Ops Risk Support Role

Ops Risk Support Role

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for a person to carry out the role of Operational Risk Support, (formerly advertised as Watch Commander Ops risk). This role is a Permanent Position

This role attracts a salary reflective of Watch Commander B, plus 10% day workers allowance. If not already a competent Watch Commander, pay will be at development basis until competency is achieved to Watch Commander rank. This is subject to SFRS recruitment protocol and paid in line with agreed national joint council terms. The additional 10% reflects the specialist nature of the role, requirement to work flexibly and to maintain operational competence including fitness.

Eligible applicants can be any of the following: Firefighter (including acting Crew Commander, Crew Commander, or Watch Commander. This application is not open to developing Fire fighters. All applicants must be competent in their current role to apply (e.g. could be developing Crew/Watch Commander) and must be operationally fit, while also meeting the experience and qualifications as specified in the shortlisting criteria

Are you passionate about making a difference to the communities of Surrey?

This role for Operational Risk will be to lead and support people to gather risk information for all types of properties. This includes station-based support to crews, assurance of completed work, planning and allocating visits and training operational personnel to gather risk information for all types of properties under the powers of the Fire Services Act Section 2004 section 7ii(d).

Full details can be found in the role profile.

This role will allow for a degree of hybrid working, it will be based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate or one of the three fire safety offices, but will be flexible as the candidate will be working with all the operational crews across Surrey.

You will be supported by an experienced team, made up of operational and civilian backgrounds and experience. The successful candidate will report to and be supported by Station Commander for operational risk (Brad Thomas).

The role will offer you a deeper understanding of risks and impacts at operational incidents, and how organisational plans and strategies support the delivery around data gathering and supporting our front-line crews. Applicant will either already hold or be trained to IOSH managing safely. There may be opportunity to attend introductory fire safety courses. A greater awareness of our P+P system will be developed will in role.

This role will involve engaging with various partners and business owners to lead and support people to share and gather risk information to support the resolution of operational incidents. You will also be responsible for educating businesses and fire teams ensuring shared understanding of risks.

As well as this, you will work independently to manage your calendar with the support of your manager in prioritising workloads.

A typical day in this important role will see you assessing risks and hazards associated with firefighting operations, understanding measures in place to protect people, premises and support firefighter actions. You will be influencing and supporting operational crews both on station and remotely, supporting professional curiosity to understand the risk profile of Surrey. Future aspired developments for this department include a structured review program for submitted OPS Risks, improving displayed MDT tactical information and refinement to the existing OPS risk program.

We are keen to have your opinion and help shape the direction of data gathering for the purpose of crew safety and effectiveness.

Job Details

You will need to be flexible, respond positively to change and be prepared for continuous learning and professional development throughout this time.

You will have the interpersonal skills that give you the ability and flexibility to gain support and influence internal and external stakeholders. We work with businesses, partners, and the public to improve safety in the community and for firefighters.

You must be able to work effectively with technology and able to demonstrate competence with basic software and IT equipment. Accuracy and attention to detail are key skills.

You will be able to demonstrate a calm, confident and resilient approach to unpredictable, challenging or dangerous situations while maintaining respect for others. Lead and Support people to complete records such as Operational risk or Ops intel ready for and effective operational response.

A reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is necessary as you will be required to inspect multiple areas of a building and take equipment with you to carry out your role. This can also include walking around the surrounding areas as well as reviewing a building internally.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting to interview for this position you must be currently competent in role, this is a pre-requisite. Your application will clearly evidence as many of the following as possible and answer the 4 questions in an enclosed statement. *Applications that fail to do so, will not be considered. If successful further training and qualifications will be provided to enhance and support your development.

• Experience of leading and managing a diverse group of staff or tasks to ensure effective service delivery.
• Experience of managing changing priorities and situations.
• Experience of gathering risk information and data storage systems
• Experience of working in a team, communicating effectively and demonstrating professionalism within the Service and towards the public, partner agencies and other service providers.
• Experience of having led, engaged and motivated others both within the Fire Service and externally.
• Experience of having understood and applied relevant information to make appropriate decisions which reflect key priorities and requirements

Essential Criteria

Applicants’ appointment to this role will be subject to the following:

• Satisfactory references
• DBS clearance
• Fitness test (grey book only)
• Medical clearance via Occupational Health (grey book only)
• Evidence of required qualifications to be shown on request

Additional Information

The job advert closes at on 2^nd October 2026 with interviews to follow.

Contact Details

To arrange an informal discussion please contact Station Commander Bradley Thomas on: bradley.thomas@surreycc.gov.uk