Area Manager

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service - Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX
• Area Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales: £65,690 (dev) - £72,054 (comp) per annum + an enhancement of 6% and 20% flexible duty allowance
• 42 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity to either take the next step in your management career or transfer over to Suffolk.

We're looking for an ambitious, innovative and forward-thinking Area Manager to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. This is a pivotal moment to join our senior leadership team, where you'll play a crucial role in shaping and delivering our ambitious plans and strategic vision. At Suffolk, we are committed to continuous improvement, consistently driving high performance and developing innovative approaches.

If you're passionate about finding new solutions to complex challenges and making a real difference in people's lives, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of reimagining the future of Suffolk.

About the role

As an Area Manager, you will be at the forefront of transforming the Fire and Rescue Service, driving meaningful change while embodying our core values. This is a critical leadership position that demands strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills and a genuine commitment to community safety.

Key responsibilities and expectations:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of challenges facing the Fire and Rescue Service
• Drive transformational change through innovative and strategic approaches
• Make a tangible, positive impact on local citizens' safety and quality of life
• Serve as a role model for organisational values and professional behaviours.

Leadership and strategic capabilities:

• Exhibit strong strategic planning and decision-making skills
• Possess exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing capabilities
• Bring an open, engaging leadership style that inspires and motivates teams
• Proven track record in resource management and business planning
• Ability to provide strategic and policy guidance
• Confident to serve as a passionate ambassador for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

You will be required to perform operational incident command at Level 4 as part of the Duty Officer Rota; assume Strategic Command in the absence of a Principal Officer and be able to provide a response to Ipswich within one hour.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Eligibility requirements

We welcome applications from:

• Area Managers (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
• Competent Group Managers with a minimum of 18 months 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.

For more information

Please contact our Recruitment team to arrange a casual conversation by emailing sfrs.recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Please visit our Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service webpage for further information, including our Community Risk Management Plan, Service Plan and HMICFRS Inspection.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting 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). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

Step 4 - 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. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 January 2025.

Assessment centre dates: 30 / 31 January 2025. Full details of the assessment centre will be shared with candidates who are shortlisted.

Interview dates: 12 - 14 February 2025.

Provisional start date: 1 April 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.

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. Reimagine the possibilities.

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 Firefighters Charity for you and your loved ones
• 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 (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).