Watch Manager (Policy & Risk) – Lead & Incident Command

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 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.