Watch Manager (Policy)

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• Address: Various locations
• 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 Service Progression Document (SPD).

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.

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 (JPP), 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 [email hidden]

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Complete the Supporting Statement template by answering the questions below (no more than 250 words per question). In your statement, please state how you are eligible to apply for this position.

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Please describe an example of when you helped develop, review or improve a policy, procedure, process, guidance document or way of working. How did you identify the need, involve others and ensure the change supported organisational or operational requirements?

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Tell us about a time when you had to understand and interpret complex information, such as legislation, guidance, regulations, organisational requirements, data or professional advice. How did you assess its implications, explain them to others and ensure the appropriate action was taken?

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Describe a situation where you worked with people who had different priorities, views or interests. How did you build relationships, influence others and work towards a positive outcome?

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Give an example of when you identified a significant risk, compliance issue or performance concern within your area of responsibility. What action did you take, how did you manage and monitor the response, and what was the outcome?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AIto understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email hidden] or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

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: 11:30pm, 11 October 2026.

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

Interviews: Week commencing 2 November.

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