Station Manager (Protection)

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Ipswich is seeking to appoint a dedicated Station Manager (Protection) for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Responsibilities include advising on technical aspects of Protection and commitment to Fire Investigation. Candidates should hold a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety or equivalent. The role offers up to 29 days of annual leave, pension scheme membership, and flexible working options. This is an excellent opportunity for those eligible for substantive promotion to Station Manager.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Travel and health benefits

Performance-related pay progression

Training opportunities

Career development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Candidates eligible for substantive promotion to Station Manager.
• Experience in technical advisory responsibilities related to fire safety.
• Flexibility to undertake duties within the Level 2 Flexible Duty System.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Protection Management Team.
• Advise on technical aspects of Protection activities.
• Commit to Fire Investigation as the Service Lead.

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (or equivalent)

Job description

Position Overview

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is seeking to appoint a dedicated Station Manager (Protection) to a substantive post. This role requires:

Responsibilities

• Working as an integral part of the Protection Management Team.
• Advising and providing guidance on all technical aspects of Protection activities.
• Commitment to Fire Investigation as the Service Lead and/or other specialist technical advisory responsibilities.
• Flexibility to undertake duties within the Level 2 Flexible Duty System (FDS), which may be optional depending on Service needs.

Essential Qualification

A minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (or equivalent).

Eligibility and Assessment

• Candidates eligible for substantive promotion to Station Manager.
• Substantive Station Managers.
• External candidates and those who have not previously attained an SFRS SM Assessment Centre pass will be required to complete a VCA Assessment, which includes an initial e‑learning component (to be completed within one week from 12 January 2026), followed by an in‑person assessment at Wattisham Training Centre on 19 or 20 January 2026.
• Internal candidates and those who have already attained an SFRS SM Assessment pass may complete the VCA assessment for experience, but it will not contribute to their final score.

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.