Direct Entry Station Manager programme, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (REF: DE/ESFRS)

Make a difference – Become a Fire Service Station Manager. Are you a leader who can make a difference?

We are searching for exceptional leaders with passion and experience, as candidates for the newly launched National Fire Chief Council (NFCC) Direct Entry Station Manager programme. The initiative is an exciting opportunity, open to leaders who have the potential and desire to become an operational fire officer at the rank of Station Manager.

The candidate will be supported throughout an intensive 36-month development programme, enjoying a rewarding career with colleagues who put the interest of the public and their community first. This unique pathway into a leadership role in the fire and rescue service will offer a career with access to a variety of diverse responsibilities and the potential to develop into a more senior position in the future.

This programme is designed to attract individuals whose innovation and leadership will complement our existing talented teams, to drive a change in culture. The successful applicant will use their experience and skills from outside of the fire sector to develop competence and confidence to take on the responsibilities of a uniformed fire officer.

To watch a video on working as a Station Manager, please click on the following link Direct Entry: Station Manager - YouTube.

About the role:

A day in the life of a Station Manager is varied and it continues beyond their blue light response. Officers are regularly engaged in community-based work with colleagues and partner agencies, leading diverse teams across varied roles that include Training Delivery, Corporate Service, Response, Protection and Prevention.

Those recruited to the roles will be expected to acquire, develop, and demonstrate skills and expertise in leadership, management, and command functions. This development will be enhanced through a nationally designed, co-ordinated, and quality assured process.

Successful candidates will be required to work to a rota system which will include some weekends, bank holidays and unsocial hours. The fire and rescue services work to a 12-month schedule, therefore your working pattern is provided with plenty of notice.

We are looking for leaders who embody and embrace the Core Code of Ethics in their service to the public:

• Putting our communities first – we put the interest of the public, the community and service users first.
• Integrity – we act with integrity including being open, honest, and consistent in everything we do.
• Dignity and respect - making decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias.
• Leadership – we are all positive role models, always demonstrating flexibility and resilient leadership. We are all accountable for everything we do and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) – We continually recognise and promote the value of EDI both within the FRSs and the wider communities in which we serve.

We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations, and celebrate differences.

Employee Benefits
Alongside the opportunity to learn, grow and join committed colleagues in making a difference within the local community, Station Managers will also receive:

• A starting salary of £46,712 rising to £51,525 once competent in role.
• Opportunities for further promotion and career development.
• Enhanced pay for specialist duties and long service awards.
• Extensive health and wellbeing support including regular medicals, gym access, cycle to work schemes etc.
• Fully funded professional development.
• Fire and Rescue service Pension Plan.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Access to the Blue Light Card.
• Lifetime access to the Firefighters Charity.

Essential Criteria for the role

• An outstanding leader who acts with empathy, compassion, and respect.
• Individuals with a recognised commitment to the value of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• A proven ability to lead teams, deliver change, innovate, and influence organisational and cultural improvement.
• A skilled communicator with the ability to engage across a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Professional qualifications at Level 5 or equivalent, and/or be able to demonstrate working at this level.
• A resilient leader with passion and commitment to personal development and learning.
• Successful appointments will be subject to the completion of relevant medical and physical fitness test requirements. Applicants must also hold a full UK Driving Licence.

We are committed to equality and fairness at work, supporting and encouraging diversity through recruitment and the work we undertake. If you would like to discuss any further support requirements or reasonable adjustments, please get in touch with Eloise Gregory who will be very pleased to assist.

Please note the closing date for applications is Friday 02 June 2023 at 12:00am.

For more information, please contact: Eloise.Gregory@reed.com

Applications will be managed by our external provider. To apply, please go to Direct Entry Station Manager programme, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (nationalfirechiefs.org.uk)