Planning and Performance Manager – Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Exeter; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire and rescue service in Exeter is seeking a Planning and Performance Manager to oversee the corporate planning and performance framework. This role involves aligning planning activities with financial strategies and working closely with various teams to shape performance metrics. The successful candidate will possess strong planning skills, leadership abilities, and will be responsible for driving improvements within the services provided to the community. A competitive salary between £53,460 and £57,416 gross per annum is offered.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of 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.

Skills

Planning, performance, or benefits evaluation

Navigating complex organisation and political landscapes

Collaborative leadership style

Understanding of organisational performance tools

Influencing across teams

Job description

Planning and Performance Manager – Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

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: 2359hrs 4 January 2026

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