Chief Fire Officer

Networking Women in the Fire Service; North East; On-site; GBP 154,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire and rescue service in North East England is seeking a Chief Fire Officer to spearhead strategic initiatives and improve service delivery. This role demands extensive senior leadership experience in a Fire and Rescue service and a proven ability to influence at strategic levels. The Chief Fire Officer will manage high standards of service, engage staff positively, and oversee a crucial improvement programme. Applicants should have a proven track record in operational excellence and effective risk management.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in a Fire and Rescue service.
• Proven track record of strategic influence and operational excellence.
• High-level interpersonal, innovative, and risk management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of service inspection and regulation.
• Collaborate with public and private partners at a strategic level.
• Manage risk across a diverse landscape.
• Drive a positive and inclusive organisational culture.
• Oversee an ambitious improvement programme.
• Lead the Principal Officer team.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Strategic influence

Operational excellence

Interpersonal skills

Risk management skills

Innovative thinking

Job description

Chief Fire Officer

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service
Salary: £153,143 (Senior officer salaries are appointed to a specific spot point within the salary band, with no automatic incremental progression)

Northumberland County Council is seeking to appoint to the key leadership post of Chief Fire Officer within Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a service that goes “beyond emergencies”, delivering strategic and operational support to address inequalities, drive strategic change, and support levelling‑up priorities across the county.

About the Role

• Lead the delivery of a revitalised approach to inspection and regulation, ensuring the highest standards of service for the County of Northumberland.
• Operate and influence at a strategic level, working collaboratively with public and private partners.
• Manage risk across a diverse and unique landscape, demonstrating innovation and attention to detail.
• Drive a positive and inclusive organisational culture through genuine staff engagement.
• Focus on delivering an ambitious improvement programme, which will be further informed by our next HMICFRS inspection programme (to start February 2026).
• Lead the Principal Officer team of four and ensure the service remains ambitious, sustainable, and of the highest quality.
• You will also join the NFRS Principal Officer rota and must provide a permanent base within Northumberland.

About You

• Extensive senior leadership experience in a Fire and Rescue service.
• A proven track record of strategic influence and operational excellence.
• High-level interpersonal, innovative, and risk management skills.
• Ideally, an operationally competent Deputy or Assistant Chief Fire Officer seeking to progress your career.

Application Process

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415.

Candidates will be asked to apply with a CV and supporting information via Penna and more information on the recruitment process and a link to submit your application can be found here: penna.com/jobs