Watch Manager Substantive Wholetime Promotion-External Candidates – Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service

We are seeking dedicated Managers to lead and support operational teams within Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. This is a pivotal leadership role, ensuring the effective delivery of services, maintaining safety standards, and driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

As a Watch Manager, you will play a vital role in leading your team and ensuring operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and Manage Teams: Plan, assess, and provide feedback to ensure objectives are met.
• Operational Leadership: Take responsibility for performance, resolve incidents, and conduct debriefs.
• Resource Management: Acquire, store, and issue resources efficiently to support service delivery.
• Information Management: Gather, advise, and communicate effectively through meetings and reports.
• Development & Assessment: Support team and individual growth, identify training needs, and contribute to quality assurance.
• Investigation & Reporting: Investigate events and report findings to inform future practice.
• Performance Management: Address poor performance and implement disciplinary procedures where necessary.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you must uphold the Core Code of Ethics while demonstrating strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as the flexibility to adapt effectively in challenging situations.

Specifically, we are looking for:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and involve others.
• Confidence and resilience in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to personal and team development.
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills and maintain situational awareness.
• A proactive approach to change and diversity, ensuring fairness and ethical standards.
• Strong planning and organisational skills aligned with strategic objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

This process is open to wholetime substantive competent Crew Managers only. Applicants must be able to demonstrate relevant operational experience and leadership capability. Successful candidates will be required to undertake any necessary training for the role.

To apply for this role, you must not be subject to:

• Formal disciplinary sanctions, including formal capability.

This applies throughout the entire recruitment and selection process from application to placement.

How to Apply

Our selection process is designed to assess your individual strengths, behaviours, and the skills and the knowledge you will bring to the role. The process may include:

• Completion of the application form before closing date on 20th April 2026 Midnight 12:00
• Written assessment
• Assessment Centre (including interview, presentation)
• Practical assessment (Incident Command)

Closing date for applications: 20th April 2026 Midnight 12:00 To apply please submit your application including a CV and a Cover Letter outlining your operational experience and leadership capability.

Notable dates:

Written assessment: 24th April 2026 to 1st May 2026

Interview dates:  18th May to 22nd May 2026

You must be available for all stages of the process.