Group Commander (Repsonse)

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
Group Commander – Response

Are you an experienced operational leader who values integrity, inclusive leadership and high performance?

Do you have the judgement, resilience and strategic focus to lead operational response and make a positive difference for our people and communities?

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the permanent role of Group Commander – Response.

This key leadership role is responsible for providing visible, effective and values-led leadership across operational response, ensuring crews are prepared, supported and able to deliver a safe, effective and resilient service.

Working closely with the Area Commander for Response, operational Group Commanders, Learning and Development, the Staff Office and Resourcing Team, and colleagues across the Service, you will provide strategic oversight of operational performance, readiness and assurance, lead station-based teams and ensure learning from incidents, exercises and assurance activity drives continuous improvement.

You will also contribute to service-wide leadership, delivery of the 2025–2030 Community Risk Management Plan, and the continued development of a professional, inclusive and high-performing culture.

About our offer

Although based at Service Headquarters, Woodhatch Place, Reigate, working arrangements are flexible. You will be expected to spend most of your working time within the geographical area of Surrey for which you are responsible and attend Service Headquarters and operational locations as required.

The salary ranges from £71,924.40 per annum at Group Commander Development to £79,734.00 once competent in role, inclusive of the 20% flexi-duty officer allowance where applicable.

The role also attracts:

• Surrey Allowance: £1,754 per annum
• Continuous Professional Development payment: £949 per annum

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Response function, ensuring safe, resilient and high-quality emergency response arrangements.
• If required as a Flexi Duty System Officer, undertake the role of Level 3 Incident Commander at complex or significant incidents.
• Lead and develop station-based teams and operational managers, promoting accountability, high performance and continuous improvement.
• Maintain oversight of operational readiness, appliance availability, crewing, competence and deployment of people and resources.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, Fire Standards, National Operational Guidance, service policy and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.
• Use performance information, assurance, debriefs and organisational learning to identify risk, improve performance and share good practice.
• Lead and contribute to projects and change programmes that improve operational effectiveness and resilience.
• Manage establishments and physical resources effectively and in line with service priorities.
• Build effective relationships with representative bodies, internal departments, partners and other fire and rescue services.
• Champion staff wellbeing, inclusion and ethical decision-making.

#Whynotyou

We are seeking ambitious, focused and driven candidates who can demonstrate successful leadership of high-performing operational teams and experience across a range of fire and rescue service roles.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges facing Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and the wider sector, with the credibility and confidence to lead through change, make sound decisions and take people with you on a journey of improvement.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a substantive Station Commander currently within the SFRS Group Commander Boarding Pool, or an existing SFRS Group Commander.
• Can demonstrate experience of leading and managing a high-performing operational team or department.
• Has a thorough understanding of operational assurance, workforce planning and relevant SFRS Standard Operating Procedures.
• Holds a current accredited Level 3 Incident Command qualification and can demonstrate appropriate command competence and continuing professional development, if required.
• Has strong working knowledge of National Operational Guidance, Fire Standards, health and safety responsibilities and the strategic challenges facing the Service and sector.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, judgement and decision-making skills.
• Has experience of project and change management and using evidence, learning and performance information to drive improvement.
• Can use a range of IT systems confidently and effectively.
• Holds a full UK driving licence.
• Is able to work and live in the UK without restriction and meet the requirements for DBS checks and British Security Clearance vetting.
• Is not subject to a current capability action plan concerning performance, current disciplinary proceedings or a live formal disciplinary sanction.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 5 leadership or management qualification.
• Recognised health and safety management qualification, ideally NEBOSH.
• Professional status through a relevant body, such as IFE Member or Graduate status.
• Evidence of maintaining at least 20 hours of incident command CPD through Effective Command, if a Flexible Duty System Officer.
• Media training and a coaching or mentoring qualification.
• Management experience across operational and corporate departments or service areas.
• Relevant specialist or tactical adviser qualifications, for example Hazardous Materials, DIM, NILO, Waste Fire, Fire Safety, Fire Investigation, Water Incident Management or Airwave Tactical Adviser.
• Experience of corporate governance, financial management, budget setting and programme management.

Our Core Code of Ethics

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has adopted the national Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate its five principles:

• Putting our communities first
• Integrity
• Dignity and respect
• Leadership
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Why Surrey is your future

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service protects more than 1.2 million people across 650 square miles and employs around 730 uniformed and support staff across 25 fire stations, Wray Park Training Centre and Service Headquarters.

The successful candidate will help deliver our 2025–2030 Community Risk Management Plan and ensure operational Response continues to evolve in line with risk, evidence and the needs of our communities.

The Selection Process and How to Apply

Please apply online and attach your CV together with a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words.

Your statement should explain your motivation for applying and demonstrate how your values, leadership, skills and experience meet all of the essential criteria, identifying any desirable criteria you also meet. Desirable criteria may be used at the sifting stage.

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 23 October 2026.

Candidates successful at shortlisting will be invited to a formal interview. We value potential as well as experience and encourage eligible colleagues who can evidence the essential criteria to apply.