Planning and Performance Manager

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused service organization located in Exeter seeks a Planning and Performance Manager to lead their corporate planning and performance framework. This full-time role requires proven experience in planning and performance evaluation, along with strong leadership and the ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes. The successful candidate will work closely with various teams and stakeholders to shape indicators and ensure robust service delivery. Offering a starting salary of £53,460, with opportunities for flexible working arrangements, this position promises to be a rewarding challenge.

Qualifications

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

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.

Skills

Planning and performance evaluation

Navigating complex organizations

Collaborative leadership

Understanding of performance tools

Influencing across teams

Job description

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.

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.

We want someone who is as comfortable scanning the horizon as they are getting into the detail—someone who blends strategic insight with strong people skills and can champion evidence‑led change.

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

Closing date for applications: 23:59hrs 4 January 2026

For informal enquiries regarding the role please contact Jon Worsley, via 07967 021871 or [e-mail]