Operational Risk Team Leader

3rd October 2025

Organisation:

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue

Salary:

Grade 5 (£28,598 - £31,022)

Location:

Sheffield

Hours and Working Pattern:

Full Time - 37 Hours per week (Flexi Time)

Term of Employment:

Permanent

Job Reference:

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Job Description

An opportunity has arisen within our Firefighter Safety Team for an Operational Risk Team Leader, based at Headquarters in Sheffield.
The Operational Risk Team Leader plays a key role within the Firefighter Safety Team, responsible for leading the facilitation, development, and delivery of accurate and timely operational risk information to support the safety and effectiveness of operational personnel. The post-holder will line manage and support Improvement Technicians, ensuring high standards of performance and continuous improvement. Working collaboratively across the organisation, the role contributes to maintaining a robust risk information framework that underpins firefighter safety, operational planning, and decision-making.
To be considered for this role you will have previous experience of understanding risk – with a proven ability to identify, assess, and communicate operational risks in a way that supports firefighter safety and effective decision-making. Processing and managing data and information – including collecting, validating, analysing, and presenting operational risk data to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with service standards. Working as part of a team – collaborating with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve shared objectives, while also supporting and motivating others through strong interpersonal and communication skills. Bringing creative and innovative ways to improve productivity and efficiencies – by embracing new ideas, technologies, and process improvements to enhance the quality and timeliness of operational risk information and driving a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
As the Operational Risk Team Leader, you will:
• Lead and manage staff – line manage and support Improvement Technicians, providing clear direction, coaching, and performance management to achieve team objectives.
• Oversee operational risk information – coordinate the collection, validation, maintenance, and quality assurance of operational risk data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with service standards.
• Support firefighter safety – ensure timely and accurate risk information is available to operational crews, underpinning effective planning, response, and decision-making.
• Promote continuous improvement – champion innovation, identify efficiencies, and share best practice to strengthen risk information management and service delivery.
• Collaborate across the service – work with internal departments and external stakeholders to identify, assess, and communicate emerging or changing risks.
• Ensure compliance – align processes with relevant legislation, national operational guidance, and organisational policies.
• Provide assurance – contribute to audits, inspections, and reviews, reporting on data trends and operational learning.
• Support learning and development – deliver or support training and awareness sessions to improve understanding and use of operational risk information.
• Represent the team – deputise for the Firefighter Safety Team Manager and represent the team at meetings, working groups, or regional collaborations when required.
• Work across the Firefighter Safety Team when required to assist other teams and the Station Manager.
For more information about the role contact Station Manager Daz Middleton on 07823515913.
A job description and person specification for the role can be obtained via our website at http://www.syfire.gov.uk/jobs or by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@syfire.gov.uk
We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups within our workforce, including individuals from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT+), and individuals with disabilities. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to innovation, creativity, and better decision-making, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Please note the appointment is subject to successful pre-employment screening i.e. asylum and immigration check, references, medical screening, substance misuse testing and a minimum of a standard level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which includes current and spent criminal records information. Enhanced checks with barred lists will be carried out for roles that undertake ‘regulated activity’ which is a term related to working with children or vulnerable adults.
New starters will commence on the bottom of the salary grade and will receive increases to the top of the grade on an incremental basis. We offer 28 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus Bank Holidays. Annual leave increases after 5 years’ service to 32 days, followed by an extra day a year up to a maximum of 37 days. We also operate a generous flexi time attendance scheme.
Other benefits include; a cycle 2 work scheme, a free on site gym, enhanced maternity and paternity schemes and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
If you require any of our recruitment documents in larger print please contact our recruitment team as above.
Applications from job share candidates will be considered and all applications will be given equal consideration.
Interviews will be held week commencing 6th October 2025.

How to Apply

To apply please download a copy the application form and the Job Description / Person Specification.
Within your application please detail how your skills and experience meet each of the essential criteria listed on the person specification with examples.http://www.syfire.gov.uk/jobs