Head of Estates, Facilities and Stores – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional emergency service is seeking a Head for Estates, Facilities and Stores. This role involves leading the strategic development of in-house operations and managing the transition from external provision. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and expertise in managing large estates. Applications are required by 15 October 2025, via email with a CV and supporting statement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large estates and facilities functions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills at senior levels.
• Demonstrable ability to lead organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of CFRS Estates, Facilities and Stores.
• Manage the transition to in-house delivery.
• Ensure effective utilization of assets across CFRS.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic development

Job description

Overview

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is a high-performing, innovative and progressive organisation focused on delivering outstanding prevention, protection and response services to achieve its overall vision – a Cheshire where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires and other emergencies.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding individual to join the Senior Leadership Team, as the new Head for Estates, Facilities and Stores; an integral role aiding delivery of strategic objectives and the Community Risk Management Plan.

The Service is re-establishing its Estates, Facilities and Stores functions as an in-house operation. The post holder will lead the strategic development of the department, review service provisions, appraise options, determine the future operating model and manage the transition to business as usual.

Possessing significant professional expertise, strong leadership skills and a positive attitude, the postholder will develop, implement and maintain relevant strategies, policies and plans to meet the changing needs of the operating environment, in order to offer high quality services to the organisation and its staff.

CFRS has already invested significantly in its estate and will continue to do so over the coming years, under the postholder’s leadership. Our estate comprises 49 service houses and 28 fire stations across the county, a safety centre in Lymm, three community safety and fire protection hubs (Warrington, Crewe and Chester), an operational training centre and workshops, along with a central stores and Headquarters in Winsford.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of CFRS Estates, Facilities and Stores as an in-house function, including reviewing current provisions, appraising options and determining the future operating model.
• Manage the transition from external provision to in-house delivery and facilitate business as usual.
• Develop, implement and maintain strategies, policies and plans to meet changing operating needs and to provide high quality services to the organisation and its staff.
• Oversee ongoing investment in the estate and ensure effective utilisation of assets across CFRS.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Significant professional expertise and strong leadership skills; a positive, proactive attitude.
• Ability to develop and sustain strategic objectives aligned with CFRS priorities and the Community Risk Management Plan.
• Demonstrable experience in managing large estates, facilities and stores functions and leading organisational change.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills at senior levels.

Additional Information

To apply, candidates are required to submit a CV accompanied by a supporting statement of up to 2,000 words that demonstrates suitability and provides relevant examples against the job description and person specification. These should be emailed to [e-mail] quoting job reference number 19/25/HODEFS. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Executive Support team on 01606 868816 to arrange a telephone call with Katie Whitehead, Head of Service Improvement. Closing Date: 17:00hrs on Wednesday 15 October 2025.