Area Commander on Transfer Feb 2026 - HeadquartersSalary: Area Commander GBP67,792 - GBP74,360 (plus 20% FDS allowance, plus locally agreed GBP13k ARA for Strategic Operational Commander role) SOC rota subject to review.Basis: Full timePackage: Contractual Hours: Region: Job Category: Operations Job Description:Area Commander on Transfer OpportunitiesBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently seeking to expand our talent pool at Area Commander level.If you are interested in potential future opportunities on transfer at Area Commander level, and would be keen to play a vital role building on our successes to date, we would like to hear from you. You will lead, develop and support the Service in delivering on its Mission working together to keep Bedfordshire safe.There has been significant investment in the County recently, and Bedfordshire has undergone significant expansion in terms of housing, and industrial and commercial sites. Universal Studios planning has been granted approval, and also the East West Rail project brings exciting new development to the area. Our challenge is to align our resources to support this exciting growth and continue to keep our communities safe.Applications on transfer are invited from those that are substantive and competent Area Commanders serving within a UK Fire Authority, to transfer into equivalent posts in Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, subject to suitable vacancies arising. Applicants should hold valid recognised ICL3 or ICL4 accreditation.Applicants must be able to demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential criteria on the relevant personnel specification. They will demonstrate experience of operating effectively at strategic level, and have a track record of achievement. About the role You will demonstrate excellent leadership qualities that align with the NFCC Leadership Framework, the Core Code of Ethics, our professional behaviours and our Service Values:We are AccountableWe’ve got your BackEvery Contact countsWe Dare to be Different.The Service is seeking dynamic individuals, with visionary leadership and the capability to make things happen. The role will be responsible for strategic planning, direction and guidance to ensure the Service’s vision, values and objectives are achieved.To be successful, you will have a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by the Service and the Sector locally, regionally and nationally. You will possess high levels of resilience, and demonstrate exceptional experience in leading and motivating diverse teams and services.The role requires sound knowledge and experience of fire and rescue service delivery, operational command at all levels, integrated risk management planning, business, financial and succession planning, performance and people management and partnership working.With a proven track record of leading teams, managing performance underpinned by a well-developed strategic awareness, you will enable the effective design and delivery of strategic objectives. Our Area Commanders will need the ability to operate as a Project Executive working across a range of internal and external programmes.Through a collaborative approach, applicants must have the ability to lead, build and maintain effective relationships. They will also have the ability to advance equality and diversity and inclusion, and build a positive culture for a forward thinking Service.Posts at Area Commander level are conditioned to a locally agreed Flexible Duty System (FDS) and the postholder will need to provide a suitable cover base location agreed with the Chief Fire Officer when on call. Subject to outcome and availability of suitable positions, successful appointed applicants will be required to undertake a probationary period of 6 months and will also be required to satisfactorily complete an Acknowledgement of Skills Programme.Salary in line with National payscales. Those conditioned to the flexible duty system will receive the 20% flexible duty supplement to basic salary. There is an additional payment for carrying out Strategic Operational Commander (SOC) duties – which is subject to review.You will be required to gain satisfactory employment clearances, including an Enhanced level Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance and pass a Service Medical before appointment will be offered.To ApplyApplicants will need to complete an application form, with supporting statement. This will enable you to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification.The Selection ProcessCandidates will have the opportunity to join an engagement forum hosted by Andrew Hopkinson, our Chief Fire Officer to discuss what we have to offer, and an opportunity to visit our HQ site. This will be taking place 14.00 on 5 March 2026.Candidates successful at shortlist will be invited to attend our Area Commander selection process on transfer. This will include media exercise, an interview, and an Incident Command L3 assessment.Successful applicants will enter a talent pool, eligible for consideration for Area Commander posts as they arise.For more information about our service, our county and values, the assessment schedule, please visit our website, where full information can be found in the same section as our live AC Promotion Gateway details:Applications should be made via the Current Vacancies section, available on the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service website - using the Area Commander on Transfer option. Closing Date: 11 March 2026, 23.59 hours If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please email us at recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk All candidates can request an informal 1-2-1 discussion with our Chief Fire Officer, Andrew Hopkinson, which we will seek to accommodate, subject to availability of all parties. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This is a public-facing role and it is essential to have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act.Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, at the level required for the role.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.To understand how we might use your information during the recruitment process, please refer to the Applicant Privacy Notice (attachment above).At Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, we’re not all the same. And that’s our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we’ve experienced, and how we think. Because to provide a service that serves everyone, we believe in including everyone. Be bold, be unique, be you, dare to be different!