Salary Range: £45,091 - £47,181 per annum
Work Location: HIWFRS HQ, Eastleigh
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6 March 2026
Interview Date: 23 March 2026
Join our Team!
We are creating a pivotal new role at the heart of our organisation. As Chief of Staff, you will work directly with our Chief Fire Officer and Executive Group to enable effective strategic decision making, strengthen leadership impact, and support the successful delivery of our Safety Plan 2025 - 2030.
This is an opportunity for an exceptional professional who thrives in a dynamic, high profile environment - someone who brings clarity, influence, and drive to complex organisational and political landscapes.
As our Chief of Staff you will:
* Provide professional guidance, challenge and advice to the Chief Fire Officer, adding value across the organisation.
* Promote and strengthen the civic identity of the Fire & Rescue Service, enhancing our reputation and impact.
* Build and maintain strong cross functional and external relationships to support leadership success and effective service delivery.
* Lead and contribute to national projects on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer and senior managers.
* Represent the Service at senior forums, acting with professionalism, integrity, discretion and complete confidentiality.
* Champion high standards, innovation, inclusion, and our Core Values - ensuring they are lived and embedded across everything we do.
About you
You’re someone with outstanding judgement, political awareness, and the confidence to work with sensitive issues at an executive level.
You’ll be able to influence, collaborate and deliver with precision, always demonstrating professionalism and credibility.
What we're looking for:
* Educated with a degree qualification or equivalent.
* Substantial line management experience within a business environment.
* Strong political awareness and understanding.
* Confidence to use own initiative and complete and prioritise work independently.
* Experience of working at a corporate level, ideally in the public sector.
* Excellent communication and leadership skills.
* Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact across an organisation that makes life safer for our communities, we want to hear from you.
Benefits of working for us:
* Generous holiday entitlement.
* Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working.
* Salary sacrifice car and bike schemes.
* Discounts for emergency services workers at many retailers including Blue Light Card.
* Reaching Further - Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others.
* Showing Respect - Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.
* Supporting Others - Listening and acting with compassion and empathy.
* Everyone Playing Their Part - Recognising the contribution we all make.
Vetting Requirements
This role is subject to a Standard DBS Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Corporate Equalities Employment Policy: In order to combat indirect discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied to any posts which may unintentionally exclude certain groups of potential applicants from applying or have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, creed, sexuality, trade union activity or responsibility for dependants unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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