Area Commander/Manager – Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

JOIN CAMBRIDGESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE AS AN AREA COMMANDER/MANAGER

Lead with purpose. Inspire your people. Shape our future.

At CFRS, we’re proud to be recognised as a Service where people genuinely thrive – because we believe that leadership isn’t just about rank, it’s about impact.

We’re now looking for an exceptional Area Commander/Manager to join our leadership team and help deliver on our vision: a safe community where there are no preventable deaths or injuries in fires or other emergencies.

Why Choose CFRS?

This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to lead a Service that invests in its people, values collaboration, and drives positive change at every level. Joining us as an Area Commander, you’ll be joining a Service where our people say it best:

• A service you’ll be proud to be part of
  88% of our people say they are proud to work for CFRS—because we value teamwork, fairness, and personal growth.
• A career with meaning and future opportunities
  81% of our people want to stay with us for the long-term—because we offer real progression, development, and the chance to lead with purpose.
• A culture that motivates and inspires
  83% of our people feel motivated to give their best—because we’ve created a working environment where every voice is heard, and every individual is respected.

These results don’t happen by chance, they’re the outcome of purposeful leadership, strong values and a culture where people feel supported and inspired to do their best work.

What we’re looking for

We want bold, humble leaders who will:

• Deliver high-performing, community-focused services
• Translate strategic goals into measurable action
• Champion inclusion and innovation
• Empower others to succeed and grow

You’ll need to:

• Be a substantive and fully competent Area Commander or Group Commander ready to step up, serving in a UK FRS
• Hold Incident Command Level 3 (Advanced Award Level 6)
• Have no current capability or disciplinary processes in place
• Live within one hour of CFRS HQ (Huntingdon) and/or BFRS HQ (Kempston)

What We Offer

• Base Salary: £69,283
• 20% Pensionable Flexible Duty Supplement
• 9% Area Commander Rota Supplement
• Performance-related pay of up to 4% of total earnings
• A collaborative senior leadership environment
• Opportunities to shape the future of a progressive, inclusive fire service

The recruitment process

Our recruitment process is open, transparent, and centred on identifying leadership potential. We strongly encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, as greater diversity within our Service helps us better reflect and serve the communities of Cambridgeshire. Full details of the recruitment process can be found in the accompanying candidate information and assessment guide.

Key dates

• Deadline to apply: 30 April at 5:00pm
• Shortlisting complete: 1 May 2025
• Assessment event: 8 May 2025
• Final stage interviews: 12 May 2025
• Outcome announced: 13 May 2025

Ready to Lead with Us?

1. Candidates are required to submit an application by 30 April 2025 at 5pm.
2. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in each stage of the process and are requested to be mindful of the key dates and requirements of each stage.

Find out more

If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity but would like to have an informal and confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time.

Safer recruitment

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.

Lead the change. Lead with us. Join CFRS