• Business Area
    Directorate
  • Careers Site Advertising End Date
    13 Oct 2026
  • Internal Advertising End Date
    13 Oct 2026
  • All Locations
    Merseyside
  • Advertising Salary
    £207,185 - £218,089 (dependant on experience)
  • Vacancy Type
    Permanent
  • Organisation
  • About The Role

  • This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected Fire and Rescue Services and shape the future of public safety at both a local and national level.

     As Chief Fire Officer, you will provide strategic leadership to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, serving as Principal Strategic Adviser to Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority and ensuring the delivery of an efficient, effective and resilient service for the communities of Merseyside.

    Leading a high-performing organisation with a strong reputation for innovation, partnership working and community impact, you will set the strategic direction of the Service, drive continuous improvement and foster a positive, inclusive culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best.

    This is a role of significant influence and responsibility. Alongside your leadership of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, you will provide national leadership through the Authority's role as Lead Authority for National Resilience and support the delivery of UK International Search and Rescue capabilities on behalf of Government. Working closely with Ministers, government departments, elected Members and Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, you will help shape national resilience arrangements and strengthen the sector's ability to respond to major and complex incidents.

    We are seeking an accomplished and values-led leader with the vision, credibility and political acumen to succeed in a complex and high-profile environment. You will bring a proven track record of strategic leadership, organisational improvement and collaborative partnership working, alongside the operational credibility to lead at the most challenging moments.

    Above all, you will embody our values of Courage, Compassion and Integrity, providing visible leadership that inspires trust, delivers excellence and makes a lasting difference to the communities we serve.

    You will demonstrate:

    • Significant leadership experience at Brigade Manager/Principal Officer level.
    • A strong strategic vision and a track record of achieving ambitious goals.
    • Exceptional political awareness and the ability to build effective relationships with elected members, government and senior stakeholders.
    • A commitment to creating an inclusive, high-performing culture where people can thrive.
    • Strong partnership, influencing and communication skills, with the credibility to represent the Service locally, nationally and internationally.
    • The professional competence and operational leadership required to undertake the role of strategic Incident Commander within a multi-agency Gold Command setting.

     ELIGIBILITY

    Candidates must have substantive experience of operating in a Principal Officer/Brigade Manager role and hold an Incident Command Level 4 qualification.  

    Candidates who have a live/unspent disciplinary sanction or who are currently working under any capability (performance) related improvement note/plan will not be eligible to apply.

    INTERESTED?

    Our candidate pack should provide you with a good foundation, with lots of information and links to pertinent documents to help you get to know us much better.  
     
    KEY DATES:
    • Closing Date: Midnight Tuesday 13th October.
    • Selection: Monday 26th October.
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited to undertake a number of activities as part of the selection process.  These include Staff/Stakeholder Engagement, Presentation, Interview and the completion of a Leadership Profile.
     
    We are Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service - be part of our future. 

  • About Us

  • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is at the forefront of public safety and emergency response, serving the vibrant communities of Merseyside with dedication and professionalism. Our mission is to protect, prevent, and respond—ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, both in times of crisis and through proactive community engagement.

    With a proud history and a strong sense of purpose, we operate across a diverse region that includes bustling urban centers, industrial hubs, and serene rural areas. Our highly skilled and committed teams work tirelessly to provide fire and rescue services, enforce fire safety regulations, and deliver critical prevention and education programs.
     
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    PENSION CONSIDERATIONS

    Annual Allowance
    Please note that 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 charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from the Pensions team, or the Pension Administrator website (Local Pensions Partnership Administration Ltd – website - lppapensions.co.uk, Annual Allowance Information -  Annual Allowance)

    Lifetime Allowance
    Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team, or the Pension Administrator website (Local Pensions Partnership Administration Ltd – website - lppapensions.co.uk, Lifetime Allowance Information - Lifetime Allowance)
    Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
     
    Safeguarding
     
    Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

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