Watch Manager (Policy)

WFS Patron; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an experienced Watch Manager (Policy) to lead the Risk and Resilience Team. You will influence policy, governance and continuous improvement across the Service, working with senior leaders, operational colleagues and external partners.

This role requires visible leadership, incident command when needed, and the ability to develop and implement policies that align with national standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fire and rescue legislation, frameworks and standards.
• Experience developing, reviewing or implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Confidence providing advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills and experience using digital systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership and management, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and conduct.
• Undertake Level 1 operational incident command, where required by the service.
• Lead and command operational incidents, making safe, timely and effective decisions to protect people, property and the environment.
• Support the effective day-to-day management of the department, ensuring activities are delivered in line with SCC policies, service priorities and business plans.
• Manage and support staff, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and effectively to meet operational and service requirements.
• Contribute to the review, development and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring they align with national fire and rescue frameworks, legislation and local risk priorities.
• Analyse and interpret government policy, legislation, guidance and performance data to inform service strategy, decision-making and recommendations to accountable officers.

Skills

Fire & rescue knowledge

Policy development

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder guidance

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

IT skills

Job description

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX. Hybrid work and flexibility to work from other SCC buildings or Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Stations

Salary: Watch Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales

Hours: Wholetime, 42 hours a week

Contract: Permanent

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join our Risk and Resilience Team as Watch Manager (Policy). This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational policy, governance and continuous improvement across the Service. Working closely with senior leaders, operational departments and external partners, you will help ensure policies and procedures remain effective, compliant and aligned with national standards.

Who can apply

Applications are invited from internal candidates who are eligible for permanent promotion to Watch Manager in accordance with the Suffolk Fire and Rescue SPD (Service Progression Document).

Applications are also welcomed from competent Watch Managers currently serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service. External applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience at Watch Manager level and be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities required for the role.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Watch Manager, you will:

• Provide visible leadership and management, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and conduct.
• Undertake Level 1 operational incident command, where required by the service.
• Lead and command operational incidents, making safe, timely and effective decisions to protect people, property and the environment.
• Support the effective day-to-day management of the department, ensuring activities are delivered in line with SCC policies, service priorities and business plans.
• Manage and support staff, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and effectively to meet operational and service requirements.
• Contribute to the review, development and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring they align with national fire and rescue frameworks, legislation and local risk priorities.
• Analyse and interpret government policy, legislation, guidance and performance data to inform service strategy, decision-making and recommendations to accountable officers.

What you will need:

• Knowledge of fire and rescue legislation, frameworks and standards.
• Experience developing, reviewing or implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence providing advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills and experience using digital systems.

For more information

Please contact Dale Mason by emailing [e-mail].