Planning and Performance Manager

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service; Exeter; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire and rescue service in Exeter is looking for a Planning and Performance Manager. In this permanent, full-time position, you will oversee corporate planning, performance frameworks, and team leadership. The successful applicant should possess proven experience in planning and performance, navigate complex dynamics effectively, and contribute to a collaborative environment. A salary between £53,460 and £57,416 gross per annum is offered, along with flexible work options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning, performance, or benefits evaluation.
• Ability to navigate complex organisation and political landscapes.
• Strong understanding of organisational performance tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of our corporate planning and performance framework.
• Align planning activity with financial and risk strategy.
• Support managers in embedding performance thinking across the Service.

Skills

Planning and performance experience

Collaborative leadership

Organisational performance tools knowledge

Influencing skills

Job description

Summary

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning and Performance Manager to join us! This role is based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter, and the successful candidate will join us on a permanent, full time (37 hours per week) basis, and in return will receive a salary starting at £53,460 rising annually to £57,416 (gross) per annum. There is the opportunity for some flexible working arrangements with this role, which would need to be discussed and agreed with the hiring manager.

We are Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service — England’s largest non-metropolitan Fire & Rescue Service. Our mission? To end preventable emergencies and build safer communities.

As Planning and Performance Manager, you’ll sit at the centre of the Service—working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, analysts, and delivery teams to ensure our strategy, planning, and performance frameworks are robust, joined-up and future-facing.

From coordinating our annual planning cycle to refining our performance measures, you’ll drive improvements that strengthen our services and keep our communities safe.

You’ll bring

• Proven experience in planning, performance, or benefits evaluation
• Ability to navigate complex organisation and political landscapes
• A collaborative leadership style with a focus on learning and improvement
• Strong understanding of organisational performance tools and techniques
• Confident working across teams and influencing at every level

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of our corporate planning and performance framework
• Align planning activity with financial and risk strategy
• Work closely with data and insight teams to shape performance indicators
• Support managers in embedding performance thinking across the Service
• Strengthen links with other fire services and public bodies
• Build and lead an inclusive, high-performing team

“One of the most rewarding and purposeful environments I’ve worked in. Here, change is not just organisational, it’s community focused. I would absolutely recommend DSFRS to anyone passionate about delivering meaningful change.