Senior Emergency Response Officer

British Red Cross incorporated; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization is seeking a Senior Emergency Response Officer in London (Hybrid). This role involves leading a team, coordinating emergency responses, and engaging with partners. Candidates should have strong leadership and communication skills, alongside proficiency in IT. In return, benefits include flexible working options, 36 days annual leave, and development opportunities. Applications are open until 29th December 2025, with interviews starting on 12th January 2026.

Benefits

Flexible working

36 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Learning & Development opportunities

Employee benefits platform

Wellbeing Support

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team effectively.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft 365, to manage data and reporting efficiently.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality services to the public.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of Emergency Response Officers.
• Coordinating emergency response activities in London and surrounding areas.
• Monitoring performance against Key Performance Indicators.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication

Problem-solving

IT skills (Microsoft 365)

Team management

Job description

Senior Emergency Response Officer

Location: London (Hybrid)

Salary: £29,971 to £32,616 per annum (plus Inner London Weighting if applicable £3,344)

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Permanent

Additional Requirement: Applicants must have a full licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle.

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team and make a real difference in emergency response? Do you have the skills and passion to support communities in crisis and enhance our emergency response efforts? Can you navigate complex situations and build strong partnerships to maximise our impact on those in need? If you’re up for this challenge, please read on…

What does a day in the life of a Senior Emergency Response Officer involve?

• Leading and managing a team of Emergency Response Officers to ensure effective service delivery across London and the surrounding areas.
• Coordinating and overseeing the planning and execution of emergency response activities, both in person and remotely.
• Engaging with local authority emergency planning teams and voluntary sector partners to maintain positive relationships and facilitate collaboration.
• Monitoring and reporting on performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using various data systems.
• Regularly working evenings, whether it’s conducting volunteer meetings or training sessions. In addition, you will be part of a 24-hour on‑call rota, ready to support volunteers and manage emergency situations at a moment’s notice.

What do you need to be a successful Senior Emergency Response Officer?

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft 365, to manage data and reporting efficiently.
• Experience in dealing with complex situations and tasks across multiple workstreams, demonstrating adaptability and problem‑solving abilities, along with proven experience in developing or working in multi‑sector partnerships to enhance collaborative efforts.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality services to the public, ensuring the needs of vulnerable service users are met.
• Possess a full UK drivers licence for at least 2 years.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to working with volunteers. Provide training and support to empower them in responding to local incidents while upholding the values of the British Red Cross.

To be considered for this role, candidates must be located within a 30‑mile radius of London as this role requires regular travel in and around the London area.

Interested? The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Monday 29th December 2025. Interviews commencing Monday 12th January 2026.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK‑based roles. During your application, you’ll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.