Watch Managers

The Service’s workforce planning forecast has identified that we will have a number of watch manager opportunities across the Service over the coming year, in Service Delivery, Protection and the Operational Assurance and Training Team. In preparation for this, the application process for the 2025 Watch Manager promotion boards is now open.

We are looking for individuals who possess excellent leadership and communication skills, a proven ability to influence and motivate staff whilst also maintaining the highest levels of service delivery to ensure we are ready to change, save and protect the lives of the communities we serve.

The successful candidates will possess an understanding of the issues relating to the fire and rescue service, be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and staff engagement. They will also be required to demonstrate competence against the “Leading Others” element of the NFCC Leadership Framework, demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a high performing team in accordance with the Service’s core values.

This opportunity is open to internal wholetime candidates who are competent crew managers working within the Service. This includes firefighters who have achieved and maintained competence at crew manager level in a temporary role.

Applications are also invited from substantive wholetime watch managers looking to transfer into Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service from another FRS.

We are particularly interested in applicants who already hold an LGV licence and EFAD qualification, or who would be committed to undertaking these qualifications at their start date.

Whilst aptitude, skills and experience are key requirements, academic ability is also important and it is expected that applicants will have achieved one of the following:

1. a fire related degree or

2. a Level 3 Certificate in Fire Service Operations and Incident Command or

3. the IFE Level 3 Certificate (diploma) Unit 6: Fire Service Operations and Incident Command paper:

   substantive crew managers who have achieved the IFE Level 3 Certificate Unit 2: Fire Service Operations paper can apply for promotion to watch manager without the relevant IFE qualification (this is a bye) subject to:

- committing to undertaking and passing the WM paper within 2 years

Or

-passing the station manager paper within 2 years of appointment

The selection process will comprise of three elements each representing a gateway so only those successful at each stage will progress throughout the process.

1. Initial application

2. WM7 Command assessment

3. Interview and presentation. 

Please see the guide for full details about the application process.

Watch Manager Promotion Board guidance

Application form

Job reference number 07/25/WMP

Please return completed application forms to recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

Closing date for applications: 10pm on Thursday 22 May 2025

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and we strive to be a workplace where everyone is treated fairly and can succeed whilst being their true, authentic self.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who are under-represented within operational Fire fighter roles.

Whilst we encourage applications from these sections of the community who are currently under-represented within our workforce, all recruitment decisions are based on merit.