At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our development programme to become a Watch Manager and lead your team effectively.
- Company: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, committed to safety and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Opportunities for promotion, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and providing support for all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career in fire service leadership.
- Qualifications: Must be a competent Crew Manager with relevant fire service qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The opportunity has arisen for substantive, competent wholetime Crew Managers (CM) currently employed by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (WYFRS) to apply to enrol onto the Watch Manager Development and Promotions process. The development programme is designed to ensure that WYFRS can identify, assess and select the best possible performing candidates. In addition, the process will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and have access to equality of development and promotion opportunities.
As part of this process, a development programme will be utilised to ensure that our people have the opportunity to develop the right skills, knowledge, behaviours and understanding in order to competently perform the role. Following an induction, successful candidates will embark on a development programme that will prepare them for the step up into the unique and key organisational role of WYFRS Watch Manager.
EligibilityIndividuals applying for development must:
- Be currently employed by WYFRS.
- Be a substantive and competent Crew Manager.
- Hold and maintain all qualifications required for their current role.
- Have completed and maintained all role related courses within the required refresher periods.
- Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement action plans or capability issues related to competency.
- Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
- Have completed an Annual Review (AR) in the last 12 months, with no concerns captured and that you wish to be considered for promotion/development.
- Line manager has completed a Talent Assessment within the Annual Review system showing potential for promotion.
- Possess, IFE Level 3 Certificate pass in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command.
- Possess, IFE Level 3 Award pass in Fire Engineering Science OR IFE Level 3 Award pass in Fire Safety.
- Meet all the essential personal specification/shortlisting criteria.
Please note, the names of the IFE qualifications have recently changed. If you are unsure whether your IFE qualifications are relevant, please contact Learning & Development.
We are an organisation where everyone is encouraged, trusted, and supported to play their part in promoting safety and wellbeing across all communities in West Yorkshire. We are looking for candidates who are committed to our vision of making West Yorkshire safer and who demonstrate the values of team, responsibility, integrity, communication and learning. We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.
All applicants should make themselves aware of the FF-SM development process policy. The selection process will comprise of:
- Identifying Potential / Application Form.
- Pre-Development (Phase 1).
- Selection process for promotion.
- Formal Appointment.
- Phase 2 and 3 of the Development Portfolio.
- Competent in role sign off.
- Annual Review.
Applicants must have completed an Annual Review (AR) in the last 12 months, with no concerns captured and that you wish to be considered for promotion/development. Candidate to confirm with their Line manager has completed a Talent Assessment within the Annual Review showing potential for promotion.
1: Identifying Potential / Application Form. Applicants must complete and submit an online application form using the e-recruitment system which will require them to detail how they meet all the essential criteria for the role. Applicants should only write a maximum of 300 words for each criterion detailed on the personnel specification. When completing your personnel statement please number each example with the corresponding personnel specification. To support your application please complete the following: Emergency Response Driving Qualification and Experience Declaration – Fill in form Shortlisting. To be shortlisted, you must use clear, concise examples in your application to show how you meet each person specification criterion. Applications will be shortlisted where all essential criteria are evidenced. These criteria are essential because they provide the knowledge, skills and accreditation needed from day one. If applicant numbers are high, longlisting and shortlisting may apply. In this case, only applications that also evidence the desirable criteria may be shortlisted. Desirable criteria are relevant to the role but may be achieved during the development period. Following the closing date, submitted application forms will be forwarded to the Shortlisting Panel for consideration. All applicants will be advised via email as to whether they have been successfully shortlisted.
Temporary Promotion Opportunity. Successfully shortlisted candidates may be invited to express an interest in undertaking a period of Temporary Promotion, subject to organisational need. Any expression of interest must be supported and endorsed by the individual’s line manager prior to submission. Where the level of interest exceeds the number of available temporary promotion opportunities, a proportionate selection method may be applied. Temporary promotion does not guarantee progression.
Expression of Interest for Temporary Promotion – Fill in form 2: Pre-Development (Phase 1). During the pre-development stage Internal pathway candidates are required to complete phase 1 of the development programme which must be completed within 6 months.
3: Selection process for promotion. Applicants will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation, of which the title will be given beforehand and a 60-minute interview.
4: Formal Appointment. Successful applicants will be held on a successful applicant list in merit order and will be offered a promotion role, applicable to that promotion process rank, as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.
5: Phase 2 and 3 of the Development Portfolio. Successful applicants that are offered and accept a promotion role will be paid at development rate of pay and required to complete Phase 2 and 3 of the development programmes, with competent pay awarded on successful completion of the development pack and all associated courses.
6: Competent in role sign off. On completion of phase 2 and 3 of the development pack, Learning and Development team will review the pack and subject to the quality and range of evidence provided being sufficient, the pack will be signed off and the candidate deemed competent in role, at which point competent pay will be awarded and the candidates role made substantive.
Timeline. Applications close: Monday 10th August 2026 (midnight). Shortlisting: Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th August 2026. Temporary Promotion Expression of Interest Process: Monday 17th to Friday 21st August 2026. Internal Portfolio Induction Phase 1 open: w/c Monday 17th August 2026. Internal portfolio closed: Friday 12th February 2027. Presentation and Interview: February 2027. Candidate Feedback: March 2027.
WYFRS are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workforce, if you feel you require any reasonable adjustments to participate within this recruitment process, please contact our People Team at Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk.
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact: SM Dan Butterfield Daniel.Butterfield02@westyorksfire.gov.uk.
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly. If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form. Please note we do not accept CVs.
If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees. For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk.
Watch Manager Development and Promotion (Internal only) employer: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and promotion of its staff, offering a structured programme designed to equip Crew Managers with the skills necessary for the pivotal role of Watch Manager. Our inclusive work culture fosters equality, diversity, and neurodiversity, ensuring all employees feel valued and supported in their career progression. Located in West Yorkshire, we are committed to making our communities safer while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Watch Manager Development and Promotion (Internal only)
✨Get in the Loop with Local Events
Fire and emergency services tend to have a strong community presence, so check out local safety fairs, open days at fire stations, or public safety workshops. It's a great way to meet people working in the field and to gain insights into temporary positions coming up soon!
✨Join Professional Networks
Sign up for groups like the Fire Fighters Association or local emergency service networks. These can be invaluable for staying updated on temporary job openings, as many roles are often filled through word-of-mouth before they even hit job boards.
✨Show Your Commitment to Community Safety
Pull together a portfolio showcasing any volunteer work or courses you've done related to fire safety, first aid, or emergency response. This can really help you stand out during interviews as it shows your dedication goes beyond just wanting a job.
✨Apply Directly with Us at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
When you see temporary roles at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, don’t hesitate! Apply through our website as soon as you can. The quicker we see your application, the better chance you have to impress us with your passion for fire safety and emergency services.
We think you need these skills to ace Watch Manager Development and Promotion (Internal only)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Relevant Qualifications:Fire and emergency services are all about safety and quick thinking, so make sure your application highlights any relevant certifications! Include your first aid, CPR, or fire safety training on your CV, and don’t forget any past experiences in emergency situations. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in fire-emergency services, emphasise any hands-on experience you’ve had, whether it's through volunteering with local fire departments or working on emergency response teams. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to work under pressure and react effectively in emergencies.
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions often require flexibility. In your cover letter, mention how you can quickly adapt to new situations and environments. Maybe you've had experience stepping into high-demand roles before or filled in for others in emergency services—let West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service know you can handle it!
Keep It Concise but Impactful:When it comes to temporary applications, being succinct is key. Keep your CV and cover letter focused on the most relevant information that aligns with the role at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. A well-structured layout, without unnecessary fluff, can make all the difference in grabbing attention!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
In fire and emergency services, it’s crucial to be familiar with relevant protocols and response strategies. Brush up on the different types of emergencies, standard operating procedures, and community resources you might need to utilise. This knowledge not only shows your preparedness but also your commitment to public safety.
✨Showcase Your Physical Fitness
For a temporary role in fire and emergency services, demonstrating your physical capabilities can really set you apart. Be ready to discuss your fitness routine and any relevant training you've had. If you have a portfolio of your certifications, like first aid or CPR, keep it handy—these can be game-changers!
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills
In this field, it’s all about working with a team and communicating effectively under pressure. Be prepared to talk about past experiences where you collaborated with others, especially in high-stress situations. Share examples that showcase your ability to lead or follow depending on the situation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interview to include scenario-based questions tailored to emergency situations. They might ask how you would respond in a specific crisis or what steps you’d take in a hazardous environment. Practise your responses to these scenarios to show that you're ready to think on your feet, even in a temporary capacity.
