Watch Manager (Control) (Redeployment 22168)

• Suffolk County Council Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• Address: Beacon House Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5PB - Onsite
• Salary: Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: Bank availability including weekend and bank holidays. Minimum of 2 shifts a month (24 hours one 10-hour shift per month (08:00-18:00) & one 14-hour shift per month (18:00-08:00) Additional hours may be offered to provide cover for absences or operational needs.
• Contract: Permanent

We are looking for experienced fire control room professionals to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as Watch Managers (Control). This opportunity is open to both green and grey book applicants with previous fire control experience.

About the role

Based in our control room in Ipswich you will play a vital role at the heart of Suffolks emergency response.

Our control room operates 24/7 year-round acting as a crucial link between the public and our operational firefighters. The role requires a minimum commitment of two shifts per month (a total of 24 hours): one 10-hour day shift (08:0018:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:0008:00). Additional hours may be offered to support absences or operational needs.

As a Crew Manager (Control) you will play a critical role in saving lives and protecting communities across Suffolk every day. You will:

• manage the performance of all watch personnel through guidance mentoring progress evaluation and development support
• ensure adherence to established policies procedures and service standards
• promote and maintain a safe healthy and supportive working environment for self and others
• provide statistical analysis and reporting in line with established
• maintain staffing levels for all watches
• oversee equipment testing recording for operational readiness
• audit and evaluate ting watch and control functions to ensure consistent adherence to standards
• contribute to the management of Fire Control in the absence of the Station Manager

What were looking for:

• Prior experience in a fire control environment.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate others.
• Confidence resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong decision-making skills in challenging situations.
• The ability to work collaboratively to manage multi-agency relationships.
• Excellent digital competence and confidence using IT systems.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word).If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you dont meet all the requirements please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

What we offer:

• The chance to help shape the future of our new Fire Control Centre
• A fantastic working environment and the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Suffolk residents
• A rewarding career in a vital public service
• Travel lifestyle health and wellbeing benefits
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Inclusive and active staff networks.

This advert is for Watch Manager (Control) Bank Opportunities only if you are interested in the other bank opportunities we have in Fire Control please visit our website: Current Vacancies - SFRS.

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 visit ourSuffolk Firefighters website (). If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation please reach out to us at

How to apply

Step 1 -Read theJob and Person Profile (Word).

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

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile section of the JPP.

• You should use the Supporting Statement template.

• Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.

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 8 February 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. #LI-Onsite