Assistant Chief Fire Officer – Service Support

Networking Women in the Fire Service; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 112,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire service organization in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer to lead its service support functions. You will shape public safety and drive vital change, ensuring that operational teams have necessary resources and support. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of leadership, outstanding communication skills, and a passion for public service. Benefits include hybrid working, a service vehicle, and ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Service Vehicle

Generous leave entitlement

Support for professional development

On-site gym facilities

Free onsite parking

Emergency services discount card

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Public sector pension

Qualifications

• Proven track record of strategic leadership at senior level.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Drive, passion, and tenacity for leading fire services.

Responsibilities

• Lead all professional support functions including People and Organisational Development.
• Inspire a professional culture that enables colleagues to thrive.
• Ensure strategic resilience as part of the Gold Command/strategic rota.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Transformational change

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Motivational leadership

Job description

Job Role Title: Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer – Director of Service Support

Salary: Up to £132,454

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time

Number of hours per week: Requirement to work such hours as may be necessary to undertake your duties. Due to the nature of this post, you will be deemed to be available for work at all times. You will also be required to work within a rota system to provide operational cover.

Job Share: No

Closing date: 23:59 26 November 2025

Job Advert Text

Are you ready to shape the future of public safety and leave a legacy of safer communities?

This role is open to experienced leaders from the fire sector only. You’ll be part of our strategic duty rota, with a provided vehicle and relocation support if needed.

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service is seeking an exceptional, values-driven senior leader to become our next Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Director of Service Support. This is your chance to join our Strategic Leadership Team and drive the transformation that empowers our firefighters and protects the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

As Director of Service Support, you will be the architect of the systems, people, and strategies that underpin our mission: safer people, safer places. Your leadership will ensure our frontline teams have the resources, resilience, and innovation they need to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s emergencies.

You’ll work in close partnership with the Combined Fire Authority and senior colleagues to deliver a fire and rescue service that is high-quality, sustainable, and truly makes a difference. We’re looking for a leader who inspires, motivates, and brings out the best in a dedicated workforce—someone with the vision and courage to drive change, foster a culture of positivity and professionalism, and champion our core values.

There is a requirement to work such hours as may be necessary to undertake your duties. Due to the nature of this post, you will be deemed to be available for work at all times. You will also be required to work within a rota system to provide operational cover.

What you’ll lead:

• All professional support functions, including People and Organisational Development, Estates and Facilities, Finance, ICT, Communications, Procurement, Business Continuity, and Fleet.
• The creation of a professional, honest, and forward-thinking culture that enables every colleague to thrive.
• Strategic resilience as part of our Gold Command/strategic rota, ensuring our service is always ready to respond.

What you’ll bring:

• A proven track record of strategic leadership and transformational change at a senior level.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite teams.
• The drive, passion, and tenacity to lead Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service into the future.

If you’re ready to make a real difference and lead with purpose, we want to hear from you. For more information, join Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Callum Faint at our open session at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services Headquarters, 12 Geoff Monk Way, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3BU on 14 November 2025.

Book your place by contacting executive support at 0116 2105767 or [e-mail].

The recruitment process includes:

Application submission: 5-26 November 2025
Shortlisting: 28 November 2025
Assessment Centre: 4-5 December 2025
CFA Employment Committee Panel Interview and Presentation: 15 December 2025
Appointment of Successful Candidate: TBC

If you are invited to interview, you will be assessed against the NFCC Leadership Framework. The highest level relevant to the role is outlined in the person specification for the position you are applying for. The interview may include both behavioural and role-specific questions to assess your suitability. You will also be asked a question exploring your understanding of, and commitment to, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.

Join us and be the leader who helps deliver a safer, stronger future for all.

Benefits you will receive:

• Hybrid working
• Service Vehicle
• Generous leave entitlement
• Full support for ongoing professional development
• On-site gym facilities
• Free onsite parking
• Access to an emergency services “Blue Light” discount card
• Use of our in-house occupational health unit, which includes fitness support
• Access to the Service’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Public sector pension (subject to pension scheme rules).

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, we want to create a work environment where everyone feels safe, can be themselves and can perform their roles to the best of their abilities. We have signed up with a number of nationally recognised organisations that promote equality, diversity and inclusion and we are working with them to help us achieve our objectives. These organisations include:

• Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion
• Department of Works and Pension’s Disability Confident scheme
• Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA)

Pension Considerations

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance or Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.

Sponsorship

Please take note that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.