Group Commander

HEREFORD & WORCESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (HWFRS)

Salary: Group Commander B in line with NJC Grey Book pay scales plus 20% flexi duty allowance.
Location
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The role will be based across the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area with HQ based at Hindlip Hall, Worcester, WR3 8SP
.
Contract
:
Full time, permanent plus pension and benefits including provided car with option for personal use, subject to taxation and mileage charges.
Closing date: 12:00 Noon Friday 20th November 2026.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is pleased to invite applications for the role of Group Commander (aligned to the 'grey' book terms and conditions).

HWFRS is a forward thinking and dynamic organisation looking for talented, positive and inspirational individuals to join our leadership team across locations stretching east to west from the Cotswolds to the mid-Wales border, and from the outskirts of Birmingham in the north, to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the south - with the Malvern Hills AONB right at the heart of the two counties.

Our stations are crewed by a mix of Wholetime and On-Call Firefighters, supported by Fire Control and essential Support Staff. We attend over 8,000 incidents each year - including property and countryside fires, Road Traffic Collisions, flooding and water rescues, animal rescues and a range of other incidents, alongside our USAR and High-Volume Pumping National Resilience capabilities aligned to our Response Strategy.

We also deliver essential key Protection and Prevention services across both counties every day.

We are seeking to appoint a Group Commander with the drive, enthusiasm and leadership capability required of a leader in a modern fire service. The successful candidate will help us to deliver our core strategies and lead our workforce.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate they have the skills and abilities to help deliver our strategic objectives, uphold and champion our core values, and lead others in a variety of environments.

The Group Commander is a pivotal senior middle management role within HWFRS leading operational and non-operational departments and forms part of the Service's senior leadership structure.

The role encompasses three key areas: operating as a senior operational commander, leading organisational change, and promoting a positive working environment. As a key departmental leader, the postholder will work closely with Principal Officers, Strategic Leadership Board colleagues, peers, and partners to translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, ensuring departmental and organisational priorities, service improvements, and efficiencies are achieved.

Group Commanders provide visible leadership across the Service, championing its values and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. They are accountable for delivering outcomes that strengthen organisational effectiveness, efficiency, resilience, and long-term success.

Responsibilities will vary according to the assigned portfolio but will remain aligned with the National Group Manager Role Map.

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria at the point of application:

• Be a competent UK Local Authority Station Commander or role above
• Be able to demonstrate previous or current competence at Levels 1 & 2 command
• Pass a Level 3 Command Assessment if not already held
• Be eligible to live and work in the UK without restrictions
• Have had an appraisal in the last 12 months, unless not applicable to your organisation
• Not have any live formal disciplinary sanctions or history of serious misconduct
• Should not have been dismissed by another Fire and Rescue Service on the grounds of serious misconduct or capability.
• Must be able to pass all relevant and required vetting processes
• Not be in a formal capability process
• Be medically fit to undertake the role, and pass the medical and annual fitness test

You will also be required to hold a valid driving licence and be eligible to drive in the UK and must be able to pass an emergency response driving qualification. You must be able to provide a response base for the performance of standby / call-out duties. This base must be within the geographical area of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and acceptable in terms of location within the counties.

Applicants will complete an online application form, including a statement evidencing your suitability, skills and…