Operational Equipment Support Manager

WFS Patron; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an Operational Equipment Support Manager to lead the Equipment Team, ensuring safety, compliance and availability of specialist operational equipment to support frontline emergency response. The role involves managing maintenance, procurement, commissioning and disposal, while overseeing budgets and performance standards.

You will collaborate with internal teams, suppliers and partner organisations to deliver a high-quality service and champion

Qualifications

• Experience managing specialist operational equipment and associated maintenance arrangements.
• Knowledge of respiratory protective equipment, rescue equipment, working at height equipment, water rescue equipment and hazardous materials equipment.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent ICT and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing the Operational Equipment Team to ensure equipment is safe, compliant and available to support service delivery.
• Managing the maintenance, procurement, commissioning and disposal of operational equipment assets.
• Managing equipment budgets, performance, compliance and service delivery standards.
• Developing strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and partner organisations, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.
• Using data, performance information and user feedback to drive service improvements and inform decision-making.
• Supporting operational planning, business continuity and environmental sustainability initiatives across the Service.

Skills

Operational equipment management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Health & safety knowledge

Job description

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service as an Operational Equipment Support Manager within the Fleet & Equipment Team. Reporting to the Group Manager Fleet & Equipment, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our operational equipment is safe, compliant, available and fit for purpose to support frontline emergency response.

You will lead and manage the Equipment Team, oversee the maintenance and availability of a wide range of specialist operational equipment, manage procurement and budgets, and work closely with internal teams, suppliers and partner organisations to deliver a high-quality service. The role also supports strategic planning, continuous improvement initiatives and environmental sustainability objectives across the Service.

About you:

We are seeking a motivated and engaging individual who is passionate about delivering high standards of service and supporting operational excellence. You will be an effective leader with experience of managing equipment or asset-based services, building strong relationships and delivering improvements in a complex operational environment.

Specifically, we are seeking a motivated and collaborative professional with a strong understanding of operational equipment management, who can lead a team, build effective partnerships and drive continuous improvement to support frontline service delivery.

The key focus of this role (Key Responsibilities and Deliverables) is:

• Leading and managing the Operational Equipment Team to ensure equipment is safe, compliant and available to support service delivery.
• Managing the maintenance, procurement, commissioning and disposal of operational equipment assets.
• Managing equipment budgets, performance, compliance and service delivery standards.
• Developing strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and partner organisations, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.
• Using data, performance information and user feedback to drive service improvements and inform decision-making.
• Supporting operational planning, business continuity and environmental sustainability initiatives across the Service.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• Knowledge and understanding of operational activities.
• Experience of managing specialist operational equipment and associated maintenance arrangements.
• Knowledge of respiratory protective equipment, rescue equipment, working at height equipment, water rescue equipment and hazardous materials equipment.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse information, manage competing priorities and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and database management.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and operational standards.

Application and selection process

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached on application.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification on application.

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check,

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 10:00 hours date 28 October 2026

Applicants who are successful at the shortlisting stage will be invited to complete a written task which they will then present to the interview panel. This will be followed by a competency and behavioural based interview.

Candidates will receive access to the task by 3 November 2026 allowing sufficient time to prepare in advance.

It is anticipated that the task/interview process will run week commencing: 16 November 2026. Candidates should ensure they are available during this period.

Anticipated start date: January 2027.

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Our Commitments:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.