Group Manager

Ipswich - UK

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Suffolk County Council Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
Address: Bury St Edmunds Fire Station Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3BA
Salary: Group Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales: 57743 (dev) - 64013 (comp) per annum 20% flexible duty allowance
Hours: 42 hours per week flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent

This isan exciting opportunity to eithertake the next stepin your management career or transfer over to Suffolk.

At Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) we believe that when our people grow our communities thrive. Thats why were looking for a passionate Group Manager (GM) to join our team. Here youll find more than just a job - youll discover opportunities to develop your skills make a meaningful impact and reimagine whats possible. Are you ready to grow with us and shape the future of Suffolk

About the role

As a Group Manager you will assist the Area Manager in developing and delivering a strategic approach for the Fire and Rescue Service aligning with the National Framework the Fire and Rescue Services Act and local priorities. Your efforts will ensure that resources culture systems and procedures within your area are resilient and consistently focused on providing high-quality services to the people of Suffolk.

Key responsibilities and expectations:

Perform operational incident command at Level 3.
Proven track record of managing complex large-scale emergency incidents.
Participate in the Tactical Coordinating Group (TCG) and engage in collaborative efforts with multiple agencies.
Focus on your professional development and work towards obtaining necessary qualifications.
Lead and manage a department to support the strategic delivery of our service plan.

The role is based in Suffolk with a mixture of working from your base location other sites across the county and opportunities to work from home. You must live in Suffolk or have a base that allows for quick operational response across the county. Youll be required to attend TCG meetings in Ipswich and evening commitments across the Service will be expected.

You can view a full list of requirements inthe Job and Person Profile (Word).If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Eligibility requirements

We welcome applications from:

Group Managers (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
Competent Station Managers with a minimum of 2 years experience in role serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.

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 ourWorkforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Area Manager Aeneas Postlethwaite for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing

Please visit ourSuffolk Fire and Rescue Service webpagefor further information.

Assessment Process

External candidates who have not previously attained an SFRS GM Assessment Centre pass will be required to complete a VCA Assessment. This includes an initial e-learning component (to be complete before 17 February 2026) followed by an in-person assessment at Wattisham Training Centre on 18 February 2026. This will consist of an operational assessment as well as a values and behaviours assessment.

Internal candidates who meet Step2 of the Service Progression Document are eligible to apply. To check if you require an external assessment at this stage please refer to the information in the SPD and confirm if you require an external assessment in your application.

How to apply

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

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.

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 or .

You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If youre invited to the next stage youll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date:11.30pm 11 February 2026.

Assessment centre dates: 18- 19 February 2026 full details of the assessment centre will be shared with candidates who are shortlisted.

Interview dates: 2- 3 March 2026.

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.

Required Experience:

Manager

DescriptionSuffolk County Council Suffolk Fire and Rescue ServiceAddress: Bury St Edmunds Fire Station Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3BASalary: Group Manager salary in accordance with NJC pay scales: 57743 (dev) - 64013 (comp) per annum 20% flexible duty allowanceHours: 42 hours per week flexible wo...