Group Commander - Response

Reigate, England, United Kingdom

6/17/2025

Expression of Interest - Internal Applicants Only

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service

Role: Group Commander – Response (North Area)

Type: Secondment (12 months)

Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate (RH2 8EF)

About the Role:

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the role of Group Commander for North Area Response. In this key position, you will be responsible for operational leadership across your area, ensuring effective incident response, driving performance, and supporting continuous improvement in line with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s strategic objectives.

You will lead operational teams, manage resources and budgets, and ensure compliance with Fire Standards, National Operational Guidance (NOG), and our internal policies. You’ll also play a crucial role in mentoring Level 2 officers, managing people and performance, and fostering a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide Level 3 incident command and support operational crews at critical incidents.
• Lead, develop and manage staff, driving high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and resource management across your area.
• Implement and review team plans aligned with organisational strategy.
• Ensure quality assurance, operational learning, and compliance with relevant standards and policies.
• Manage budgets and physical resources effectively, aligning them to service needs.
• Build strong partnerships across the service and with external stakeholders.
• Support inclusion, wellbeing, and ethical leadership in line with our Core Code of Ethics.
  
  
  

About You:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a competent and substantive Assistant Group Commander.
• Holds ICS Level 3 and a Level 5 management qualification (or is willing to work towards it).
• Has proven leadership experience in operational settings, including managing people and projects.
• Has strong knowledge of NOG, Fire Standards, and SFRS procedures and values.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, judgement, and decision-making skills.
• Holds a full driving licence and is willing to complete the NILO course within 6 months.
  
  
  

Our Core Code Of Ethics:

This code is built on five principles, which guide our behaviours and decision-making:

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

How to Apply:

Submit an expression of interest (max 1000 words) outlining your experience, motivation, and suitability for the role by 23:59 on 30th June 2025.