Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Publish date: Monday 17 November 2025

Closing date: Monday 22 December 2025 at 12 noon

Salary: £166,972 per annum

Hours: continuous duty system

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.

Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

Are you ready for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to be a part of one of the country's biggest and most progressive Fire and Rescue Services?

West Midlands Fire Service is seeking a Deputy Chief Fire Officer to join our team.

Responsibilities

• provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction to support the Chief Fire Officer across all service-related matters

• champion and deliver the strategic priorities of the Fire and Rescue Service

• apply innovative and creative thinking to meet the challenges of a transformational Fire and Rescue Service

• build capacity and capability across the workforce, fostering high performance and organisational resilience

• ensure the safe, effective and efficient delivery of Fire and Rescue Services to communities across the West Midlands

• support the Chief Fire Officer by offering clear, informed strategic options to the Fire Authority

• help maintain an agile and adaptable Service capable of responding to cultural, financial and operational challenges within the sector

• provide visible, engaging and inspirational leadership as a Brigade Commander.

Experience and skills

• demonstrate excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, with a strong track record of driving positive organisational change

• display outstanding strategic-level behaviours aligned to core values and principles

• work collaboratively and communicate effectively, adapting style to suit a wide range of audiences

• engage confidently with peers, employees, Fire Authority Members, trade unions, representative bodies, external agencies and partners

• provide operational emergency response as part of the Principal Officer (Gold Command) group, including national response under a locally agreed continuous duty system

• attend incidents as Incident Commander in line with the WMFS Incident Command System, or acting as WMFS Gold Commander at Multi-Agency meetings across the West Midlands

• apply with substantial prior experience as a Brigade Commander (DCFO/ACFO or equivalent) or Area Commander (or equivalent)

• hold accredited Level 4 Incident Command and demonstrating the ability to assume on-scene command

understand that an assessed incident command exercise may be required based on application information.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

flexible and agile working arrangements

free, on-site gym facilities

free, on-site parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

wellbeing programmes

'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes

Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

To apply for the position, you should submit your curriculum vitae (no more than 2 sides – font 11) along with a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides – font 11), outlining your skills and experience in relation to the role.

To find out more about the role and why team WMFS is a fantastic place to work, please contact the EA Helen McCutcheon on / who will arrange an informal discussion with Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill.

For information in relation to the selection process please contact Joanne Simmonds on or .

Recruitment pack