Group Manager – Operational Training – West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public safety organization in Horsham seeks a Group Manager – Operational Training to lead training teams in Incident Command and Firefighting. The ideal candidate will be a substantive Station Manager or higher, dedicated to community safety and staff development. Responsibilities include driving quality training programs and managing operational incidents at an advanced level. Join a committed team focused on continuous improvement and empowering staff to serve communities effectively.

Qualifications

• Proven leader with experience in running a team or function.
• Experienced in delivering Incident Command and Firefighting training.
• Demonstrates effective delegation and innovation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operational Training team to deliver various training programs.
• Command operational incidents at Level 3/Advanced level.
• Create professional and high-performing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Influencing skills

Decision-making

Education

Substantive and competent Station Manager (or higher)

Job description

Group Manager – Operational Training – West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Location: Your primary office location will be our Training Centre in Horsham, and you will also have the flexibility to work from other stations throughout West Sussex. Additionally, there will be opportunities for you to work remotely from home, as deemed appropriate for your work responsibilities.

Assessments and Interview: Incident Command assessments are scheduled for w/c 16 February 2026 and interviews from w/c 23 February 2026

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is on a journey of continuous improvement demonstrating our ability to deliver services that benefit the community. We are proud to have opened the new Horsham Fire Station and Training Centre, where the state‑of‑the‑art facilities place a real emphasis on the continued development of our staff. As we look ahead, we remain committed to continuously improving our organisational culture supporting our mission to empower and support our people to be the best they can be, to deliver to the highest standards when serving our communities and to uphold the values of our fire and rescue service.

As the Group Manager – Operational Training, you will lead the Operational Training team to deliver Incident Command training, Driver training, Firefighting and Rescue Training, and Operational Competency.

You will lead these areas to create professional, effective and high performing teams, delivering quality training, which in turn support the communities of West Sussex to become safer and stronger.

You will be a proven leader, able to influence and steer the efforts of those within your team and external partners that can contribute to the team’s and the Service’s objectives.

You will be a role model to others, not afraid to challenge behaviour and continually striving for personal and team improvement, aligned to our Code of Ethics.

You will be experienced in running a team or function, demonstrating effective delegation, change management, innovation and decision‑making skills.

You will be required to command operational incidents at Level 3/Advanced level.

To be eligible to apply you must currently be a substantive and competent Station Manager (or higher grade)

The reference number for this role is CPP01270.

If you need any support throughout the process would like to speak to someone about the role or selection process, please email us at [e-mail]