Watch Manager B – On-Call Learning Support

Salary:  £42,672- £46,707 per annum,

Hours:  Full Time–  42 hours per week, 9 Day Fortnight/flexible working

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading and Various On-Call stations depending on service requirements.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an interesting and varied substantive Watch Managers position within Service Delivery.

The successful candidate will be responsible for support the on-call staffing group in delivering effective development activity across the Service through the planning and implementation of training and development activity aligned to progressing DAPS and OCTP activity. 

Provide leadership to support the effective and efficient delivery of services to the public. Aligned to the local safety plans, this role involves managing resources and administration while also undertaking operational duties across our On-call fire stations. You will have direct managerial responsibility for crew managers and/or firefighters for your host On-call station whilst undertaking detached duties.

You will also work alongside a variety of departments and stakeholders to help implement activity that supports on-call operations.

The role will offer flexible working hours, predominantly midweek with expectations to work Monday evenings and occasional weekends.

You will have a knowledge and understanding of the Development Assessment Pathways. You will need to hold a CAVA qualification or equivalent training. You must have a passion for development and training. You will have a willingness to learn and develop your own skills and knowledge as well as that of others.

You will have a flexible approach to working and be able to manage your own time effectively to work towards objectives working to high standards in a stimulating and challenging environment, whist providing fire cover at On-call station throughout the county.

To be eligible to apply candidates must be competent Crew Managers.

• Progress DAPS activity and assessment among on call learners.
• Assist L&D with delivering aspects of the OCTP and assessing areas of training input.
• Provide high quality support, guidance and workplace assessment to learners, undertaking pathways, programs and qualifications. 
• Support the Learning and Development department in the delivery and assessment of core skills training activity for on-call staff.
• To provide managerial and operational support to on-call stations to increase appliance availability by evaluating and maximising opportunities to improve appliance availability, aligned with achieving positive development opportunities for on-call staff.

• Knowledge and understanding of National Occupational Standards, Professional Standards, National Occupational Guidance and Awarding Bodies.
• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of learning and development e.g. design, assessment, assurance and evaluation. Passionate about development of self and others.
• Knowledge and understanding of the on-call model and the challenges faced for RBFRS on-call attraction, recruitment and retention
• Able to work appropriately on your own or as part of a team to meet work deadlines under tight time constraints
• Able to communicate effectively and influence others positively to facilitate action and change and to impart learning using a variety of methods and platforms.
• Knowledge and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, able to role model behaviours and integrate considerations around EDI in all elements of work as appropriate.
• Able to develop productive working relationships across a variety of departments and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply Now.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, that is appropriate to the role applied for.

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.  

For further details about the role please contact Matt Riley, Station Manager, West Hub, On-Call on 07899 063951 or at rileym@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion.

If you have any queries about the application process or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you in your application, or with our promotion process please contact Esme Dunne, Coaching and Resourcing assistant, by emailing dunnee@rbfrs.co.uk.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.

The closing date for applications is 9am on the Friday, 16 January 2026.

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run week commencing from Monday, 26 January 2026.

The anticipated start date is Monday, 16 February 2026.

Eligible staff wishing to apply for this position should apply through the portal, submitting a supporting statement (restricted to 1000 words) detailing how they meet the person specification for the role.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete a 20 minute presentation on the following topic immediately prior to your interview:

How will you as Watch Manager On-Call Learning Support ensure that On-Call recruits receive the support and guidance they require to become a competent On-Call fire fighter in line with NOS, NOG and awarding bodies? What challenges do you think you’ll face and how will you overcome them?

If shortlisted, you will need to submit your PowerPoint presentation or briefing notes in response to the above selection topic by 9am on Monday, 26 January 2026. This should be sent by email to Recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk.

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity.  All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

Read more on our website.