Station Manager (Protection)

Suffolk County Council; Mid Suffolk; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local authority in the United Kingdom is looking for a dedicated Station Manager (Protection) for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. The role involves advising on Protection activities and leading Fire Investigations while being part of a management team. Candidates should hold a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety and demonstrate effective leadership skills. This permanent, full-time position offers various benefits, including a competitive salary and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

29 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety or equivalent is essential.
• Motivated individuals with commitment and strong organisational skills are required.
• Demonstrated experience in Protection roles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise on technical aspects of Protection activities.
• Be part of the Protection Management Team.
• Lead Fire Investigation and other specialist responsibilities.

Skills

Strong organisational behaviours

Leadership in Protection discipline

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety

Job description

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

• Address: Suffolk-wide - Onsite
• Salary: Station Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales
• Hours: 42hrs per week
• Contract: Permanent

As a Station Manager (Protection), you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, contribute your ideas, and grow your career in a place that values you.

Reimagine the possibilities.

About the Role

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

This role requires:

• 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).

We are looking for motivated and committed individuals who can demonstrate strong organisational behaviours and values aligned with SCC WEASPIRE and the NFCC Code of Ethics.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from:

• Candidates eligible for substantive promotion to Station Manager.
• Substantive Station Managers.

Internal candidates' eligibility will be in line with the SFRS Service Progression Document (SPD). If you have queries about the SPD and your eligibility, please discuss with your line manager or the Learning and Development team at [e-mail].

For candidates not currently employed by SFRS, proof of qualifications must be attached to the initial application (copies of certificates will be accepted).

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) . If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).

For Further Information

For questions about suitability for the role, please contact T/GM Gary Smart at [e-mail] or 07833 401917.

Application Process

1. Read the advert and relevant Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Complete the Supporting Statement template (up to 500 words), providing evidence of your ability to meet the criteria. Examples can be drawn from all aspects of your work and life experience.
3. Click Apply Now to start your online application and upload your supporting statement and CV (without personal details). Applications without both documents will not be progressed.

Supporting Statement

Outline the Protection-specific roles you have held, highlighting compliance with relevant legislation. Provide an example of leadership in a Protection discipline and its impact on fire safety. Explain how this relates to the NFCC Code of Ethics and WEASPIRE values.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you need an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact 03456 014412 or [e-mail].

Assessment Process

• External candidates and those who have not previously attained an SFRS SM Assessment Centre pass will be required to complete a VCA Assessment.
  • This 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.

Key Dates

• Closing date: 5th January 2026
• Interview dates: 26th - 27th January 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• 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

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .