Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: On-Call (Agreed Contractual Hours)
Salary: On-Call Substantive Watch Manager
Location: Ingatestone Fire Station
Closing Date: 12pm, 9th November 2025
*Salary dependant on hours worked, please see On-call Annual Retainer
The role
We are looking for Crew Managers with skills and evidence in leading others who are looking to progress their careers, or existing Watch Managers looking to develop others on a busy and vital station, who share our values and ethics, and are looking to progress at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
About us
To help us deliver our mission and to help us on our journey, we are looking for highly motivated individuals with an enthusiasm and aptitude for leading others as a Watch Manager.
About you
The right person for the role will be a role model to others on their station, demonstrating professionalism, an inclusive approach to leading others, and maintaining high standards. You will be committed to the development of yourself and others, and will be prepared to support your colleagues, alongside the operational responsibilities of a Watch Manager.
If you are excited by the opportunities to lead a Watch and support the development of firefighters and think you could make a positive difference to our people and communities, we would love you to apply.
Eligibility
* Hold a substantive role as a Crew Manager for a minimum of twelve months, (or equivalent) within a UK Fire and Rescue Service
* have successfully completed all relevant operation assessments and compulsory courses, and are competent in your current role
* hold Incident Command Level 1
* the applicant must live or work within a 5-minute drive radius of the station (CM4 9EY)
* not be subject to any current live disciplinary or performance warnings, nor be subject to any informal management for reasons of conduct or performance
* have a valid and current FiTech of 42 VO2 max
How to apply
You are required to submit a supporting statement of no more than 750 words evidencing how you meet the essential criteria for the role as detailed in the Person Specification. It is important you provide as much evidence as possible, as this statement will be used to shortlist your application. Please ensure you have uploaded the supporting statement before clicking Apply.
You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications, or a CV) should you wish, though your additional document will only be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).
Closing date for applications is 9th November (midnight) 2025.
Assessment and selection
The assessment activity will take place in line with the Service’s Recruitment Policy and promotion approach and will involve the following activities:
* Initial Application: Submit a 750-word application outlining how you meet the essential criteria for the role as detailed in the Person Specification
* Now Open
* Closes: 9 November 2025 (midnight)
* Shortlisting: w/c 10th November 2025
* Outcomes communicated by: 14th November 2025
Interview
Dates: 20th and 21st November 2025
Format: interview aligned with Service values, behaviours, ethics and the NFCC Leadership Framework
Outcomes communicated in: w/c 24th November 2025
Written Assessment
Date: 2nd December 2025
Location: OCAT
Includes:
Five risk-critical scenario questions
Two people management in-tray exercises
Outcomes communicated by: 5th December 2025
Use OINs and LearnPro modules to prepare.
If you haven’t completed the CM–WM assessment in the last two years, a practical assessment will also take place in the afternoon.
If you have any questions about the process, please contact recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.
Additional Information
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 aDisability Confidentandequal 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. Applications are considered solely on merit.
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 contactrecruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.
For guidance around equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can also reach out toEquality.Diversity@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
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