Temporary Group Manager B – Operational Flexi Duty

Networking Women in the Fire Service; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A public safety organization is seeking a Temporary Group Manager to oversee operations across Derbyshire. The ideal candidate will have outstanding leadership skills and operational management experience. They should be aligned with the organization's core values and have formal management qualifications. The role offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits. Candidates must provide evidence of relevant skills and undergo required security vettings. Applications close on January 4, 2026.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Health & wellbeing services

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Evidence of alignment to the Core Values and Code of Ethics.
• Experience in managing operational incidents at level 2/3.
• Core skills current ‘in-ticket’ date.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational incidents as per Level 2 guidance.
• Utilise and develop leadership and management expertise.
• Ensure service delivery to communities of Derbyshire.

Skills

Operational effectiveness

Outstanding leadership

Effective performance management

Commitment to inclusion

Education

Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5

Institute of Fire Engineers Level 4 Certificate

Job description

Temporary Group Manager B – Operational Flexi Duty

£64,013 per annum plus 20% Flexi‑Duty System allowance

Various locations across the Service

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is a high achieving, dynamic and progressive organisation. As part of this recruitment process the Service is looking for forward thinking and talented leaders. Applicants should understand key drivers for the Sector and possess the vision and passion to help shape and lead the organisation through the opportunities and challenges ahead. DFRS is seeking the right individuals to ensure that the level of service offered to the communities of Derbyshire continues to be of the highest standard and represents best value.

The Service currently has one temporary Group Manager vacancy which will be reviewed after an initial period of 12 months.

This opportunity is open to substantive Station Managers and existing Group Managers.

An appointment of an external candidate to the role will be on the basis of accepting a permanent Station Manager role.

All candidates must be able to evidence the following:

• Alignment to the Core Values and Code of Ethics and applying them in your role as a Middle Manager and across the Service
• Operational effectiveness
• Personal impact
• Outstanding leadership
• Service Delivery
• Organisational effectiveness
• Effective performance management
• Successful performance when working at Station / Group Manager managerial level.
• Commitment to inclusion across their organisation
• Experience of managing operational incidents at level 2/3
• All core skills current ‘in-ticket’ date
• Formal management qualification i.e., Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 or equivalent (Those without a formal management qualification will be expected to embark upon future relevant management courses provided by DFRS)
• Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 4 Certificate, two mandatory examination papers required.

§ Level 4 Certificate in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command (L4C3)

§ Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (L4C2)

Appointable candidates will remain on a hold list to fill any future temporary Group Manager vacancies subject to the needs of the Service. A place on the hold list normally covers a period of 12 months or until the next Group Manager process.

As a member of the Service Management Team, successful candidates will be given the opportunity to utilise and develop their leadership and management expertise.

As these roles have operational responsibilities, candidates must be Sector competent in Incident Command at Level 2 and will be required to demonstrate their ability to manage operational incidents by successfully completing a Level 3 Incident Command Assessment following appointment.

Appointments will be subject to individuals being able to provide operational cover and therefore live or be located (whilst on duty) within the County boundary of Derbyshire. Group Managers currently operate on a Flexi‑Duty rota. (Details can be found in the links below)

In return we offer:

• Flexible working hours
• Family friendly policies
• Free, secure on-site car parking
• Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations
• Employee discount scheme (Boost)
• Employee support networks
• Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Eligibility to join the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme

Guidance on the pension implications of undertaking a promotion can be found in the attached guidance documents:

‘Pensions Implication of Temporary Promotion – Briefing Note for Candidates’ ‘Pensions and Tax – The Annual Allowance – Briefing Note for Candidates’.

We are committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

Due to the sensitive nature of the duties that the postholder will be expected to undertake, an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be requested for the successful applicant.

Police security vetting procedures at Non Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) level 3 plus Security Clearance check (SC) will be requested for the successful applicant. Please note that, due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.

Operational employees are responsible for their own fitness, health and wellbeing. Fitness will need to be maintained for the role to be undertaken safely. Specifically, the fitness requirements must be met as detailed in the DFRS Fitness Policy.

As part of the selection process line managers are required to sign a line manger endorsement form. This is to ensure line managers are aware of the candidates’ intentions and support their application.

Line Manager Endorsement form

Portfolio

All candidates must complete a Portfolio as part of the application process. Please see below Portfolio template for further information. This must be submitted to [e-mail] by midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026.

Interviews and job related tests will take place week commencing 19th January 2026.

If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form, please contact the Service Centre on 01773 305441.