Watch Manager Operational Assurance

Position: Watch Manager Operational Assurance
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: 50034 per annum
Location: Headquarters
Hours: Day Duty System (42 hours per week worked on a 9-day fortnight basis)
Department: 1 x vacancy in Operational Assurance
Reports to: Station Manager Operational Assurance
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 29 September 2026

About Us:
At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service were more than an emergency servicewere a team of over 900 dedicated people working together to make Derbyshire safer every day. Whether its responding to emergencies preventing incidents before they happen or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes every role here makes a real difference.

Were proud to be one of the countrys top-performing fire and rescue services recently rated Good in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This recognition reflects the professionalism progress and dedication of our people. We continue to strive to be an outstanding Service and we know we have more to do.

About the Role:
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is a high achieving dynamic and forward-thinking organisation. We are looking for a positive talented and inspirational individual who will help shape and lead the organisation in the years to come ensuring that the level of service received by the people of Derbyshire continues to be of the highest standard.

This opportunity is open to anyone who is a current local authority substantive competent Wholetime or On-Call Crew Manager looking for promotion or existing Watch Managers looking to transfer.

This process is specific to the posts advertised. Successful candidates will therefore only be offered this role. Applications for flexible working will be considered we are striving to make this post as accessible as possible and encourage anyone considering applying to approach a member of the Operational Assurance and Response Policy department to discuss the role in more detail.

All applicants must demonstrate the following:
Evidence of aligning to the Code of Ethics and applying them in your role as a Supervisory Manager and across the Service.
Operational Competence
Operational Effectiveness
Personal Impact
Outstanding Leadership
Service Delivery
Organisational Effectiveness
Provide examples of your successful performance when working at Supervisory Manager level.
Evidence of personal development at Supervisory Manager level.
Provide examples of successfully managing people at Supervisory Manager level.
Competency in current role which includes completion of all development/training and currency in all core skills.

A permanent appointment will only be offered to candidates who meet the following criteria:
Be competent at Level 1 Incident Command.

DFRS require successful candidates to complete the Leadership Programme. Further information is outlined in the Service Procedure The Leadership Programme which can be found in the links at the end of the page.

There will be a requirement for some travel for which a pool car will be provided.

Please speak to a member of the Operational Assurance and Response Policy department and see the attached Job Description/Person Specification for more information about this exciting role.

In return we offer;
Flexible working hours.
Agile working (60% office based).
Family friendly policies.
Free secure on-site car parking
Health & wellbeing services including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
Employee discount scheme and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
Employee support networks.
Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
Eligibility to join the Firefighters Pension Scheme

Please note guidance on pension implications can be found below.

How to Apply:
If you are an existing On-Call Employee with DFRS and are successful in gaining a Wholetime role please note that the maximum number of hours On-Call cover you are able to provide is 60 hours per week. For further guidance please refer to the Secondary Employment Policy and the Retained Flexible Contracts - Local Collective Agreement.

We are committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The Operational Assurance role is based at Headquarters Ripley. As such Police security vetting procedures at the appropriate level will be requested for the successful applicant. Please note that due to the nature of security checks undertaken applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.

Due to the sensitive nature of the duties that the postholder will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be requested for the successful applicant.

Operational employees are responsible for their own fitness health and wellbeing. Fitness will need to be maintained for the role to be undertaken safely. Specifically the fitness requirements must be met as detailed in the DFRS Fitness Policy.

Promotion Process
Guidance and information on the selection process can be found within the DFRS Promotions Page. This includes a promotions toolkit and FAQs. Further guidance can be found here.

As part of the selection process line managers are required to sign a line manger endorsement form. This is to ensure line managers are aware of the candidates intentions and support their application.

Line Manager Endorsement form

Portfolio
All candidates must complete a Portfolio as part of the application process. Please see below Portfolio template for further information. This must be submitted to by midnight on 29 September 2026.

To apply please visit:

The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 29 September 2026.

Interviews will be scheduled onwards from Monday 12 October 2026.

If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form please contact the Service Centre on .

For any more information please contact GM Dempsey.

Candidate Information
DFRS 2025 Promotion Process Toolkit
Eligibility and the Selection Process for Progression
The Leadership Programme (LP) Toolkit - Linked
Pension Implications of Temporary Promotion - Briefing Note for Candidates
Pensions and Tax The Annual Allowance Briefing Note for Candidates
Fitness Service Procedure
Fitness Policy
Secondary Employment Policy
Retained Flexible Contracts - Local Collective Agreement.
NFCC Leadership Framework - Linked