Fire Chief - Emergency Response

The Fire Chief will provide strategic and operational leadership for the fire and emergency services function, ensuring the safety of people, property and assets across the organisation’s sites.

The role leads firefighting, prevention and emergency response, develops and maintains emergency plans, manages budgets and resources, and promotes a culture of safety, resilience and continuous improvement.

The Fire Chief works closely with internal stakeholders, external emergency services and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and effective incident management.

****Key Responsibilities****

+ Lead and coordinate operational response to fires, alarms and other emergencies, ensuring incidents are managed effectively and safely

+ Develop and maintain incident command procedures, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities and escalation routes

+ Ensure resources, equipment and personnel are deployed appropriately during incidents and that after‑action reviews capture lessons learned

+ Oversee fire risk assessments, prevention programmes and corrective actions to reduce likelihood and impact of fire-related incidents

+ Advise on building design, fire detection, suppression systems and safe operating procedures to mitigate risk

+ Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of statutory fire safety requirements and ensure organisational compliance

+ Develop, review and implement fire and emergency policies, plans and procedures aligned to statutory requirements and industry best practice

+ Prepare and maintain emergency response plans, business continuity interfaces and site evacuation strategies

+ Liaise with regulatory authorities, insurers and external emergency services to demonstrate compliance and manage inspections or audits

+ Plan and deliver realistic training programmes, simulated exercises and joint drills with internal teams and external partners

+ Promote fire safety awareness across the organisation through campaigns, briefings and stakeholder engagement

+ Represent the organisation at community safety forums and multi‑agency planning meetings where required

+ Produce incident reports, performance metrics and management information to inform senior leadership and governance forums

+ Drive continuous improvement through analysis of incidents, near misses and audit findings

+ Implement changes to procedures and training to address identified gaps and improve resilience