Fire Safety Protection Team Leader – Support (Non-Operational) / Watch Commander (Operational)

Networking Women in the Fire Service; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A public safety organization in England is seeking a Protection Team Leader to manage a team of Fire Safety Inspectors. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with fire safety legislation and leading audits and investigations. Ideal candidates are motivational leaders with fire safety qualifications and strong communication skills. The position offers a full-time permanent contract with a competitive salary of £42,043 – £48,202 plus potential uplifts for additional duties.

Qualifications

• Experience of inspecting premises and applying fire safety legislation.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team.
• Coordinate fire safety activities.
• Provide professional advice to duty holders.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Decision-making

Education

GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4-9 or equivalent)

Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety

Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety

Tools

IT skills

Job description

Salary: Support, £42,043 – £45,678 per annum, plus up to 10% uplift for providing out-of-hours fire safety support

Watch Commander, £44,038 – 48,202, plus 10% uplift for out-of-hours fire safety cover and an additional 5% for duty rota commitments (total up to 15%)

Hours: 37 Support/42 Operational

Permanent, full-time contract

We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our Protection Department as a Protection Team Leader on a permanent basis. This is a key leadership role, ensuring we deliver our statutory duties under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and associated legislation.

As a Protection Team Leader, you will

• Lead and support a team of Fire Safety Inspecting Officers, Advisors and Apprentices
• Co‑ordinate fire safety activities, including audits of businesses and high-risk residential buildings
• Oversee statutory consultations, business engagement, complaints and investigations
• Provide professional advice to duty holders, building control bodies, and partner agencies
• Take formal enforcement action where required and represent the Service externally, including in court
• Support firefighter safety through effective risk information gathering
• Mentor and develop staff through appraisals, training and quality assurance

This vacancy is open to both non-operational candidates (support staff) and operational candidates (Watch Commanders), whether in a development or competent role.

About You

You will be

• A motivated and professional leader who acts with integrity and demonstrates our Service values
• Skilled at supervising and mentoring staff, with proven ability to manage workloads
• Confident in decision-making, problem‑solving and delivering high‑quality outcomes
• An excellent communicator who builds strong relationships internally and externally
• Committed to continuous personal and professional development

Essential requirements include

• GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4–9 or equivalent)
• Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors)
• Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors or must be obtained within 12 months of appointment)
• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Experience of inspecting premises, applying fire safety legislation, and preparing enforcement notices or supporting prosecutions
• Strong report writing, IT and organisational skills

Desirable experience/qualifications include

• NEBOSH Fire or General Certificate, APCIL or equivalent legal training, or Level 5 Fire Engineering Technician award
• Background in operational firefighting, fire engineering, fire investigation or prosecutions

Anything Else You Need to Know

Everyone who works with us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact [e-mail].

If are in receipt of a Firefighter’spension, before taking up employment with Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority you are required to notify Human Resources as Abatement Rules may apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people of any colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability are welcome. If there are any adaptions or adjustments, we can make to help you in your application, or with our recruitment process, please contact us via e‑mail or telephone.

How to Apply

For further information about the role please review the job description.

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