Assistant Chief Fire Officer - Service Transformation

Gloucestershire County Council; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council authority is seeking an inspirational Assistant Chief Fire Officer to lead the transformation at its Fire and Rescue Service. This role demands a proactive leader with experience in command roles, dedicated to building a high-performing, inclusive team. The ideal candidate will play a key part in shaping the Service's future, ensuring it reflects the communities served. Applicants from outside the Fire and Rescue sector are welcome, with training provided for those transitioning from different backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Experience within a Fire and Rescue Service, preferably at Area Manager level.
• Competence in commanding significant operational incidents.
• Open to applicants from outside the sector with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation agenda for the Fire and Rescue Service.
• Provide senior-level leadership focusing on high standards.
• Shape the Service’s future and culture.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Inclusivity

Operational incident command

Education

Relevant accreditation (MAGIC/ICL3 or 4)

Job description

Overview

Lead the Transformation of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

We are seeking an inspirational Assistant Chief Fire Officer to join Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) and the wider Community Safety Directorate within Gloucestershire County Council (GCC). Your role will be to help shape our Service’s future and deliver the next stage of transformational growth. You will play a key role within a values driven leadership team, championing inclusivity, integrity, and continuous improvement, whilst ensuring our Service is truly representative of the communities we serve.

Ideally, you will have previous experience within a Fire and Rescue Service, working at Area Manager level. Competence in commanding significant operational incidents is also required, and you must have relevant accreditation (e.g., MAGIC/ICL3 or 4).

However, we welcome external applications from individuals who are not currently working within the Fire and Rescue Services sector as well as those currently conditioned to the Green, Grey and Gold Book FRS Conditions of Service. If the successful individual is not from a traditional FRS operational background, transitional operational development training will be provided.

If you are passionate about creating a high-performing, motivated team and building a culture of inclusion, trust and excellence through organisational transformation and change, we want to hear from you. Join us and help make GFRS an exemplar service both regionally and nationally. Shape our journey to ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation agenda for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and contribute to the wider Community Safety Directorate within GCC.
• Shape the Service’s future and deliver transformational growth in performance and culture.
• Be a member of a values driven leadership team, championing inclusivity, integrity and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the Service is representative of the communities it serves.
• Provide leadership at a senior level, with a focus on high standards of delivery and change management.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience within a Fire and Rescue Service, ideally at Area Manager level.
• Competence in commanding significant operational incidents.
• Relevant accreditation (e.g., MAGIC/ICL3 or 4).
• Open to external applicants not currently in the FRS sector and those familiar with Green, Grey and Gold Book FRS Conditions of Service.
• If not from a traditional FRS operational background, transitional operational development training will be provided.

Application process

• Interested candidates should contact FireKnowledge Executive Recruitment for an informal and confidential discussion with Dave Etheridge. Email: [e-mail]
• To apply, submit a CV and a supporting statement (no more than 3000 words) outlining how your experience and qualifications meet the essential and desirable criteria of the job profile.
• Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 20 October 2025. The completed CV and Supporting Statement should be submitted to [e-mail].
• A range of assessments will take place leading up to Panel Interviews on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
• To apply, please indicate your interest and proceed with the Apply Now process.