Fire Safety Protection Team Leader: Support (Non-Operational) / Watch Commander (Operational) Permanent – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Salary: Support, £40,924 – £45,678 per annum, plus up to 10% uplift for providing out-of-hours fire safety support

Watch Commander, £44,038 – 48,202, plus 10% uplift for out-of-hours fire safety cover and an additional 5% for duty rota commitments (total up to 15%)

Hours: 37 Support/42 Operational

Permanent, full-time contract

We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our Protection Department as a Protection Team Leader on a permanent basis. This is a key leadership role, ensuring we deliver our statutory duties under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and associated legislation.

As a Protection Team Leader, you will:
Lead and support a team of Fire Safety Inspecting Officers, Advisors and Apprentices
Co-ordinate fire safety activities, including audits of businesses and high-risk residential buildings
Oversee statutory consultations, business engagement, complaints and investigations
Provide professional advice to duty holders, building control bodies, and partner agencies
Take formal enforcement action where required and represent the Service externally, including in court
Support firefighter safety through effective risk information gathering
Mentor and develop staff through appraisals, training and quality assurance

This vacancy is open to both non-operational candidates (support staff) and operational candidates (Watch Commanders), whether in a development or competent role.

About You
You will be:
A motivated and professional leader who acts with integrity and demonstrates our Service values
Skilled at supervising and mentoring staff, with proven ability to manage workloads
Confident in decision-making, problem-solving and delivering high-quality outcomes
An excellent communicator who builds strong relationships internally and externally
Committed to continuous personal and professional development

Essential requirements include:
GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4–9 or equivalent)
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors)
Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors or must be obtained within 12 months of appointment)
Full, valid UK driving licence
Experience of inspecting premises, applying fire safety legislation, and preparing enforcement notices or supporting prosecutions
Strong report writing, IT and organisational skills

Desirable experience/qualifications include:
NEBOSH Fire or General Certificate, APCIL or equivalent legal training, or Level 5 Fire Engineering Technician award
Background in operational firefighting, fire engineering, fire investigation or prosecutions

Anything Else You Need to Know
Everyone who works with us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact HR@bucksfire.gov.uk.