Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Whether you are already working in the fire service or have the transferable skills from other roles, this is a highly sought after opportunity to break into Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, one of the best services in the country. This is a key management role, helping to lead and shape high quality delivery of our range of services and in driving forward our response strategy and initiatives.

Who we're looking for

We would like a highly experienced individual from within the fire service or professionals with relevant skills from other careers to join our leading senior management team.

This could be an opportunity to change career direction, as we will run an 18-month fast-track scheme to train people up for this role. You could come from any number of backgrounds– including ex-military, airport services, or emergency planning.

Whatever your previous experience, you'll need to have worked in a senior management position, and have proved your ability to think strategically and take an innovative approach to problem solving. As a born leader, you'll have the credibility to instil confidence in everyone you work with from your operational staff to managers at the highest level with the Service or community leaders and councillors. Political acuity is also essential to operate successfully in this key public sector role.

The Assistant Chief Officer role:

This is a highly rewarding, varied and exciting role in the fire service, responsible for shaping and leading the direction of our response strategy, whilst also taking full responsibility for operational incidents at a strategic level.

You will be a champion for change as you shape and deliver the Service's priorities and the delivery of its range of services and activities, to make life safer for the people living in, working in and travelling through Hampshire.

You will be able to demonstrate innovation and a different way of thinking when responding to risks in the local community and focussed on the highest standards and quality of response. You will drive performance through determination, engagement and evaluation.

You will be an ambassador for the Service and play an influential role on a regional and national level, contributing to, and often leading, regional and national agendas on risk reduction initiatives.

Fast-track training scheme:

If you join from outside the fire service, you'll go through an 18-month development programme. This fast-track scheme will give you a true understanding of the role on the ground, as well as helping you get to grips with policies and procedures from an operational point of view.

About Hampshire Fire and Rescue: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service exists to keep the communities of Hampshire and those who visit us safe. The Service has a proud tradition of effectively and professionally achieving this aim. Moving forward, our goal is to be the best Service in the country. You will play a key role in helping us to achieve this ambition.

Apply: To find out more, please visit us at our website.

Closing date: 28 November 2011.