Job Details:
Salary Range: £48,226 - £50,269 per annum
Work Location: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service HQ, Eastleigh (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Temporary until 31 May 2028
Closing Date: 4 October 2026
Interview Date: 21 October 2026
Lead one of the most significant transformation programmes in our Service.
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of fire and rescue services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We are looking for an experienced, confident and highly capable Devolution Transition Programme Manager to lead the planning and delivery of a major transition programme as fire and rescue functions move into the new Hampshire and the Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA).
This is a high-profile role at the heart of strategic change. You will work across organisational boundaries, bringing together colleagues, partners and stakeholders to turn complex ambitions into clear, deliverable programmes of work. If you thrive in a fast-moving environment, can navigate complexity with confidence, and have a strong track record of leading major change, we would love to hear from you.
Candidates must be available on Wednesday 21 October for interviews. Should you not be available on this date please contact the recruiting manager when submitting your application. The Role:
As Devolution Transition Programme Manager, you will lead the overall design, planning and delivery of the transition programme, ensuring it is delivered on time, within budget and with strong governance throughout.
You will work closely with senior leaders across the Service, the new Combined County Authority, and partner organisations including local authorities, Hampshire Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Your role will be to create momentum, manage risk, align priorities and ensure all aspects of the transition are coordinated effectively.
This is a role for someone who can see the bigger picture while also keeping a firm grip on delivery.
You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire, and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary. What You'll Be Doing:
You will:
lead the delivery of a complex, high-impact devolution transition programme
establish and maintain strong programme governance, reporting and assurance arrangements
manage risks, issues, dependencies and escalations across multiple workstreams
work with senior internal and external stakeholders to drive progress and resolve challenges
support the development of business cases, programme reports and decision-making papers
oversee programme budgets and ensure robust financial management
identify resource requirements and help shape the right delivery capacity across the programme
line manage programme team members where required and provide leadership across matrix teams
build strong working relationships with partners, suppliers and advisers
help strengthen project and change capability across the wider organisation
What We’re Looking For:
We are seeking someone with substantial programme or project leadership experience in a complex environment, ideally including public sector or multi-agency settings.
You will bring:
significant experience of leading large-scale programmes or change initiatives
excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including with senior leaders
strong governance, reporting and risk management expertise
the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver through complexity and ambiguity
experience of building collaborative relationships across organisational boundaries
strong written and verbal communication skills, including writing reports, business cases and presentations
a recognised project or programme management qualification, or equivalent professional experience
a proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach
Experience of working in politically sensitive environments, delivering cultural change, and managing in matrix structures will be particularly valuable. Why Join Us:
At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, our people make a real difference every day. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation change programme that will help shape how vital public services are delivered in the future.
You will be joining a Service committed to professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement — and you will have the chance to work with senior leaders and partners on a programme of real strategic importance. Plus, lots of other benefits:
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
generous holiday entitlement
flexible working arrangements including hybrid working
salary sacrifice car and bike schemes
discounts for emergency services workers at many retailers including Blue Light Card
modern office spaces to work from
family-friendly leave entitlements
Additional Information:
Devolution Transition Programme Manager Job Description and Person Specification HIWFRS Values:
Reaching Further - Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others.
Showing Respect - Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.
Supporting Others - Listening and acting with compassion and empathy.
Everyone Playing Their Part - Recognising the contribution we all make.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Standard DBS Check. Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Matt Robertson, Chief Operating Officer on
[email protected]
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Corporate Equalities Employment Policy: In order to combat indirect discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied to any posts which may unintentionally exclude certain groups of potential applicants from applying or have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, creed, sexuality, trade union activity or responsibility for dependants unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
