Station Commander Opportunities – Promotional Pool

Surrey County Council; Reigate; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey County Council is seeking experienced leaders for Station Commander roles in its Fire and Rescue Service. This position involves overseeing operational leadership and team management to enhance public safety across Surrey. Ideal candidates are strong leaders with proven experience, relevant qualifications, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Benefits

£1,690 Surrey Allowance per annum

£914 CPD payment

Access to training and mentoring opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience as Watch Commander/Manager or existing Station Commander with a UK Fire Authority.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Commitment to ethics and leadership values.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
• Lead high-performing teams and ensure community-focused outcomes.
• Champion ethical leadership and deliver improvements across services.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Operational Excellence

Education

ILM or equivalent leadership qualification

NEBOSH or Health and Safety certification

Membership or qualifications with IFE

Job description

Station Commander Opportunities – Promotional Pool

Details

• Reference: SCC/TP/377198/3496
• Positions: 10
• Salary: £48,580 – £64,303.20 (plus allowances)
• Category: Fire and Rescue
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 42 hours per week
• Posted on: 11 July 2025
• Closing date: 8 August 2025
• Directorate: Chief Executive Office
• Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate

Description

Station Commander Opportunities – Promotional Pool
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)
Location: Countywide, Surrey
Salary: £48,580 – £64,303.20 (plus allowances)

Are you an experienced fire service leader with a passion for cultural transformation, inclusive leadership, and operational excellence?

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is establishing a talent pool of suitably qualified and experienced individuals for future Station Commander (SC) vacancies anticipated in 2025/26. This is your opportunity to play a key role in shaping our service and delivering on our ambitious 2025–2030 Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).

The Role

Station Commanders at SFRS provide strategic and operational leadership, supporting both local delivery and service-wide improvements. You'll lead high-performing teams, champion ethical leadership, and work collaboratively across the organisation and with partners to keep Surrey safe.

What We Offer

• Salary (depending on flexi-duty status and competence level):
  • Station Commander A (Non-Flexi): £48,580
  • Station Commander A (Flexi): £60,049.20
  • Station Commander B (Non-Flexi): £53,586
  • Station Commander B (Flexi): £64,303.20
• Additional Benefits:
  • £1,690 Surrey Allowance per annum
  • £914 CPD payment
  • Access to training, development, and mentoring opportunities

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking confident, driven, and capable leaders who are:

• Substantive and competent Watch Commanders/Managers or existing Station Commanders with a UK Fire Authority
• Proven managers of high-performing teams
• Committed to our Core Code of Ethics and leadership values
• Focused on delivering continuous improvement and community-focused outcomes
• ILM or equivalent leadership qualification
• NEBOSH or Health and Safety certification
• Membership or qualifications with IFE
• Evidence of CPD, including 20 hours of Incident Command for internal candidates

The Selection Process

The selection process includes:

• Stage 1A: Presentation to a stakeholder/community panel
• Stage 1B: Technical knowledge test (minimum 70% pass)
• Stage 2A: Incident Command Level 2 assessment (or submission of valid qualification and CPD)
• Stage 2B: Final panel interview with senior leaders

Successful candidates will enter the SC promotional pool and be considered for future appointments. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including medical, fitness, and Enhanced DBS clearance.

• Applications open: 11 July 2025
• Deadline for applications: 8 August 2025 at 12:00
• Shortlisting outcomes: 18 August 2025
• Stage 1 assessments: 1–5 September 2025
• Stage 2 assessments/interviews: 15–18 September 2025

How to Apply

Internal candidates must apply via the portal with:

• CV
• Personal statement (max. 1000 words) evidencing essential and desirable criteria
• Supporting statement from Line Manager and Group Commander (upload together with personal statement)

The candidate pack and role profile are attached to this advert for full details on the role and the selection process.