Assistant Chief Fire Officer/Director Of Service Improvement

Salary:  £147,453 per annum

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority are seeking to appoint an ambitious, innovative and forward-thinking individual, with a proven track record at senior strategic operational level, to the position of Assistant Chief Fire Officer/ Director of Service Improvement.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is well regarded by the communities it serves and the partner agencies with which it does business and the Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to delivering its aspiration of “Making South Yorkshire safer and stronger”.

We offer a unique opportunity for a high calibre individual with drive, demonstrable strategic skills and political and financial awareness, to have a major influence on the future of the service.  This will require an open, transparent and inclusive style and the ability to develop positive relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a confident and respected leader and be proactive in meeting the challenges of the Home Office Fire Reform Agenda.  You will drive continuous improvement across all directorates to ensure that the level of Service to the communities we serve remains effective, efficient and provides robust governance and assurance. 

An open and engaging style of leadership, significant experience of leading positive Service Improvement and a commitment to all aspects of diversity and inclusion will be essential in building effective relationships with all stakeholders.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer role also acts as Director of Service Improvement, overseeing activity across the functions of Estates and Facilities Management, Fleet Services, Service improvement and Training and Development.  The successful candidate will be required to perform operational command at Gold/Strategic Command level, working on the Principal Officer Continuous Duty Command rota.

For a confidential conversation regarding this position contact Chris Kirby, Chief Fire Officer on 07787 438 640.

An open information session will be held on Monday 18 March 2024 at 3.30pm.  If you would like to attend this either virtually or in person please contact recruitment@syfire.gov.uk   

Information regarding the Service and the Authority can be found at http://www.syfire.gov.uk/

Application packs are available by emailing recruitment@syfire.gov.uk and should be returned electronically to the same email address.

Please note the appointment is subject to successful pre-employment screening i.e. asylum and immigration check, references, medical screening, substance misuse testing and an Enhanced DBS check.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People.  All staff are expected to share this commitment.

Within both our Service and Authority we believe diversity in all its forms delivers a better service; for our staff and our communities.  As an equal opportunities employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Recruitment Process Timeline
Closing Date for Applications:
0900 hrs 22 March 2024
Notification of Longlist:
26 March 2024
Assessment Centre:

·         Interview with the Executive Team (inc. operational assessment)

·         Stakeholder Panel

·         Media Assessment

·         Psychometric Testing (online)
3 or 4 April 2024
Notification of Shortlist:
5 April 2024
Presentation and final interview with Fire Authority Appointments Committee
22 April 2024