Chief Fire Officer

Networking Women in the Fire Service; St Asaph; On-site; GBP 166,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service seeks a Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive to lead a high-profile emergency and preventative services organisation in North Wales. You will shape strategy, lead partnership work, and engage with Welsh Government at the highest levels.

The role requires visionary leadership, resilience, and outstanding communication skills. Location: HQ, St Asaph; salary circa £166,000–£169,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Visionary leadership and resilience are essential.
• Strong leadership, political and communication skills are required.
• Well-developed appreciation of the wider societal environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide top-level leadership for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships and relationships with Welsh Government and other stakeholders.
• Lead strategic planning and ensure delivery of emergency and preventative services in North Wales.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Political acumen

Job description

CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Headquarters – St Asaph LL17 0JJ
Salary – Circa £166,000- £169,000 per annum.

The Authority and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, enjoys an excellent reputation within Wales and beyond. We have a record of delivering excellent emergency and preventative services to North Wales’ communities through our dedicated staff who have access to the best available equipment and resources.

The current Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Dawn Docx, will be retiring at the end of December 2026 and we are looking to replace her with an exceptional candidate with the necessary combination of vision, enthusiasm and resilience. This is a rare opportunity to work in a challenging role which will require strong leadership, political and communication skills and a well-developed appreciation of the wider societal environment. North Wales is highly regarded for the quality of its partnership working and has a high profile in leadership across the public sector. The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive is expected to play a full and active part in this work. In addition, the role demands that relationships are formed and developed with those at the highest levels of the Welsh Government. Regular close contact at this level is a key component of the role.

For further details about the role, please refer to the information pack.

Closing date for receipt of application form is 12.00 noon, 25th September, 2026

The closing date will be strictly adhered to and no exceptions will apply