Watch Manager - General Training Instructor, Learning and Development

Home Vacancies Watch Manager - General Training Instructor, Learning and Development

WM Salary: £44,038 (Development) - £48,202 (Competent WMB) plus training allowance

Hours - 42 hours per week / 9 day fortnight + additional hours for training allowance

Location - RBFRS Learning and Development Department - Whitley Wood Road, Reading, RG2 8FT

Superb Pension SchemeOnsite Gym and Parking Facilities

An excellent opportunity has arisen within Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service for a Watch Manager - General Training Instructor, Learning and Development.

You will have a passion for and proven interest in the development of staff and be committed to maintaining high standards of performance whilst working in a stimulating and challenging environment.

By reporting to one of the L&D Station Managers, responsible for the design, planning and implementation of centrally delivered training and assessment of trainee, development and competent operational staff on behalf of the RBFRS Learning and Development Centre.

Responsible for ensuring candidates are assessed and where necessary, supporting the design and implementation of development plans to support both the candidate and their Line Manager

About you:

A position within Learning and Development is an ideal career move for an ambitious individual who:

• Has a sound knowledge and understanding of NOS and NOG.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages and Learning Management Systems
• Awareness of the operational training function.

For details of the key role specific requirements please see the Job Profile .
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. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

The Watch Manager Trainer will:

• Act as a WM subject lead in the planning, design, and co-ordination of their respective reference, ensuring that all products align to National Operational Guidance. Take a lead instructor role on set reference(s) to manage the delivery of training courses and the acquisition and maintenance of operational qualifications
• Lead on the respective reference area, including the allocation of instructors and resources to courses. Manage the deployment of instructor ARA's within the respective lead reference.
• Support L&D managers in the design and provision of the other training programmes and ongoing developmental work to improve training delivery
• Support, instruct and where qualified, assess on all other courses to maintain competencies and provide resilience to the L&D team.
• Assess candidates and complete any necessary reports, and provide continuous evaluation of courses to improve future training delivery.
• Provide effective management of records for accreditation and audit
• Support the safe operation of the fire house training facility, in accordance with RBFRS safe systems of work, including acting as an exercise director / BAI, and control room operator where required
• Advise, coach and provide feedback to students as appropriate
• Assist, as a role-player or otherwise, with incident command training
• Develop and maintain safe systems of work for all training events and environments
• Support selection testing and trainee acquisition courses when required
• Test and maintain training centre appliance(s) and operational equipment to ensure training resources are suitable and operational preparedness is maintained.
• To maintain operational knowledge and skills through station visits and to refresh operational modules through training interventions and development days
• To support Service Delivery by providing operational cover if required or any other exceptional circumstances as directed by GM (L&D)
• To carry out requests from Station Managers in line with role map or job profile which support operational training activities or benefits the L&D department. In addition to the 9-day fortnight shift pattern, Training Instructors are committed to working an additional 338 hours per annum on evenings and weekends for which an allowance is paid and additional leave provided.

Applications are restricted to Competent Crew Managers or above who have successfully completed a Level 1 Incident Command qualification and have maintained their knowledge and skills. You will already hold a teaching qualification or equivalent training and have a good knowledge of the fundamental principles of learning and development.

Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills, and experience against the relevant Personal Specification contained within the Job Profile.

Application and Selection Process: Stage One: Supporting Statement

Eligible staff wishing to apply for this role, should apply through the portal, submitting a Supporting Statement (restricted to 1000 words). If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply now

Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills and experience against the relevant Job Profile/ Person Specification.

Stage Two: Role based task and Behavioural and Competency- based Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be assessed for suitability for the role by means of a behavioural and competency-based interview alongside a presentation task.

If you are successful at shortlisting, you will deliver the presentation and have a professional discussion before interview.

The task led assignment is a presentation lasting no longer than 15 minutes on the following topic:

What is your understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, (EDI) and how will you contribute towards embedding EDI into operational training?

Consider how you would address the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring equal access to training opportunities, while also acknowledging the current cultural challenges within the Fire Service.

Eligible staff wishing to apply for this role, should apply through the portal. If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now.

For further details regarding the role, please contact Group Manager Andy Stockwell ( ) to arrange an informal discussion.

Closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, 17 November 2025.

It is anticipated that the interview and selection process will begin w/c 8th December 2025.

Possible start date: Mid-January 2026

Additional information:

Please note that similar watch manager positions within L&D may be available and we invite individuals to consider these roles which may cover any disciplines in the L&D team.

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

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 Disability Confident Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via thislink.