Contract: Grey Book terms and conditions
Salary: Group Manager B
+20% flexi duty rota payment, subject to level of incident
command verification, and level of cover required
Location: Service Headquarters, Kelvedon Park
Reporting to: Assistant Director
Closing Date: 4th November 2026
About the opportunity
We are looking for motivated, inclusive, and credible leaders to join our team at Group Manager level. Whether you're looking for your next challenge or returning to a leadership role, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of fire and rescue in Essex.
There is an opportunity to join us as the Group Manager responsible for Organisational Assurance and Learning. Your core responsibilities will focus on Implementing our Assurance and Learning Strategy across the Service, providing confidence through assurance that risks are being managed, objectives are being achieved, resources are being used effectively, and statutory obligations are being met.
We reserve the right to utilise this process to appoint to any vacancies that arise in the next twelve months
Eligibility Criteria
About you
You are someone who inspires confidence and brings people together with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Naturally inclusive and highly visible, you create space for collaboration and empower others to thrive.
You make courageous, values-driven decisions, and consistently deliver meaningful outcomes through effective resource management and a commitment to developing those around you.
You build strong, trusting relationships across teams, departments, and partner agencies, always keeping the needs of our communities at the heart of what you do.
Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation, you advocate for organisational transformation in ways that feel authentic and achievable. You challenge assumptions, dismantle barriers, and communicate with empathy and evidence, myth-busting where needed and inspiring belief in the journey ahead.
You understand that lasting change happens when people feel heard, involved, and valued, and you can win hearts and minds to create real impact.
If you're excited by the opportunity to lead with purpose, contribute to a forward-thinking fire and rescue service, and help shape the future of public safety in Essex, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply
Internal Candidates only
It is expected that you will have had a conversation with your line manager about your aspirations and career and development and your intention to apply for this opportunity prior to submitting your application. As part of the process, we will be confirming you have discussed your application with your line manager.
Internal candidates in either the LRS development or resource pool
If you meet the essential criteria listed above, you should express an interest for the role by uploading a statement confirming your LRS status before clicking Apply in the Recruitment Portal.
Internal candidates who are not in either the development or resource pool
Please submit a supporting statement of up to 1000 words via the Recruitment Portal, explaining how you meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification
This statement will be used for shortlisting, so include clear evidence of your suitability. Make sure your statement is uploaded before clicking "Apply."
External candidates
You will be required to submit your CV and supporting statement (no longer than 1000 words). explaining how you meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification This statement will be used for shortlisting, so include clear evidence of your suitability. Make sure your statement is uploaded before clicking "Apply."
Assessment and selection
Stage One
Stage Two
Two assessment days available 12th and 13th November 2026
Stage Three
Interviews will take place week commencing 16th November 2026
Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the process, please contact Kay Shelley (kay.shelley@essex-fire.gov.uk) if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Tracy King (tracy.king@essex-fire.gov.uk)
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants are required to disclose any current investigations or pending decisions by regulatory bodies that may affect their suitability to work for the Service. You must inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated in relation to concerns involving children, young people, or vulnerable adults. This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We are a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. A commitment to promoting diversity and developing a work environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
For guidance around equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can also reach out to Equality.Diversity@essex-fire.gov.uk.
Assessments will be made against positive indicators taken from the Code of Ethics and the NFCC Leadership Framework. You can view the NFCC Leadership Framework, the Core Code of Ethics Guidance for further insight into the standards expected across the fire and rescue service and the ECFRS Safeguarding Statements below:
NFCC_Leadership_Framework_Final.pdf (nationalfirechiefs.org.uk)
Core Code of Ethics England Guidance May 21 V0.pdf (ukfrs.com)
Essex Fire - Safeguarding Statements
If you require any adjustments or support at any stage of the process, please contact recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.
We are proud to promote the wellbeing of our employees. Learn more about our culture and benefits. https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits
You can find out more about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service via www.essex-fire.gov.uk
Essex is a county full of contrasts - from busy towns and coastal communities to rural villages and growing cities. The people who live, work, and travel here have a wide range of needs, and we're here to help keep them safe.
Our headquarters and control centre are based at Kelvedon Park in Kelvedon, where we coordinate our prevention, protection and emergency response services. We operate from 50 fire stations across the county, supported by a dedicated Urban Search and Rescue facility.
We’re proud to serve 1.88 million residents, making us one of the largest fire and rescue services in the country. Essex is home to major airports at Stansted and Southend, the seaport at Harwich, Tilbury docks, Lakeside shopping centre, key sections of the M25 and M11 motorways and seven underground stations.
Wherever you are in Essex, we’re here when you need us most - making Essex safer together.
