Crew Manager (Control)

Job Description

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB

Crew Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC pay scales. 42 hours per week including weekends and bank holidays. Shift pattern: 2 days (8am - 6pm), 2 nights (6pm - 8am) followed by 4 rest days. Permanent.

Be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of fire control in Suffolk. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are launching a brand-new, state-of-the-art fire control room this month in Ipswich, and we’re looking for experienced control professionals to be part of a professional and motivated team looking to help lead the return of this function here in Suffolk. This is your chance to answer the call.

Work with cutting-edge technology, contribute to a new mobilising system, and play a vital role in protecting Suffolk's communities every single day. We’re welcoming applications from current substantive, competent Firefighters (Control) who are looking for career progression, or competent substantive Crew Managers wanting to transfer within a UK Fire and Rescue Service. If you haven’t previously worked within a UK Fire and Rescue Service, you will not be eligible to apply for this position. We’re passionate about saving lives and protecting the communities we serve. If you are too, join us and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. This is your opportunity to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Your role and responsibilities

As Crew Manager (Control), you will help lead and co-ordinate the core function of call handling, mobilisation and incident oversight. Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage the performance of all watch personnel through guidance, mentoring, progress evaluation and development support.
• Ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Promote and maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for self and others.
• Provide statistical analysis information procedures.
• Maintain staffing levels for all watches.
• Oversee equipment testing recording for operational readiness.
• Audit and evaluate watch and control functions to ensure consistent adherence to standards.
• Contribute to the management of Fire Control in the absence of the Station Manager.

Our control room employees will follow a Control Duty system. The shift pattern is based on an average of 42 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays, based on 2 days (8am - 6pm), 2 nights (6pm - 8am) followed by 4 rest days.

You will need:

• Current substantive competency as a Firefighter (Control) or higher role.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Strong management skills.
• The confidence to lead others.
• Proven resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• An aptitude for decision-making in challenging situations.
• To be able to work collaboratively to manage multi-agency relationships.
• Excellent digital competence.

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.

In return, we will offer you:

• Scope to shape the future of our new Control Centre.
• A fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Suffolk residents.
• A rewarding and challenging career in a vital public service.
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Training and support to expand your skills and knowledge.
• Diverse and active staff networks.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the questions below (no more than 250 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 6 July 2025.

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.

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 therefore welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.