Watch Manager (Control) – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB – Onsite
• Salary: Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: Bank availability including weekend and bank holidays. Minimum of 2 shifts a month (24 hours – one 10-hour shift per month (08:00-18:00) & one 14-hour shift per month (18:00-08:00) Additional hours may be offered to provide cover for absences or operational needs.
• Contract: Permanent

We are looking for experienced fire control room professionals to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as Watch Managers (Control). This opportunity is open to both green and grey book applicants with previous fire control experience.

About the role

Based in our control room in Ipswich, you will play a vital role at the heart of Suffolk’s emergency response.

Our control room operates 24/7, year-round, acting as a crucial link between the public and our operational firefighters. The role requires a minimum commitment of two shifts per month (a total of 24 hours): one 10-hour day shift (08:00–18:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:00–08:00). Additional hours may be offered to support absences or operational needs.

As a Crew Manager (Control), you will play a critical role in saving lives and protecting communities across Suffolk every day. You will:

• manage the performance of all watch personnel through guidance, mentoring, progress evaluation and development support
• ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and service standards
• promote and maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for self and others
• provide statistical analysis and reporting in line with established
• maintain staffing levels for all watches
• oversee equipment testing recording for operational readiness
• audit and evaluate ting watch and control functions to ensure consistent adherence to standards
• contribute to the management of Fire Control in the absence of the Station Manager

What we’re looking for:

• Prior experience in a fire control environment.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate others.
• Confidence, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong decision-making skills in challenging situations.
• The ability to work collaboratively to manage multi-agency relationships.
• Excellent digital competence and confidence using IT systems.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

What we offer:

• The chance to help shape the future of our new Fire Control Centre
• A fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Suffolk residents
• A rewarding career in a vital public service
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Inclusive and active staff networks.

This advert is for Watch Manager (Control) Bank Opportunities only, if you are interested in the other bank opportunities we have in Fire Control, please visit our website: Current Vacancies – SFRS.