Area Manager – Head of People, Capability and Professional Standards – Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

NFRS is seeking a highly motivated & experienced manager to lead its People and Capability functions. You will shape strategy, policy, & performance across workforce, culture, professional standards, & technical services, ensuring NFRS remains a modern, skilled, & resilient organisation ready to meet future challenges.

You will provide visible leadership across our People & Capability functions, driving continuous improvement in workforce planning, employee wellbeing, career management & engagement. You will oversee fleet, logistics, procurement, & technical services, ensuring that critical operational assets are safe, efficient & sustainable to meet future service demands.

This role provides essential leadership capacity to support the Service’s long-term development. You will play a key role in maintaining organisational stability, performance & resilience.

You will participate in the Area Manager duty rota under the NFRS CDS, providing operational response & senior officer cover outside normal office hours, including evenings & weekends. The role attracts the applicable duty rota allowance in accordance with the Service’s CDS policy.

Eligibility criteria

• Hold the substantive post of Competent Area or Group Manager.
• Have operational command experience at large & complex incidents.
• Hold or be working towards Incident Command Level 4.

Applications should consist of:

• An expression of interest (maximum 2000 words) addressing how you meet the person specification.
• A current CV outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.

Closing Date: 30th October 2026 23:59.

Shortlisted candidates will undertake a formal Assessment Development Centre (ADC) assessment to take place on 30 November 2026, with an additional date to be confirmed as 27 November or 4 December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to select from the confirmed dates.

Successful ADC candidates will be invited to a formal interview to take place in December 2026. Interview details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

NFRS is a well-performing, inclusive & forward-looking organisation. We are proud to serve our communities, work collaboratively with partners, & uphold the highest standards of professionalism & integrity.

As part of our commitment to these values, applicants will be asked to confidentially disclose any current or previous complaints relating to their conduct.

NFRS & Norfolk County Council are committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children, young people & vulnerable adults, & expect all employees to share this commitment. Applicants are required to declare if they are currently under investigation by any regulatory body or have any pending or previous decisions or sanctions that may affect their suitability to for for the service. You must notify us within 24 hours of any investigation/action arising after submitting your application.

For an informal discussion, please email Anthony.white2@norfolk.gov.uk