Deputy Chief Fire Officer

 

 

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Salary: £116,742 pa + benefits package

Reference: A000738

Status:

About the Role

We are excited to announce an opportunity for an inspiring inclusive leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO). 

We are seeking applications from high-performing and high-potential competent Senior Managers who are able to demonstrate experience of operating effectively at a strategic level, have a successful track record of achievement and the ability to provide strategic leadership. Ideal candidates will be able to evidence a range of skills and experiences that are key to the core responsibilities in strategic leadership of functions and operational command.

The successful candidate will be an effective leader with extensive experience across a range of strategic disciplines. This role requires sound knowledge and experience of fire and rescue service delivery, operational command at all levels, integrated risk management planning, business, financial and succession planning, performance and people management and partnership working. This will require highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate others, adopting a clear project management approach, and building positive relationships both within and outside of the organisation, including at a national level.  A key part of the role is engagement with elected councillors, working together to shape the direction of the Service.  This requires political awareness and a detailed understanding of community issues.

Our staff are our greatest asset, together with the Executive Leadership Team and the Senior Management Team you will play a key role in advancing our service, enhancing our organisational culture, and embedding positive change. Listening to, and valuing, our staff is at the core of our leadership approach. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud of its strong community links and high on-call availability, showcasing our staff’s daily commitment. Our full-time firefighters are always ready to respond to a wide range of incidents and engage with the community at every opportunity.

The essential criteria is detailed in the role profile below and candidates should possess or be working towards:

  • L7 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship (Senior Leaders Apprenticeship Masters) or equivalent:
    • ILM/CMI L7 in Leadership and Management
    • Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) (Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Leadership)
    • MBA/L7 equivalent
  • Strategic Incident Command Level 7 or equivalent.
  • Advanced Incident Command (L6) Tactical
  • Clear evidence of continuous professional development.

For more information, please view the candidate pack below.

Download role profile

Reasonable Adjustments and Accommodations

It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. Any requests for reasonable adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. The successful candidates will be issued with a conditional offer and will undergo pre-employment checks including medical and referencing prior to the issue of a formal offer of appointment. Feedback will be available to both successful and unsuccessful candidates upon request after the process has concluded.

To apply

To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than four sides of A4 each).

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.

The Selection Process

The selection process will be undertaken by The Chief Fire Officer and Fire Authority Members. The process will also involve members of the Senior Leadership Team, HR and Media Consultants.

The selection process comprises of three stages as follows:

Stage One

  • Technical Interview with an independent Chief Fire Officer and independent Consultant

Stage Two

  • Media Assessment with independent Media Consultants
  • Behavioural assessments and feedback

Stage Three

  • Presentation to Independent Partners on a topic given prior to the interview
  • Formal Panel Interview 

Indicative Timetable

Closing date for applications:
Sunday 4 May 2025

Longlisting:
Wednesday 7 May 2025

Technical interviews:
Thursday 15 May 2025

Shortlisting:
Tuesday 20 May 2025

Psychometric & Media Assessments:
between 23 & 30 May 2025

Level 4 Incident Command Assessments: 2 & 3 June 2025

Stakeholder Panel & Final Interviews:
5 & 6 June 2025

(dates subject to change)

Please let us know if there any any interview dates within the indicative timetable on which you are likely to be unavailable.

To arrange an informal conversation about this role, please contact:

Dawn Faulkner
Email: dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

Helen Sawbridge
Email: hsawbridge@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

 

Faerfield