Watch Manager at Serco

Serco; Dubai; On-site; AED 340,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco UAE is seeking a Watch Manager to oversee 24/7 Rescue & Firefighting services, including ARFF for ICAO category airfields. You will lead firefighting crews, manage multiple vehicle deployments, and coordinate with towers and control rooms to ensure rapid incident response.

The role requires 5–10 years in fire/rescue, supervisory experience, and ICAO/ NFPA qualifications. English is essential; Arabic is desirable. A strong emphasis on safety, training, and SOP development is included.

Qualifications

• Five to ten years’ experience in fire/rescue services including five years in a supervisory position at an ICAO Category six airfield or above.
• At least three of the last five years must have been spent in an equivalent position.
• 12 years formal education; university degree in fire/rescue desirable; ICAO Supervisor/Watch Commander certification and NFPA/HAZMAT qualifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Incident Commander and leads the firefighting, rescue, or related duties.
• Directs vehicle positioning, crew deployment and task management during incidents.
• Maintains radio communications and coordinates with control tower and Fire Control Room.
• Oversees routine maintenance of Life Support, vehicles and equipment; ensures logbook accuracy.

Skills

Incident Commander

Firefighting

Supervisory experience

Emergency response coordination

English (Essential)

Arabic (Desirable)

Education

12 years formal education

University degree in fire/rescue (Desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We have been operating in the Middle East since 1947 and have a profound understanding of the region. With over 4,500 colleagues here, we support governments across defence, space, transport, emergency services, justice and migration, and other vital public services. Our core capabilities span service design and advisory, customer experience, complex programme management, systems integration, and asset and facilities management, alongside environmental and case management services. Guided by our unique service model, we work together with clients and partners to achieve long-term visions and tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges.

Watch Manager Impact a better future At Serco, we bring together the right people, technology, and partners to deliver innovative solutions that impact a better future.

Your Opportunity

The Watch Manager will be Responsible for the management and performance of his watch (shift) in the provision of 24/7 Rescue & Firefighting Services (RFFS), including but not limited to: the provision of ARFF services to designated airfield to the specified International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category, including civilian and military aircraft, provide SRFF services in response to incidents, including fire, building and facility emergencies, storms, gas leaks, burst water mains, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials and de-contamination tasks. Act as the Fire and Rescue SME to the contract management as required.

Key Accountabilities

• Assumes the role of Incident Commander.
• Leads/Manages the crew of his assigned vehicle(s) or equipment(s) in the performance of all firefighting, rescue or other required duties.
• Leads/Manages the crews of all assigned vehicles or equipment in the performance of all firefighting, rescue or other required duties during a multiple vehicle deployment incident.
• Directs the positioning of vehicles, the deployment of crews and equipment and manages tasks in response to emergency incidents.
• Responsible for operation of his/her vehicle radio communications and for coordination with other emergency services vehicles.
• Responsible for all communication with the control tower and fire control room for all necessary clearances, instructions and incident information.
• Supervises the vehicle replenishment of water and agent/media tanks.
• Ensures the ongoing fire training of RFFS and ADF base personnel as required.
• Manages the assignment of RFFS personnel vehicle manning and general watch/shift duties, inclusive of rostering support.
• Coordinates planned and unplanned maintenance of Life Support, vehicles, and ancillary equipment.
• Conducts periodic tests, inspections, drills and exercises to ensure complete operational capability and readiness of the Rescue & Firefighting Service.
• Manages the daily operational serviceability, vehicle and equipment checks.
• Reports vehicle and equipment status including defects requiring attention to Fire and Security Manager.
• Ensures all entries in station logbooks are correctly filed including the recording of standbys, crashes, fires, RTAs and all other incidents requiring RFFS personnel and/or equipment are entered into the incident log.
• Supervises the management of daily station duties to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Contributes to and provides SME advise to the development of Standard operating Procedures, Work Instruction and other fire service documentation.
• Assists in the compilation of, or creates, required information for reporting purposes.
• Performs any other role associated duties as required and assigned by their line management.

Specific Requirements

Five to Ten (5-10) years’ experience in fire/rescue services including five (5) years in a supervisory position at an ICAO Category six (6) airfield or above. At least three (3) of the last five (5) years must have been spent in an equivalent position. Additional fire/rescue work experience may be substituted for up to two (2) years formal education in the ratio of two (2) years’ experience to one (1) years education. Must be a FVEY national and passport holder Military firefighting experience (Desirable) Other - Valid heavy vehicle operator license in country of origin and ability to obtain equivalent in the United Arab Emirates. Knowledge Languages – English Oral/Written (Essential), Arabic (Desirable). Proficient in Microsoft Office Qualifications Twelve (12) years formal education. University Degree in a fire/rescue related subject (Desirable). Specialized Qualifications – Applicants shall be certified competent in role and qualified to a minimum of: 111604 AIRFIELD FIRE CONTROLLER Nationals of the FVEY (Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada) countries without the above, shall possess fire and rescue qualifications at least equal to the below: ICAO Supervisor/Watch Commander NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus, Driver/Operator NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter NFPA 472/1072 HAZMAT First Responder Technician Level NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II Incident Command (Essential) First Aid/Basic Life Support Certification (Essential) Certified ‘Medically Fit’ for the role. Formal training and assessment qualifications.

Join Us At Serco

At Serco, we believe there is a place here for everyone. A place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day. Our workplace culture is one that embraces diversity and fosters equity, respect, and belonging for every individual. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive environment that proudly celebrates the perspectives and backgrounds that each of our employees bring to work every day. Join Serco and be part of a values-driven organization that invests in the development and well-being of its employees and offers a rewarding and fulfilling career. Serco is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities and is committed to ensuring the safety of all of its employees through its Zero Harm initiative. Please visit careers.serco.com for more information.