Incident Command Competence Lead – NFCC

Job Title:  Incident Command Competence Lead 

Department: Operational Response & Fire Control 

Contract type:  Fixed term contract or Secondment – 12 months 

Job Level: Group Manager 

Salary Level:  Salary dependant on experience, expertise and relevance to the role. 

Location:  Home Based (UK wide travel as required) 

Reports To:  Head of Operational Response & Fire Control 

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking an experienced and influential operational leader to take on the role of Incident Command Competence Lead. 

This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and implementation of a nationally significant Incident Command Competence Framework, helping to strengthen operational competence and improve safety outcomes across UK Fire and Rescue Services. 

Working within the Operational Response and Fire Control (ORFC) Hub, you will act as the national subject matter lead for incident command competence, collaborating with senior fire and rescue leaders, government departments, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality, evidence-based products that support operational excellence across the sector. 

About this role 

As Incident Command Competence Lead, you will: 

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Incident Command Competence Framework. 

• Provide expert advice and guidance on incident command competence, assessment and assurance. 

• Develop national competence assurance arrangements, including assessment and revalidation processes. 

• Produce and deliver supporting documentation, learning resources, workshops and implementation tools. 

• Work closely with NFCC committees, boards, working groups and lead officers to ensure national consistency and sector-wide engagement. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Fire and Rescue Services, government departments, HMICFRS and other key stakeholders. 

• Support the development of strategies and initiatives that improve firefighter and public safety through learning, assurance and operational improvement. 

About you 

We are looking for a highly credible operational leader with the expertise and drive to influence national policy and practice. 

You will ideally have: 

• Significant operational leadership experience within a Fire and Rescue Service at Group Manager level or equivalent. 

• Extensive knowledge of operational doctrine, guidance and incident command systems. 

• Experience of developing policy, guidance, frameworks or operational standards. 

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with experience of working with strategic leaders, subject matter experts and partner organisations. 

• A sound understanding of NFCC operational guidance, tools and national learning processes. 

• Experience of using evidence and data to drive safety improvements. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present clear reports, briefings and recommendations for a wide range of audiences 

The full job description is available here.

How to apply: 

Please complete the application form via the ‘apply now’ button below. CV’s will NOT be accepted for this position. 

Closing Date:   11th September 2026  

Interviews & Exercise:  Week commencing 14 September 2026 (via Microsoft Teams) 

For queries or technical issues, please contact recruitment@nfcc.org.uk. 

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post. 

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive. 

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.