Watch Manager

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service 
• Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB
• Salary: Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC pay scales
• Hours: Full Time, 42 hours per week (including nights, weekends and bank holidays in a shift pattern of 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off)
• Contract: Permanent

Current Vacancies: 

• 1 x Full Time – Watch Manager (Control)

• All other successful candidates will be placed in our 12-month appointability pool and may be offered a position as further vacancies become available.

Join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in our new Control Room 

We are seeking experienced control room professionals to join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as Watch Managers (Control). 

We welcome applications from across the UK’s blue light emergency services - including Fire, Ambulance, Police or equivalent 999 control environments. To be considered, you will need current or recent management or supervisory experience in an UK emergency service control room. 

About the role 

Based in our new, state-of-the-art control room in Ipswich, you will play a vital role at the heart of Suffolk’s emergency response.  

Our Fire Control operates 24/7, 365 days a year, serving as a critical link between the public and our operational firefighters. You will work a Control Duty system of 2 days (8am – 6pm), 2 nights (6pm – 8am), followed by 4 rest days, averaging 42 hours per week. 

As a Watch 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 evaluating 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 we’re looking for:

• Management or supervisory experience in a blue light emergency control room within the past 3-5 years.
• 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 don’t 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. 
• Full specific fire-training. 
• 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.

Looking to take your career even further? We are also recruiting for a Crew Manager (Control) to join our new Control Room team. Visit the Suffolk Firefighters website to find out more and apply. 

Empowering everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re 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 therefore 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

For full details about this role and other opportunities in Suffolk’s Control Room, please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website.

If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation about the role, email us at [email protected].

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 CV (without name and personal details).

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected]or calling 03456 014412.If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm,12 October 2025.

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. #FCR