JOIN CAMBRIDGESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE AS A GROUP COMMANDER/MANAGER Lead with purpose. Inspire your people. Shape our future.
At CFRS, we are proud to be a Service where people genuinely thrive. We believe that good leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about making a real impact.
We are looking for an exceptional Group Commander/Manager to join our team and help deliver on our vision: a safe community where there are no preventable deaths or injuries in fires or other emergencies.
Why Choose CFRS? This is more than a role — it’s an opportunity to help lead a Service that invests in its people, values collaboration, and drives positive change. Joining us as a Group Commander, you’ll be joining a Service where our people say it best:
Work with like‑minded people
94% of our people care about the future of CFRS.
A service you'll be proud to be part of
88% of our people say they are proud to work for CFRS — because we value teamwork, fairness, and personal growth.
A career with meaning and future opportunities
81% of our people want to stay with us for the long term — because we offer genuine progression, development, and the chance to lead with purpose.
A culture that motivates and inspires
83% of our people feel motivated to give their best — because we’ve built an environment where every voice is heard, and every individual is respected.
These results don’t happen by chance. They’re the outcome of purposeful leadership, strong values, and a culture where people feel supported and inspired to do their best work.
What we’re looking for: We’re looking for someone who will:
Deliver high‑performing, community‑focused services
Translate strategic goals into measurable action
Champion inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement
Empower and support others to succeed and grow
You’ll need to:
Be a substantive and fully competent Group Commander or a Station Commander ready to step up, serving in a UK Fire and Rescue Service
Hold an Incident Command Level 3 qualification and assessment, or be a qualified Level 2 commander, with permanent appointment subject to successfully achieving Level 3 qualification and assessment.
Extensive experience as a station commander on the flexible duty system
Have no current capability or disciplinary processes in place
Provide a base within Cambridgeshire when on duty
Able to work and live in the UK free from any restrictions.
What we offer
Base Salary: £64,013.00 per annum
20% Pensionable Flexible Duty Supplement of £12,802.60
Additional weekend resilience and positive hours supplements
Performance‑related pay
Service vehicle
Relocation package (if applicable)
A supportive and collaborative leadership environment
Opportunities to shape the future of a progressive, inclusive fire service
The recruitment process Our recruitment process is open, transparent, and focused on identifying leadership potential. We strongly encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, as greater diversity within our Service helps us better reflect and serve the communities of Cambridgeshire.
Key dates
Applications open: 19 May 2026 at 2pm
Closing date: 5 June 2026, 1:00 pm
Shortlisting outcome: W/C 8 June 2026
Assessment day: W/C 22 June 2026
Final stage interviews: 29 June 2026
Ready to Lead with Us Candidates are required to submit an application to recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk by 5 June 2026, 1:00 pm. Successful candidates will be invited to each stage of the process and we ask all applicants to be mindful of the key dates and requirements.
Find out more If you’re interested in learning more but would like to have an informal and confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk to arrange a suitable time or contact Area Commander Vicky Best on Vicky.Best@cambsfire.gov.uk
Safer recruitment Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our policy to require all applicants to disclose if they are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress regarding their suitability to work for the Service.
Recruitment Pack
Application form
Candidate guidance
Report additional information
#J-18808-Ljbffr