Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service

We are excited to announce an opportunity for an inspiring inclusive leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO).

Governed by Fire Authority members, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service employs over 550 dedicated staff operating across 23 Fire Stations covering over 1,346 square miles, serving a diverse population of over 490,000 people. The county of Shropshire has a varied risk profile covering an area of 1,346 square miles, with the busy towns of Shrewsbury and Telford at its centre. This sparsity, combined with the heritage sites such as the Ironbridge Gorge, Wroxeter Roman City and Wenlock Edge and the challenges of two growing vibrant towns creates a challenging and interesting risk profile. This requires both established and innovative ways of working. We are seeking a DCFO who will provide strategic leadership, will encourage fresh thinking, create collaborative opportunities and champion inclusivity in all aspects of our work.

In 2025, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service will launch our 2025-2028 Community Risk Management plan. The postholder will be critical in shaping our plan, ensuring it reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible service to Shropshire through defined strategic priorities.

We are seeking applications from high-performing and high-potential qualified competent Senior Managers who are able to demonstrate experience of operating effectively at Strategic Manager level, have a successful track record of achievement and the ability to provide strategic leadership. Ideal candidates will be able to evidence a range of skills and experiences that are key to the core responsibilities in strategic leadership of functions and operational command. The full job description begins on the next page.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer post forms part of the Brigade Manager Rota and as such is required to provide executive, operational and Gold Command cover. Gold Book conditions apply and the successful candidate will be provided with a service vehicle.

Our staff are our greatest asset, together with the Executive Leadership Team and the Service Management Team you will play a key role in advancing our service, enhancing our organisational culture, and embedding positive change. Listening to, and valuing, our staff is at the core of our leadership approach. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud of its strong community links and high on-call availability, showcasing our staff’s daily commitment. Our full-time firefighters are always ready to respond to a wide range of incidents and engage with the community at every opportunity.

If you would like an informal, confidential discussion about this role, please contact Dawn Faulkner and Helen Sawbridge at Faerfield, on 0121 312 3755 or dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk.