Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire and rescue service organization in the UK seeks a Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership and drive the service's vision. The ideal candidate should possess extensive senior executive experience, a relevant postgraduate degree, and qualifications in Fire Service Incident Command. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain strong stakeholder relationships. A competitive benefits package is included.

Benefits

Attractive salary and pension benefits

Access to a pool car

Free car parking

Relocation Assistance Package

Employee Assistance Programme

Health Care plan

Sports and Welfare Association with free gym access

Qualifications

• Extensive experience at a senior executive level.
• Qualified to and operating at Fire Service Incident Command Level 4.
• Completed a MAGIC course.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Authority’s Executive team providing strategic leadership.
• Influence the vision and direction of the service.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Significant experience in a corporate environment

Supportive leadership style

Emotional intelligence

Excellent communication skills

Political acumen

Ability to deliver programmes of change

Education

Relevant degree (postgraduate)

Job description

Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, an innovative, high performing organisation which has ambitious plans for the service it provides to the communities of Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire, and North Lincolnshire. The Fire Authority is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced professional to be their next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive leading Humberside Fire and Rescue Service into the future. The successful applicant will lead the Authority’s Executive team, providing strategic leadership, influencing the vision and direction of the service.

We are seeking an individual who has significant experience in a corporate environment, a supportive and inclusive leadership style, and a high level of emotional intelligence. You will be a driven, self‑motivated and credible, with excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders and partners. Political acumen, the ability to deliver substantial programmes of change, and a commitment to continuous improvement within the service are essential.

Applicants must have extensive experience at a senior executive level, have a relevant degree (postgraduate) appropriate to the post and have completed a MAGIC course. You should be qualified to and operating at Fire Service Incident Command Level 4. As part of the Principal Officer Gold rota, you will need to maintain a permanent base within the Humberside Fire & Rescue Service area.

Benefits package

• Attractive salary and pension benefits
• Access to a pool car to provide continuous duty
• Free car parking
• Relocation Assistance Package
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Health Care plan
• Sports and Welfare Association with free use of gym

Applications will be via the submission of an application form, outlining suitability for the role against the criteria set out in the person specification. An application pack can be obtained by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 01482 567546.

Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Commences – 15th December 2025
• Closing Date – midnight on the 19th January 2026
• Shortlisting Date – Week commencing 26th January 2026
• Incident Command Assessment – 2nd or 3rd March 2026
• Appointments Panel Dates (to include Humberside Fire Authority Appointments Panel interview & Partner Panel Interview) – 9th March 2026
• Confirmation by Full Fire Authority – 27th March 2026

Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks which includes completion of the Non-Police Personal Vetting (NPPV) Level 3 clearance and National Security Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance, references and medical including a fitness test.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Chief Fire Officer, Phil Shillito, on 01482 567417 (PA to CFO).

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community that are currently under‑represented at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, including women, ethnic minorities and applicants with disabilities.