Job Introduction
Head of Strategy, Risk & Improvement (Area Manager B)
Salary: £67,792 (Development) – £74,360 (Competent)
Plus: 20% Flexible Duty System (FDS) allowance
Benefits: Relocation allowance and access to service vehicle for operational use
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking leader to take on the role of Head of Strategy, Risk & Improvement (Area Manager). This is a key strategic leadership position, responsible for shaping the Service’s approach to corporate planning, governance, risk management and organisational improvement, ensuring we deliver effective, accountable and high-performance services to our communities.
About the Role
Reporting to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of the Service’s Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), corporate strategy and policy framework.
You will be responsible for overseeing strategic risk management, organisational performance, assurance and compliance, ensuring robust governance arrangements that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
This role includes leading on HMICFRS inspection readiness, audit and organisational response to external scrutiny, as well as building effective partnerships to support Service priorities. You will also contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Service as a member of the Service Management Team and, as part of the Flexible Duty System, provide operational command and support incident response.
About You
We are looking for a credible and experienced leader who can demonstrate:
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Substantive Area Managers or competent substantive Group Managers ready to progress
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Strong experience of operating at a strategic level within a complex organisation
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A track record of leading, planning, governance, risk, assurance or organisational improvement
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Highly developed analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to provide clear strategic advice
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Experience of influencing senior stakeholders, partners and governance bodies
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Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams and drive performance
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Experience of incident command and operating effectively under pressure
About Us
We serve over 480,000 residents across a diverse rural and urban area, delivering a modern, responsive and community-focused fire and rescue service.
Governed by a Fire Authority made up of elected members from Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, we are committed to strong governance, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality services that put our communities first.
Additional Information
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A Service vehicle will be provided for operational and business use
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A relocation package is available
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You will be expected to work flexibly and operate from a defined base location
Indicative Timeline
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Closing date: Wednesday 24 June 2026
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Shortlisting: by end of June 2026
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Media Assessment: w/c 06 July 2026
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Stakeholder Panel: w/c 06 July 2026
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Final interviews: w/c 13 July 2026
How to Apply:
Applicants will be required to complete a full application and provide: 2 references (you will be asked to submit your references after your application has been submitted) , a copy of your last appraisal, completed Readiness for Promotion document and qualification certificates.
For the full job description, please see below document.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Marc Millward on
[email protected] or Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mark Price on
[email protected]
Important:
Applicants are advised to consider any potential pension Lifetime or Annual Allowance implications prior to applying. Further guidance is available from your pension provider.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have a strong commitment to equality diversity and inclusion at work. We want to reflect the communities we service and therefore we positively welcome applicants from disabled people and minority groups who are under-represented in our Service.
