Area Manager (Redeployment 21372)

• Suffolk County Council Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• Location: Endeavour House Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2BX Hybrid working
• Salary: 72329 - 93693 per annum*
• Hours: 37 or 42 hours per week* Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent and Fixed Term/Secondment available

*Salary and working hours vary depending on whether you are appointed on operational fire officer terms or local government terms. Full details are provided in the Job and Person Profile (found in the How to apply section below).

Please note: These senior leadership roles are open to strategic leaders from both fire and rescue services and other sectors.

Be part of reimagining the future of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

This is a pivotal moment to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as we look ahead to a more integrated innovative and community-focused future.

Were recruiting for two Area Managers to join our senior leadership team:

1. Area Manager (Permanent) - portfolio to be allocated from one of our core areas: Organisational Risk and Improvement Protection and Prevention People and Resources or Response
2. Area Manager - Strategic Devolution and Transformation Lead (Fixed-term or Secondment for two years)

As an Area Manager within SFRS you will play a key role in shaping the future of our Service. These senior leadership positions offer the opportunity to drive meaningful transformation champion our core values and make a lasting impact on community safety and wellbeing.

Were looking for ambitious innovative and forward-thinking leaders who can bring fresh ideas strategic insight and a collaborative approach to leadership. Youll be central to delivering our ambitious plans and strategic vision helping us to continuously improve drive high performance and develop new and innovative approaches to meet future challenges.

Both roles demand strategic insight strong communication skills and a deep commitment to service improvement. The permanent role will support the operational and organisational leadership of the Service while the fixed-term role will lead on strategic devolution and transformation working with partners across the county and beyond to shape the future of fire and rescue delivery in Suffolk.

For our permanent role we particularly welcome applications from candidates with Protection and Prevention knowledge and experience however this is not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to take the next step in your leadership career or to transfer to a service that is ambitious collaborative and committed to continuous improvement.

If youre passionate about finding new solutions to complex challenges and making a real difference in peoples lives wed love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities and leadership expectations

You will provide strategic leadership that drives transformation improves performance and delivers meaningful outcomes for Suffolks communities. The role demands clarity confidence and collaboration in addressing complex challenges and making a tangible positive impact on community safety and quality of life.

You will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of challenges and opportunities facing the Fire and Rescue Service.
• Apply a strategic understanding of governance.
• Drive transformational change through innovative and strategic approaches.
• Demonstrate resilience and effectiveness in fast-paced evolving environments with limited clarity.
• Act as a visible role model for organisational values and professional standards.
• Inspire and motivate others through inclusive open and engaging leadership.
• Lead initiatives that provide equality diversity and inclusion across the Service.
• Exhibit strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Communicate negotiate and influence effectively at all levels.
• Manage people and resources to achieve strategic priorities.
• Provide clear strategic and policy guidance to support sound decision making.
• Lead complex initiatives and major organisational change.
• Build trusted partnerships and cross-functional collaboration that deliver innovation and continuous improvement.

In addition operational fire officer candidates will:

• Perform operational Incident Command at Level 4 as part of the Duty Officer Rota.
• Assume Strategic Command in the absence of a Principal Officer.
• Be able to provide an operational response to Ipswich within one hour.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (found in the How to apply section below)

If you believe you have the potential to succeed in either of these roles we encourage you to apply. Even if you dont meet every requirement we welcome your application and appreciate the opportunity to consider it.

Eligibility requirements

We welcome applications from:

• Area Managers (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service
• Competent Group Managers with proven experience in role serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service
• Middle/Senior Managers with the relevant experience.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were 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 Henry Griffin (Deputy Chief Fire Officer) by emailing or our Recruitment team to arrange conversation by emailing .

Please visit our Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service webpage for further information including our Community Risk Management Plan Service Plan and HMICFRS Inspection.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the relevant Job and Person Profile (JPP):

1. Area Manager (Permanent) JPP (Word)
2. Area Manager - Strategic Devolution and Transformation Lead JPP (Word)

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

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement detailing how your experience over the past 3 years meets the criteria and demonstrates your suitability for the role (no more than 500 words in total). You should use theSupporting Statement template.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

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

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage please contact our HR Recruitment Team by emailing or calling . If you are invited to the next stage of selection you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 13 November 2025

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-Hybrid