Group Commander – Protection

WFS Patron; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) invites applications for Group Commander Protection (Job Reference: U064/10/2026). As a key member of the Middle Management Team, the Group Commander Protection will work with the Senior Leadership Team to drive a challenging change agenda.

The role requires an experienced fire and rescue professional with incident command expertise, strong governance and financial management skills, and a track record of delivering service improvements.

Qualifications

• Requires Incident Command Level 3 (ICV L3) prior to appointment.
• Must complete ICV Level 3 within 6 months of appointment.
• Experience as a professional in the fire and rescue service with change and service-improvement delivery.
• Demonstrates strategic leadership and financial governance capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Leadership Team to deliver against a demanding change agenda.
• Lead as a middle manager with governance and financial oversight.
• Represent the service in partnerships and ensure safety and wellbeing of the community.

Skills

Leadership

Incident command

Change management

Governance

Job description

We are Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and we are ‘Safer Together’. We are proud to deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.

NIFRS invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to apply for the post of Group Commander Protection – Job Reference: U064/10/2026

As key members of the Middle Management Team, the Group Commander Protection will support the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to deliver against a demanding change agenda in a challenging economic and political climate. The successful candidate will be an experienced professional in the fire and rescue service and have experience of managing operational incidents. They will also be a confident, innovative and resilient leader and will be a role model, clearly demonstrating the values and behaviours expected of the Fire and Rescue Service. They will have delivered change and improvement to service delivery, ensured effective governance and financial management and can demonstrate the strategic acumen necessary to be a valued middle manager and leader within NIFRS.

Applicants should note that the duties, responsibilities and base locations of Protection posts may be subject to change and that NIFRS will create a reserve list for 12 months should any further Group Commander Protection vacancies arise.

All candidates must hold an Incident Command Level 3 assessment (ICV L3) prior to appointment, and complete an Incident Command Level 3 qualification within 6 months of being appointed.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 13 November 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, dependants, religion or political opinion.

NIFRS is currently under represented by women, applications from this group is particularly welcome. Appointment will be made solely on merit