Critical Systems Manager – Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional emergency service is seeking a Critical Systems Manager to oversee governance and delivery of essential digital infrastructure. This role involves leading procurement for digital systems, managing supplier relations, and ensuring alignment with standards for emergency response. The ideal candidate will possess a degree or equivalent experience, and have proven skills in project management and stakeholder engagement. This is a full-time position with a salary range of £46,142 – £48,226, located in hybrid working conditions.

Benefits

Workplace support and professional development opportunities

Flexible, hybrid working arrangements

Inclusive culture and commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public sector or digital systems.
• Ability to lead complex projects and matrix-manage teams.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and contract management for WFRS digital systems.
• Manage performance and resolve issues with suppliers.
• Oversee digital risk and resilience.

Skills

Procurement and contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

PRINCE2

Agile methodologies

Job description

Critical Systems Manager – Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue – Critical Systems Manager

Location: WFRS HQ, Leamington Spa / Hybrid
Shape the future of digital systems that keep Warwickshire safe.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is seeking a Critical Systems Manager to lead the governance and delivery of our essential digital infrastructure. This senior technical specialist role offers the chance to drive innovation, resilience, and compliance across systems that underpin emergency response and community protection.

About Us

WFRS plays a vital role in protecting communities across Warwickshire. We are committed to delivering modern, efficient, and secure digital services that support emergency operations and public safety. Join us and make a real difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead procurement and contract management for major WFRS digital systems, ensuring best value and service quality.
• Act as the single point of contact for suppliers and system integrators, managing performance and resolving issues.
• Maintain a forward‑looking roadmap for upgrades, licensing, and compliance.
• Horizon scan for emerging technologies and opportunities to improve interoperability and efficiency.
• Oversee digital risk and resilience, ensuring strategic alignment with NFCC standards and HMICFRS improvement plans.
• Provide governance and accountability for critical systems and digital infrastructure.
• Support major projects and deliver transformation initiatives using PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies.

What we’re looking for

Essential:

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public sector or digital systems.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Project management expertise (PRINCE2, APM or similar).
• Ability to lead complex projects and matrix‑manage technical and administrative teams.
• Analytical thinking and independent decision‑making to deliver innovative solutions.

Desirable:

• Understanding of fire and rescue service operations.

For further information please see the Job Description and Person Specification.

What we offer

• Salary: Band N (£46,142 – £48,226)
• Workplace support and professional development opportunities
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
• Inclusive culture and commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing
• Opportunity to shape digital transformation in a vital public service
• Full time, 37 hours, fixed term for 2 years

Our Values

We live by the Fire Service Core Code of Ethics and Warwickshire DNA: putting communities first, acting with integrity, promoting equality and inclusion, and leading with resilience.