Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the UK, serving a dynamic, diverse region of around 3 million people, and playing a vital role in keeping our communities safe. With 41 stations across ten districts, a dedicated workforce, and a strong reputation for innovation and inclusion, GMFRS sits at the heart of a progressive and ambitious Combined Authority.

Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, GMFRS is delivering major modernisation, investing in its people, technology, estate, fleet, and culture as it continues shaping a forward-looking, high-performing, and inclusive service. Its Fire Plan sets out bold commitments around prevention, protection, emergency response, and organisational transformation, and we are proud to be recognised nationally for our commitment to equality and inclusion.

We are now seeking exceptional Assistant Chief Fire Officers (ACFO) to join the Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal strategic role in shaping the next phase of our journey. These are rare and exciting opportunities to influence the future direction of one of the UK’s most ambitious and progressive fire and rescue services.

About the Roles

As ACFO, you will provide strategic leadership across a major functional area, driving excellence in performance, culture, and service delivery. You will champion the GMFRS values, inspire trust across our workforce, and contribute directly to delivering the GMFRS Fire Plan and the wider Greater Manchester Strategy.

You will play a vital role in strengthening, the services delivered to the communities of Greater Manchester, collaborating with local and national partners, responding to HMICFRS priorities, and driving innovation and improvement. In the absence of the Chief or Deputy Chief Fire Officer, you will assume full strategic command of the Service.

These roles demand leaders with vision, authenticity, empathy, and resilience; someone who can both inspire and challenge, creating the conditions where people thrive, and deliver outstanding outcomes for the communities we serve.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from accomplished senior leaders, current Principal Officers or highly capable Area Managers, who are committed to inclusive, values-based leadership and who bring:

· A strong operational background with credibility at strategic command level

· Experience leading complex organisational change with clarity and compassion

· A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, confidence, and shared purpose

· The ability to strengthen partnerships across blue-light services, local authorities, community organisations, and national forums

· A personal commitment to workforce health and wellbeing, talent development, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and included

· A deep commitment to public service, ethical decision making, fairness, and delivering for our communities

We particularly welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives and strengths that enhance our leadership team and reflect the communities of Greater Manchester.

Why Join Us?

This is an inspiring moment to shape the future of GMFRS. You will join an organisation investing in its people and its future through:

· A state-of-the-art Leadership Development Academy

· Major fleet, estate, and digital innovation programmes

· A strong culture of collaboration across the GMCA

· Recognition as a national leader for inclusion, including Stonewall Top 100 status

We offer a generous remuneration package, including a relocation allowance of up to £10,000, car allowance, extensive development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing offer.

How to Apply?

We are seeking to appoint based on a combination of your written application and interview. To apply, visit our recruitment partner’s site at: https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe130347/Assistant-Chief-Fire-Officer/ or by using the ‘search for jobs’ function at www.gatenbysanderson.com and entering Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, or the reference number 130347.

Register on the GS site, and then submit the following to us no later than the stated closing date.

1. A comprehensive CV which set out your work history (paid or voluntary), responsibilities and achievements as they relate to the role.
2. To accompany your application, and to help bring it to life, we would like you to record a short video (of no more than 2 minutes in length) using the following link only: https://myint.video/aLPWYHLPQS In that video you should address the following topic:

Why are you applying to join GMFRS, and what is it you will specifically bring from your experience to the Service?

You will have the opportunity to practice recording a video and test your equipment using two practice questions. These recordings are not submitted and are for practice purposes only. Once you’ve completed the practice questions and feel confident, click “I’m ready, proceed to start.” You will then move on to the actual question, where you can record 5 takes and submit the version you are most satisfied with.

3. If successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be called forward for a technical interview with a subject matter specialist. This will not be a ‘pass’ ‘fail’ interview, but will play into the panel’s overall assessment of your suitability. You will then be asked to attend an assessment day at GMFRS Headquarters. The assessment day is a selection day, and those successfully completing that element will then be called back for a final panel interview the next day. These will take place week commencing 13th April 2026.

You will also be asked if you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant Interview Scheme.

If you have any issues with your online application, contact mary.dempsey@gatenbysanderson.com quoting the job title/reference number.

Mandatory Information:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.

Privacy Notice (Click here)

Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Enhanced DBS Check

The role holder will be subject to an Enhanced level check by the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Failure to disclose information when asked within this application could result in dismissal but will not necessarily be a bar to employment with us. The amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provides that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Safeguarding Policy and Procedure