Group Commander (Repsonse)

Role overview

Location and working arrangements

• Based at Service Headquarters, Woodhatch Place, Reigate, with flexible working arrangements.
• Expected to spend most working time in the responsible geographical area of Surrey and attend headquarters and operational locations as required.

Salary and additional payments

• Salary is £71,924.40 per annum at Group Commander Development, rising to £79,734.00 once competent in role; figures include the 20% flexi-duty officer allowance where applicable.
• Surrey Allowance: £1,754 per annum. Continuous Professional Development payment: £949 per annum.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Response function and station-based teams; oversee readiness, appliances, crewing, competence and resource deployment.
• Undertake Level 3 incident command at complex or significant incidents if required as a Flexi Duty System Officer.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, Fire Standards, National Operational Guidance, policy and procedures.
• Use performance information, assurance, debriefs and learning to improve performance and share good practice.
• Lead or contribute to improvement projects, manage establishments and physical resources, and build stakeholder relationships.
• Champion wellbeing, inclusion and ethical decision-making.

Candidate requirements

• Candidates should be a substantive Station Commander in the SFRS Group Commander Boarding Pool or an existing SFRS Group Commander.
• Must demonstrate high-performing operational team leadership and experience across fire and rescue service roles.
• Must understand operational assurance, workforce planning, SFRS procedures, National Operational Guidance, Fire Standards, health and safety and sector challenges.
• A current accredited Level 3 Incident Command qualification and continuing professional development are sought if required.
• Requires leadership, communication, stakeholder management, judgement, project and change management, evidence-led improvement and confident use of IT systems.
• Requires a full UK driving licence, UK work and residence eligibility without restriction, and ability to meet DBS and British Security Clearance vetting requirements.