National Business Operations Manager: Fire Response

Job Description

• The National Business Operations Manager: Fire Response is the senior operational leader responsible for translating the Fire Response division's strategy into disciplined national execution. The incumbent owns operational readiness, response performance, people leadership, fleet and equipment availability, national standards, service quality, cost control and continuous improvement across all operating regions.
• This is not a purely administrative role. It requires a visible, hands-on leader who understands emergency response, can operate calmly under pressure, makes sound decisions within the applicable delegation of authority, and holds teams accountable for results. The role works closely with the Chief Fire Officer, National Command Centre, Finance, Fleet, HR, Commercial, Technology, Risk, Legal and regional leadership.

Minimum qualifications and professional requirements

• Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in Operations Management, Business Management, Emergency Services, Fire Engineering, Risk Management or a related discipline.
• Recognised fire-service command, incident management or emergency-response qualifications appropriate to the scope of the role.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel nationally at short notice.
• Demonstrable knowledge of occupational health and safety, emergency response governance and the regulatory environment relevant to private fire-response operations.

Preferred qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Operations, Risk, Emergency Management or a related field.
• Formal Incident Command System, project management, business continuity, health and safety, or fleet-management certification.
• Relevant professional registration or membership in a recognised fire, emergency management, safety or operations body.

Required experience

• At least 10 years' progressive experience in complex, multi-site operations, emergency services, fire and rescue, security response, logistics or another 24/7 mission-critical environment.
• At least 5 years in a senior management role with accountability across multiple regions, branches or operating units.
• Proven responsibility for operational budgets, cost control, workforce planning and performance delivery.
• Experience leading managers and sizeable frontline workforces operating in shifts.
• Evidence of improving readiness, response performance, safety, standardisation and operating discipline.
• Experience managing major incidents, service disruptions or business continuity events at executive interface level.
• Experience supporting tenders, client mobilisations, new-region launches or rapid operational scale-up is strongly preferred.

Role demands and working conditions

• National travel and regular presence at operational sites, including unplanned visits and inspections.
• Availability outside normal office hours for major incidents, service disruptions and urgent operational decisions.
• Work in or near emergency scenes and operational environments, subject to appropriate PPE, safety controls and fitness requirements.
• Ability to operate under sustained pressure, manage competing priorities and communicate calmly during incidents.
• Successful completion of relevant background, licence, qualification and fitness verification required by Fidelity and applicable law.

Deadline:2nd October,2026