Shape the Future of Fire Safety at West Yorkshire
We are seeking applications from substantive Watch Managers who are interested in joining the Fire Protection Team. Successful candidates will complete an Apprenticeship for this role.
Working in Fire Protection offers a unique opportunity to combine operational experience with specialist fire safety expertise. If you are looking to broaden your leadership experience, influence safer buildings, develop recognised professional qualifications and contribute strategically to community safety, we encourage you to apply.
Working within Fire Protection offers the chance to:
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Lead and support fire safety audits across a diverse range of premises.
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Influence fire safety standards and community outcomes through education, engagement and enforcement activity.
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Develop expertise in building construction, fire engineering principles and fire safety legislation.
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Support significant building safety and remediation programmes.
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Gain nationally recognised Fire Protection qualifications and specialist training.
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Work alongside experienced Fire Protection Officers, Inspecting Officers and external partners.
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Contribute to organisational priorities and national fire sector initiatives.
This opportunity provides:
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A structured development pathway into Fire Protection.
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Specialist qualifications and professional accreditation opportunities.
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Experience of regulatory and enforcement activity.
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Exposure to strategic risk management and building safety challenges.
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Enhanced leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.
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Greater understanding of the wider role of the Fire and Rescue Service.
We are looking for individuals who:
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Demonstrate strong leadership and professional judgement.
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Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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Are motivated to learn and develop new technical skills.
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Can work independently whilst contributing to a high-performing team.
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Are committed to improving outcomes for communities through prevention and protection activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Substantive and competent Watch Manager.
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Hold and maintain all qualifications required for their current role.
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Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement plans or capability issues related to competency.
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Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
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Demonstrated effectiveness in current role (as per Annual Review).
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Full and current driving licence.
Applicants must be available to commence employment in this role on 4th January 2027 and must be available to attend the following key training dates:
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11/01/27 – 15/01/27. |
1 day required. |
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18/01/27 – 22/01/27. |
1 day required. |
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15/03/27 – 19/03/27. |
5 days required. |
|
07/06/27 – 10/06/27. |
4 days required. |
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09/08/27 – 13/08/27. |
5 days required. |
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04/10/27 – 08/10/27. |
5 days required. |
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13/03/28 – 23/03/28. |
9 days required. |
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22/05/28 – 26/05/28. |
5 days required. |
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31/07/28 – 04/08/28 |
1 day required. |
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30/10/28 – 04/11/28 |
1 day required. |
Successful candidates are expected to stay within Fire Protection for a minimum of 2 years following completion of the apprenticeship scheme, which is expected to last 2 years. You will work the Grey Book flexi duty system; working within Fire Protection is not considered a specialist role in terms of attracting ARA/SSA payments.
Please note, it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a tax change. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from the Pensions team.
For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact the Fire Protection Management Team.
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All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.
For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk