Job Description

Ready to lead at a strategic level within Sellafield Fire & Rescue Service?

We are inviting expressions of interest from experienced and capable Watch Managers who are ready to progress into the role of Station Manager through our structured Career Pathway Process. This is a significant opportunity for those who are passionate about leading teams, shaping operational strategy and driving excellence across SF&RS.

Once successfully passed, individuals will enter a holding pool until a Station Manager position becomes available. If more than one candidate is in the pool when a vacancy arises, a structured scoring process will be applied using agreed criteria to ensure fair and transparent selection.

Full details of how the pathway works and the governance procedure can be found via the ‘Career Pathways’ tab on the ‘Security, Resilience and Emergency Management SharePoint Page’.

About the Role

Station Managers play a pivotal role in leading SF&RS operations across the Sellafield site. Acting on behalf of the Emergency Response Manager, they manage and direct teams of Watch Managers, Crew Managers and Firefighters to ensure the delivery of a safe, effective and professional emergency response service.

They are accountable for operational readiness, training strategy and the coordination of complex multi-agency incidents. Station Managers act as Senior Tactical Incident Commanders, oversee SQEP and safety-critical training and provide strategic situational awareness to site leadership. The role demands resilience, adaptability and the ability to lead by example in high-pressure environments.

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Step into a senior leadership role within SF&RS, with direct influence over operational readiness, team development and emergency response strategy.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams and shape the delivery of critical site-wide capabilities, building on your Watch Manager experience to drive performance and assurance.
• Represent SF&RS at site command centres and in multi-agency environments, enhancing your visibility and impact across SL’s emergency management landscape.
• Drive continuous improvement and change initiatives, contributing to the evolution of SF&RS and supporting SL’s broader safety and resilience goals.
• Develop your strategic command experience, including JESIP application and liaison roles, positioning you for future progression within the emergency response profession.

Who Should Apply (must be/have all of the following)

• Sellafield Fire & Rescue Service substantive Watch Managers.
• Watch Managers that have a My Contribution ‘Performance Rating’ of ‘Meets Expectations’ or above.
• Watch Managers that have a ‘Potential Rating’ of ‘Potential to progress at a higher grade or zone in the organisation’.

Individuals with a current rating of ‘Unable to rate’ will also be eligible to express interest.

How to Apply

Please submit your Expression of Interest including:
• A brief statement detailing how you would lead cultural and behavioural change across Sellafield Fire & Rescue Service to enhance performance, collaboration and resilience (max 500 words).
• A description of a time when you had to make a difficult leadership decision with limited information or competing priorities, including what the outcome was and any lessons you learned (max 500 words)
• A brief statement detailing your key strengths as a leader and how these would help you build trust, improve performance and support your team (max 500 words).
• A brief description about which of your personal values most influence your leadership style and how would you ensure these are reflected in the culture of the crews you lead (max 500 words).
• A summary of your relevant experience, skills and qualifications, including details of leadership, command or development activities.

If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion about the Station Manager Pathway or the application process, please contact either James Todhunter (Emergency Response Manager) or Matt Saulters (Station Manager).

The Profession has the right to withdraw the Expression of Interest Advert at any stage.

The closing date for this vacancy is Tuesday 6th January 2026.