Watch Manager Policy

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days annual leave pro rata

LGPS (pension scheme)

Blue Light Card

Firefighters' Charity support

Flexible working options

Training schemes with national bodies

Job summary

Suffolk County Council’s Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service seeks an experienced leader for the Watch Manager (Policy) role in the Risk and Resilience Team. You will influence organisational policy, governance and continuous improvement, working with senior leaders and external partners to keep procedures compliant with national standards.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, with responsibility for policy development, incident command when needed, and staff leadership

Qualifications

• Experience in 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.
• 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 professionalism and conduct.
• Undertake Level 1 operational incident command when required.
• Lead and command operational incidents, making safe, timely and effective decisions.
• Support day-to-day management of the department in line with policies and plans.
• Manage and support staff to deploy resources efficiently and effectively.
• Contribute to reviewing, developing and implementing policies aligned with national frameworks.

Skills

Leadership

Incident command

Policy development

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder relations

IT skills

Tools

IT systems

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.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the How to apply' section towards the bottom of this advert.

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 .

For more information

Please contact Dale Mason by emailing [e-mail]

External Candidate Assessment Process

External candidates will be required to undertake an in-person operational assessment at Wattisham Training Centre to demonstrate competence and suitability for the role.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 11 October 2026.

Operational Assessments: For external candidates week commencing 26 October 2026.

Interviews: Week commencing 2 November 2026.

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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 40 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata)
• membership of a competitive Firefighters' Pension scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• eligibility for a Blue Light card
• a lifetime of support from the Fire Firefighters Charity for you and your loved ones
• family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and pay
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• access to national training schemes facilitated by the Fire Service College, Women in the Fire Service and the Asian Fire Service Association
• 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
• free access to virtual platforms offering guided online fitness support

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) .