Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)

Based in Greater Manchester

This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on Linked In. After this time please apply directly to  until the closing date of Noon on Monday 23rd March 2026.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the UK, serving a dynamic, diverse region of around 3 million people, and playing a vital role in keeping our communities safe. With 41 stations across ten districts, a dedicated workforce, and a strong reputation for innovation and inclusion, GMFRS sits at the heart of a progressive and ambitious Combined Authority.

Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, GMFRS is delivering major modernisation, investing in its people, technology, estate, fleet, and culture as it continues shaping a forward-looking, high-performing, and inclusive service. Its Fire Plan sets out bold commitments around prevention, protection, emergency response, and organisational transformation, and we are proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to equality and inclusion.

We are now seeking exceptional Assistant Chief Fire Officers (ACFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal strategic role in shaping the next phase of our journey. These are rare and exciting opportunities to influence the future direction of one of the UK’s most ambitious and progressive fire and rescue services.

As ACFO, you will provide strategic leadership across a major functional area, driving excellence in performance, culture, and service delivery. You will champion the GMFRS values, inspire trust across our workforce, and contribute directly to delivering the GMFRS Fire Plan and the wider Greater Manchester Strategy.

You will play a vital role in strengthening, the services delivered to the communities of Greater Manchester, collaborating with local and national partners, responding to HMICFRS priorities, and driving innovation and improvement. In the absence of the Chief or Deputy Chief Fire Officer, you will assume full strategic command of the Service.

These roles demand leaders with vision, authenticity, empathy, and resilience; someone who can both inspire and challenge, creating the conditions where people thrive, and deliver outstanding outcomes for the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from accomplished senior leaders, current Principal Officers or highly capable Area Managers, who are committed to inclusive, values-based leadership and who bring:

• A strong operational background with credibility at strategic command level
• Experience leading complex organisational change with clarity and compassion
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, confidence, and shared purpose
• The ability to strengthen partnerships across blue‑light services, local authorities, community organisations, and national forums
• A personal commitment to workforce health and wellbeing, talent development, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included
• A deep commitment to public service, ethical decision making, fairness, and delivering for our communities
• We particularly welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives and strengths that enhance our leadership team and reflect the communities of Greater Manchester.

This is an inspiring moment to shape the future of GMFRS. You will join an organisation investing in its people and its future through:

Major fleet, estate, and digital innovation programmes

A strong culture of collaboration across the GMCA

Recognition as a national leader for inclusion, including Stonewall Top 100 status

We offer a generous remuneration package, including a relocation allowance of up to £10,000, car allowance, extensive development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing offer.

To find out more about this exciting strategic leadership opportunity, the required experience, and how to apply, please visit our recruitment partner’s website by clicking Apply.

For an informal, confidential conversation, please contact Duncan Collins at Gatenby Sanderson on

Closing date for applications:
Noon on Monday 23rd March 2026

Candidates need to be available for both days for Assessments and Final panel interviews:
Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April

An ACFO Open Day is also being offered, with a tour of the GMFRS sites and insights from the leadership team on Wednesday 18th March. If you wish to attend, please email duncan