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but are genuinely prepared for it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams during complex situations. Think about times when you’ve led a department or collaborated with multiple agencies. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can align resources and culture to deliver high-quality services.
✨Engage with the Community
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service values community engagement. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously worked with communities or how you plan to do so in this role. Showing that you understand the importance of community relationships will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the strategic goals of the service or how they measure success in their operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
