Chief of Staff HIWFRS623222

Job Details:

Salary Range: £45,091 - £47,181 per annum
Work Location: HIWFRS HQ, Eastleigh
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6 March 2026
Interview Date: 23 March 2026

Join our Team!

We are creating a pivotal new role at the heart of our organisation. As Chief of Staff, you will work directly with our Chief Fire Officer and Executive Group to enable effective strategic decision making, strengthen leadership impact, and support the successful delivery of our Safety Plan 2025 - 2030.

This is an opportunity for an exceptional professional who thrives in a dynamic, high profile environment - someone who brings clarity, influence, and drive to complex organisational and political landscapes.

As our Chief of Staff you will:

• Provide professional guidance, challenge and advice to the Chief Fire Officer, adding value across the organisation.


• Promote and strengthen the civic identity of the Fire & Rescue Service, enhancing our reputation and impact.


• Build and maintain strong cross functional and external relationships to support leadership success and effective service delivery.


• Lead and contribute to national projects on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer and senior managers.


• Represent the Service at senior forums, acting with professionalism, integrity, discretion and complete confidentiality.


• Champion high standards, innovation, inclusion, and our Core Values - ensuring they are lived and embedded across everything we do.

About you
You’re someone with outstanding judgement, political awareness, and the confidence to work with sensitive issues at an executive level. 

You’ll be able to influence, collaborate and deliver with precision, always demonstrating professionalism and credibility.

What we're looking for:

• Educated with a degree qualification or equivalent.


• Substantial line management experience within a business environment.


• Strong political awareness and understanding.


• Confidence use own initiative and completing and prioritising work independently.


• Experience of working at a corporate level, ideally in the public sector.


• Excellent communication and leadership skills.


• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact across an organisation that makes life safer for our communities, we want to hear from you. 

Benefits of working for us:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).


• Generous holiday entitlement.


• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working.


• Salary sacrifice car and bike schemes.


• Discounts for emergency services workers at many retailers including Blue Light Card.


• Modern office spaces to work from.


• Family-friendly leave entitlements.

Additional Information:

Chief of Staff Job Description and Person Specification

HIWFRS Values:

• Reaching Further - Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others.


• Showing Respect - Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.


• Supporting Others - Listening and acting with compassion and empathy.


• Everyone Playing Their Part - Recognising the contribution we all make.

Vetting Requirements:

This role is subject to a Standard DBS Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Becky Leigh, Head of Corporate Governance & Support on [email protected] or Matt Robertson, Director of Corporate Services on [email protected]