Watch Manager; Control – Training & Policy Fire & Rescue Service

Watch Manager (Control) – Training & Policy – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service

Suffolk County Council
Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB
– Onsite
Salary: Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales
Hours: 42 hours per week – Day Duty
Contract: Permanent

Join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as a Watch Manager (Control) – Training & Policy and help shape the service we provide to our communities. In this key leadership role within our modern Ipswich control room, you’ll drive improvement, support high‑quality emergency response, and contribute to a resilient, professional Fire Control function.

• Undertake core control functions including emergency call handling, resource mobilisation, and incident management, ensuring all actions are carried out in line with established service procedures.
• Support the Station Manager in designing, developing, and delivering high‑quality, control‑specific training programmes.
• Contribute to the review, development, and implementation of control policies, procedures, and processes that promote excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide professional guidance, advice, and day‑to‑day support to watch members, helping maintain consistent, effective, and safe working practices.
• Assist in upholding high operational standards across the control environment.
• Play an active role in helping the service meet its statutory responsibilities, organisational objectives, and ongoing improvement ambitions.

This is a dynamic and rewarding position where the decisions you make will directly support the safety and wellbeing of communities across Suffolk.

• Watch Managers (Control) (or above) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.
• Competent Crew Managers (Control) serving with a UK Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.

• A competent substantive Crew Manager (Control) with evidence of competence provided.
• Qualified in Health and Safety, holding a recognised accreditation.
• Experienced in ICT Command and Control systems, including the effective use of radio communications.
• Able to demonstrate strong organisational values, emotional intelligence, and resilience, maintaining a calm and professional approach in high‑pressure, challenging, and fast‑moving environments.
• Skilled in decision‑making, resource management, and workload prioritisation within a risk‑critical operational context.
• An excellent communicator, with strong interpersonal and analytical abilities, capable of engaging, influencing, and motivating others.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development, supporting both individual and team.

This role supports our 24/7, state‑of‑the‑art Ipswich control room, the vital link between the public and our frontline crews ensuring emergency calls are handled quickly and resources are mobilised effectively.

Salary:
Watch Manager (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales