Are you a forward-thinking fire and rescue professional ready to take on a new challenge? Do you thrive on finding innovative solutions, inspiring teams, and leading with a focus on continuous improvement?

Are you open to change and keen to drive efficiencies while offering exceptional service to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland?

If this sounds like you, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) wants to hear from you. We’re building our Area Manager talent pool and seeking confident, dynamic individuals who relish change - both in processes and in culture. We’re looking for someone who brings fresh, innovative ideas, values teamwork, and shows resilience in a fast-paced environment.

Our community is growing and aging, and we need transformative leaders who can help our service evolve to meet these changing needs.

At LFRS, we’re dedicated to creating Safer People and Safer Places. With 20 stations and 700 employees - 580 of whom are Firefighters - we handle over 8,000 incidents each year.

Join us and play a key role in shaping our future while delivering the highest level of service to our diverse and evolving community. Apply now and help us make a real difference.

Key Requirements

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified and experienced tactical-level Incident Commander
  • Holds a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management (e.g. CMI, ILM or equivalent), or can demonstrate equivalent practical experience at Group Manager level
  • Possesses Incident Command Level 3 (Advanced Incident Command) or has comparable hands-on experience
• Understands the Fire and Rescue Service inside and out, with proven success in managing teams, budgets, and operational resources
• Has a track record of driving innovation and delivering improvements within a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Excels at stakeholder engagement, able to articulate broader strategies and vision while still focusing on day-to-day needs
• Demonstrates strong self-awareness, with excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and a commitment to enhancing public service delivery
• Can provide operational cover from a base within Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland when on duty
  (A relocation package is available for eligible applicants)

Application process

The Area Manager process will consist of:

Stage 1 Application

• Applicants are required to complete the application form and clearly demonstrate how their knowledge, skills and experience meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.
• The application deadline is Midday 26 May 2026

Stage 2 – Service Assessment Day

Week Commencing 22 June 2026

• Report – a structured report on a topic provided in advance and submitted no later than 15 June 2026
• Presentation – 20 minutes, with 10 minutes for questions. This will consist of a presentation based on the report area provided in advance of the date
• Media Assessment – an assessment to evaluate how effectively someone can represent the organisation during media interviews. It tests a person’s ability to communicate clearly, calmly and credibly - especially under pressure - when speaking to journalists or broadcasters
• Interview

Stage 3 – VCA Assessment

2 July 09:30-10:30 – candidate webinar with VCA

Week Commencing 6 July 2026

• Behaviour-based assessment solution based on the NFCC Leadership Framework, LFRS Values and Code of Ethics.

Stage 4 – Role Specific Interview

• Interview – a structured conversation based around the position available.

If you would like to book an informal discussion regarding the role with ACFO Paul Weston, please email executive support: executivesupport@leics-fire.gov.uk to book a mutually convenient time.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, we want to create a work environment where everyone feels safe, can be themselves and can perform their roles to the best of their abilities. We have signed up with a number of nationally recognised organisations that promote equality, diversity and inclusion and we are working with them to help us achieve our objectives. These organisations include: 

• Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) 

• Department of Works and Pension’s Disability Confident scheme 

• Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA) 

Pension Considerations 

Annual Allowance- Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team. 

Lifetime Allowance - Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.