At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with businesses to enhance fire safety and coordinate impactful community events.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to public safety and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to empowering everyone and fostering collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community safety while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with strong communication skills and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 35570 - 35570 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council
Address: Various - Travel across Suffolk is required
Salary: £35,570 per annum (pro rata if part time) or Crew Manager in accordance with NJC pay scales
Hours: 37 hours per week (Green Book) or 42 hours per (Grey Book), flexible working options available
Contract: Fixed Term/Secondment for 12 months due to external funding
At Suffolk County Council, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Business Engagement Officer (Protection) in the Fire and Rescue Service Protection Team you’ll work with colleagues, partners, and communities to lead business engagement activity across Suffolk, coordinate and deliver multi‑agency Impact Days, manage the Service’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and solar installation consultations, and support the Primary Authority Scheme (PAS).
Your role and responsibilities:
- Build strong relationships with businesses and partner organisations
- Deliver business engagement activity and multi‑agency Impact Days
- Analyse Unwanted Fire Signals data to help reduce repeat incidents
- Support the Primary Authority Scheme and consistent fire safety advice
- Contribute to consultations on emerging technologies such as BESS and solar
- Work collaboratively to improve safety and compliance across Suffolk
This is a role where your work will be visible, valued, and meaningful. We are excited to welcome someone who is passionate about making a difference and ready to grow within a supportive and committed team.
You will need:
- Experience of working with businesses, partners or stakeholders
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships
- An organised and proactive approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Confidence using IT systems and working with data
- A willingness to learn and develop your technical knowledge, with support from the team
- A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across Suffolk
The team:
You will be joining the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Protection team, which works to improve public and business safety across Suffolk. The team focuses on reducing risk through education and engagement, while supporting and enforcing compliance with fire safety legislation to help protect people, property and the environment.
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.
For more information:
Please contact Rob Green for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07500 089452 or emailing rob.green@suffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 November 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.
Business Engagement Officer employer: Suffolk Firefighters
Suffolk Firefighters provides a supportive work environment with a focus on community safety and collaboration. Employees enjoy flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth in the fire safety sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Engagement Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Firefighters
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Suffolk Firefighters.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Suffolk Firefighters that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
