Station Manager Development & Promotion; External

Station Manager Development & Promotion (External only)

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is proud to be recognised as the region’s top‑performing fire and rescue service, covering nearly 800 square miles and serving over two million people with 24/7 emergency response.

As part of the Station Manager Promotions and Transfer Process, WYFRS is inviting applications from competent whole‑time Watch Managers seeking promotion and from substantive Station Managers from other UK Fire and Rescue Services wishing to transfer into WYFRS.

WYFRS is an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly welcome applicants from communities that are currently under‑represented at WYFRS, including women, racially and ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences.

• Be currently employed by a UK Fire and Rescue Service.
• Be a substantive and competent Watch Manager.
• Hold and maintain all qualifications required for their current role.
• Have completed and maintained all role‑related courses within the required refresher periods.
• Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement action plans or capability issues related to competency.
• Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
• Possess an IFE Level 3 Diploma in Fire Engineering and Science OR a Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety.
• Possess an IFE Level 4 Certificate in Fire Service Operations.

Applicants must complete an online application form detailing how they meet all essential criteria for the role. Following the closing date, applications will be forwarded to a Shortlisting Panel. Successful shortlists will progress to a multi‑stage promotion pathway:

• Career Progression Gateway (CPG): two online exercises – a case‑study and a role‑play assessment.
• Operational Command Assurance: assessment against Skills for Justice Intermediate Incident Command scoring criteria, with prior development opportunities available.
• Interview and Presentation: a 15‑minute presentation on a pre‑given title followed by a 60‑minute interview.
• Formal appointments: successful applicants will be held on a merit‑order, promotion role to be offered as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.

• External applications open:
  Wednesday 17/12/25.
• External applications close:
  Sunday 11/01/26 (midnight).
• External shortlisting W/C Monday 12/01/26.
• Pathway Online CPG: W/C Monday 26/01/26.
• Intermediate Command Assurance: W/C Monday 02/02/26.
• Management Paper review and Interview: W/C Monday 09/02/26.
• Candidate Feedback: W/C Monday 23/02/26.