Job Description

Service Delivery Model (SDM) Review Operational Lead Temporary


Station Commander/Manager 2A


Salary - Manager 2A 53,460


Publish date: Tuesday 18 th November 2025


Closing date: Friday 28 th November at 12 noon


Hours: Full Time


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 over 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.


We are looking for passionate and motivated individuals who want to play a part in shaping the future of how we deliver for our communities.


Who can Apply?


In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria outlined below, we welcome applications from those who can also evidence the relevant essential skills knowledge and experience outlined within the attached Job description.

Eligibility Criteria:

Grey Book Staff:

Current substantive or temporary Grey Book Station Commanders, those in the Station Commander Talent Pool and substantive Watch Commanders.

Green Book Staff:

Applications are welcome from Green Book staff with a substantive role at spinal points of 27 & above.


Green book staff not currently operating within middle management will have a two-part process in recognition of the behavioural assessment already undertaken by those who were successful in the Station Commander Assessment Centre. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a behavioural assessment in addition to the role based exercise and interview process detailed within this advert.

External Candidates

Applications are also welcome from external candidates able to demonstrate the essential qualifications and experience as detailed within the attached Job description.


About the Role


This is an exciting opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile and strategically important projects within WMFS, the Service Delivery Model (SDM) Review. This is a temporary opportunity of at least 12 months, with the potential to extend beyond depending on the needs of the project. (there may be consideration for a secondment opportunity if you are currently working in an FRS)


The SDM Review will shape how we deliver services, how we staff and resource our stations, and how we ensure we continue to meet the evolving risks and needs of our communities across the West Midlands.


As the SDM Review Operational Lead, you will play a central role in driving this work forward. You will work closely with the SDM Review and Community Risk Management Planning (CRMP) Lead, engaging with the Senior Leadership Team, Fire Authority members, representative bodies, and staff across all levels of the organisation.


You will coordinate project delivery, engagement activity, and the public consultation process, ensuring that this critical project continues to progress on time, with transparency and accountability.


This is a unique opportunity for someone with strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills who is ready to take on a leadership challenge that will shape the future of our service.


Responsibilities


Manage the day-to-day delivery of the SDM Review project, ensuring key milestones, outputs, and deliverables are achieved. Coordinate activity across departments, ensuring alignment, clarity, and good communication between workstreams. Support the development of project documentation, including risk registers, planning assumptions, and evaluation criteria. Lead and coordinate engagement activities with staff, representative bodies, and external partners. Support the planning and delivery of the public consultation process, ensuring compliance with the Gunning Principles and our statutory duties. Prepare project reports, briefings, and updates for the SDM Review and CRMP Lead, the Senior Leadership Team, and the Fire Authority. Monitor progress, identify risks, and proactively develop mitigation plans. Support workforce communications, ensuring staff across the organisation are informed and engaged in the review's progress. Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure good governance and accountability.
Experience and skills


We're looking for someone who can bring structure, pace, and professionalism to this work, someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is confident working across departments and with senior stakeholders.


Essential skills or experience


Understanding of operational activity and processes within a fire and rescue context. Understanding of operational considerations, developed through collaboration with frontline staff or exposure to operational work. An in depth understanding of the need to create a robust evidence base to underpin the SDM Review. Proven ability to interpret complex data and risk intelligence, with thorough understanding of how this can shape the future options developed through the SDM review. Demonstrate a good understanding of the need to take a consistent and methodical approach to gathering data across the process to ensure accuracy so that the options developed through the SDM Review are fit for purpose. Demonstrable experience in managing or coordinating complex projects or organisational change initiatives. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think innovatively to generate solutions for complex issues. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with senior leaders and staff groups. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. Ability to identify and manage risk and issues within a project management setting. Understanding of project governance, evaluation, and assurance principles. Strong writing and presentation skills with the ability to translate technical or strategic information into accessible formats. Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge and understanding of FRS's responsibilities under GDPR legislation and training in policy and procedures. Good working knowledge of the FRS's statutory duties and responsibilities regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion as well as the FRS's own policies and procedures.
Desirable skills or experience


Knowledge of fire and rescue sector strategy, risk management, or community risk planning. Understanding of public consultation processes and the Gunning Principles. Experience using project management tools and software. Experience working in a politically governed or public sector environment. Knowledge of financial and resource planning in complex organisations.
Benefits


We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:


on-site free gym facilities free parking.
We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility - including occupational 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 role, please complete the application form via Oracle by Friday 28 th November. Please note, a resume/CV is not required.

Interview:

Successful candidates will be invited to undertake a role-based exercise and interview on 3 rd or 4 th Dec. Instructions for the next phase will be shared on Friday 28 th November.


Questions


If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Hannah.Spencer@wmfs.net or Kelly.Whitmore@wmfs.net .