Watch Manager (Control)

• Suffolk County Council - Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB


• £38,979 per annum (development) or £42,665 per annum (competent)


• 42 hours per week (shift pattern 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off)


• Permanent

Would you like the opportunity to help shape and lead a brand-new fire control room in Suffolk? If so, this is your chance to answer the call and support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to make our new control room a success.

This is an exciting opportunity to either take the next step in your management career or transfer over to Suffolk.

We’re welcoming applications from both current and former substantive, competent Crew Manager (Control) or role above within a UK Local Authority Fire Service. If you haven't previously worked within a UK Local Authority Fire Service, you will not be eligible to apply for this position.

We’re passionate about saving lives and protecting the communities we serve. If you are too, then join us and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving.

This is your opportunity to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. 

Your role and responsibilities

As Watch Manager (Control), you will lead and co-ordinate the core function of call handling, mobilisation and incident oversight. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Manage the performance of the watch personnel through guidance and mentoring, evaluating progress and supporting development.


• Manage compliance with policies, procedures and service standards.


• Manage health, safety and wellbeing of self and others at work.


• Provide statistical analysis information procedures.


• Maintain staffing levels for all watches.


• Oversee equipment testing recording for operational readiness.


• Audit watch and control work to ensure standards are maintained.


• Contribute to the management of Fire Control in the absence of the Station Manager.

Initially, you will work on a day duty pattern until the opening of the new control room (Nov 2024), where you will then align to the below shift pattern. This is your chance to share your skills and experience, build our team and develop your career. You'll help shape the control room and prepare for the go-live phase. Work 5 days, a 9-day fortnight or compressed hours. We are flexible with these arrangements, so please contact us on the details below to discuss further.

Our control room employees will follow a Control Duty system. The shift pattern is based on an average of 42 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays, based on 2 days (08:00 – 18:00), 2 nights (18:00 – 08:00) followed by 4 rest days. (swap these paragraphs around)

You will need: 

• Current or former substantive competency as a Crew Manager (Control).


• Excellent communication skills verbal and written. 


• Excellent leadership skills.


• Experience of managing people and process.


• Proven resilience to remain calm and decisive under pressure. 


• An aptitude for decision-making in challenging situations. 


• A collaborative approach to managing multi-agency relationships. 


• Excellent digital competence.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

In return, we will offer you: 

• Scope to shape the future of our new Control Centre.


• A fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Suffolk residents.


• A rewarding and challenging career in a vital public service.


• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.


• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).


• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.


• Diverse and active staff networks.

Looking for other exciting opportunities within Suffolk's new Control Room?

We’re currently seeking talented individuals to join us in the below positions: 

• Crew Manager (Control)


• Crew Manager (Control) - Day Duty (Policy/Training)


• Control Room Operator (Firefighter)

Please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website (suffolk-firefighters.co.uk) for more information and to apply.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website (suffolk-firefighters.co.uk).

If you have any questions or would like an information discussion, please reach out to us at ***************@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 250 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (docx). 

• 
  Question 1: Describe your experience of identifying personal and professional development needs? What solutions have you put in place?


• 
  Question 2: Describe a time when you had to build trust within your team. What approach did you take, what was the result and what did you learn?


• 
  Question 3: Describe a situation where you demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. What did you do and what was the outcome?


• 
  Question 4: Describe your experience of setting up and managing new teams. What were the challenges?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or ***********@suffolk.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 19 May 2024.

Provisional start date: September 2024.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.