Watch Manager - Operational Assurance

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Ipswich, IP1 2BX
• Watch Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales
• Wholetime - 42 hours per week, 9-day fortnight - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

This position is open to current Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) staff only.

Are you a motivated individual looking for a challenging and rewarding role? Do you a keen eye for detail and enjoy applying different problem-solving techniques? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

A permanent Watch Manager vacancy has become available within the Risk and Resilience Department.

Your role and responsibilities

• Proactively support and assist the Operational Assurance Manager within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in analysing information across the assurance arena including but not limited to operational incidents, debriefs, station audits to inform the decision-making process for improvement.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of a strategic approach to the fire and rescue service in line with the national framework, the fire and rescue services act and local priorities.
• Undertaking the day-to-day management, development and delivery of operational assurance functions, ensuring the quality of service delivery is of the highest standard and consistent with national best practice.
• Deputise for the Operational Assurance manager where required, collating, analysing, recording and storing information to aid decision making, while advising and informing others.

You will need

• the ability to create and encourage effective working relationships
• to support the equality and inclusion agenda both internally and externally
• to embrace the leadership qualities articulated in WE-ASPIRE relevant to the role of a Watch Manager and as a manager of the service
• to maintain the operational competence requirements of incident command level 1 (ICL1) supporting other commanders at operational incidents as part of a wider incident command structure
• the ability to manage your own time to ensure service needs are met and achieve performance standards for quality, meeting deadlines and statistical returns. Evaluate and reflect on own skills and knowledge and undertake identified training to maintain skills and knowledge.

We welcome fresh perspectives and look forward to finding the right fit based on shared values and motivation.

Applications are invited from interested candidates eligible for permanent promotion to Watch Manager in line with the SFRS Service Progression Document (SPD). If you have any queries about the SPD and your eligibility, then please discuss with your line manager in the first instance or the Training, Learning and Development team at firetrainingdevelopment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Applications are completed online. Please see the 'How to apply' section below.

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 Station Manager Sam Seager for more details and an informal conversation. You can reach them by calling 07771 971130 or emailing sam.seager@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

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

Step 2: Complete the Supporting Statement template by answering the following questions below. These can be taken from all aspects of your work and life experience and are not limited to work within SFRS (no more than 250 words per question):

In your statement, please state your current PDR placement and explain how you are eligible to apply for this position.

• Question 1: Please describe a time where you have demonstrated strong communication skills (verbal, written or presentational) to convey varied information to a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Question 2: Please describe a time where you have supported change in a large and complex organisation, demonstrating the ability to obtain acceptance/agreement, effect behaviour change and to influence effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
• Question 3: Please give an example to demonstrate your understanding of operational fire and rescue issues, ability to assist with large scale incidents and understand operational risk management practices.
• Question 4: Please give examples which demonstrate your understanding and use of IT systems in use across SFRS.
• Question 5: Please use this question to demonstrate your understanding of the role you are applying for, and explain what you personally would bring to this role.

Step 3: Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application and upload your supporting statement on the final page.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, 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, 6 January 2025.

Interview date:Week commencing 20 January 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.