Chief Fire Officer

Chief Fire Officer
Impact a better future

Closing Date: 19 June 2026

Serco:

At Serco, we bring together the right people, technology, and partners to deliver innovative solutions that impact a better future.

We have been operating in the Middle East since 1947 and have a profound understanding of the region.

With over 4,500 colleagues here, we support governments across defence, space, transport, emergency services, justice and migration, and other vital public services. Our core capabilities span service design and advisory, customer experience, complex programme management, systems integration, and asset and facilities management, alongside environmental and case management services.

Guided by our unique service model, we work together with clients and partners to achieve long-term visions and tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges.

+impact: 

+impact, Serco’s advisory business, specialises in operational transformation and advisory services for government, critical national infrastructure, and regulated business.

We bring real-world front-line operating experience and practical insights drawn from successfully delivering the most complex contracts and service solutions around the world. 

We help our customers set-up and transform their operations by optimising efficiency, improving the service experience and attaining best in class safety and environmental performance. Our practice areas include organisation resilience, experience design, operational and digital transformation, asset & facilities management, HSQ and sustainability.

Our work ensures a positive impact where it matters most.

We’re different because we do.

 
Your Opportunity  

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Fire Officer who will be establishing and effectively managing all aspects of Rescue and Firefighting Services as per the accepted Aerodrome manual and ensure compliance with GACA regulations. The CFO will ensure that rescue and firefighting, polices, procedures and training fulfil the aims of the Aerodrome and meet regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will ensure readiness of crew at all times while responsible and accountable overall for the management and performance of all station personnel in the provision of 24/7 operational Rescue & Firefighting Services (RFFS), including but not limited to: the provision of ARFF services to designated airfield to the specified GACA RFFS Category, for civilian aircraft and provide SRFF services in response to incidents, including fire, rescues, building and facility emergencies, storms, flooding, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials release and de-contamination/clean up tasks. Also responsible for the non-operational Fire Training and Fire Prevention departments included within the service provision.

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with excellent communication, organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills, capable of managing multiple operational demands in a high-pressure environment.

This role is part of the FRS team and will be based in Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Key Accountabilities

• Direct/Lead/Manage the RFFS at the airport and its associated personnel, ensuring all are compliant with the requirements set by external regulatory bodies.
• Ensure that all RFFS Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) meet all operational requirements for the Airport Category.
• Required to be fully conversant with airport requirement documents and policies, able to demonstrate comprehensive underpinning knowledge and understanding of local/international RFFS standards and regulations (GACA/NFPA/ICAO).
• Ensure that the RFFSS management team develop and update fire plans, standard operating procedures, health & safety plans accordingly and provide regular progress reports for company and airport review.
• Manage (with support from finance team) and prepare budgets for the RFFS requirements, within current company policies, procedures and regulations.
• Manage/Coordinate and establish strong working relationships between the RFFS and all relevant parties both internal and external to the Airport.
• Manage/Ensure that a safety management system is implemented and maintained by the RFFS management team to ensure that all fire service vehicles and associated equipment are maintained to operational readiness and checked/tested in accordance with current regulations, including all RFFS reserve stocks requirements.
• Manage/Ensure RFFS management team provide the correct minimum level of manpower, equipment and media for duty, in relation to the operational airfield category at all times.

Specific Requirements

• Minimum 10–15 years of experience within Fire & Rescue Services, including at least 7 years in a Station Captain role or equivalent leadership position.
• Experience in an equivalent Chief Fire Officer position within the last 5 years is highly desirable.
• Completion of a minimum of 12 years of formal education. A University Degree in a Fire/Rescue-related discipline is desirable.
• Qualified to an Aviation Rescue & Firefighting Service (ARFF) standard recognised by international or regional regulatory bodies, including GACA, ICAO, CAA, FAA, or GCAA.
• Hold ProBoard or IFSAC-accredited certifications in the following disciplines:
  • • NFPA 1001 – Firefighter I & II
    • NFPA 1003 – Airport Firefighter
    • NFPA 472/1072 – HAZMAT Awareness Level
    • NFPA 472/1072 – HAZMAT Operations Level
    • NFPA 472/1072 – HAZMAT Technician Level
    • NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer I, II, III & IV
    • NFPA 1041 – Fire Instructor I & II (Level III desirable)
    • NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector I & II (Level III desirable)
    • NFPA 1026 – Incident Safety Officer
    • NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
• First Aid and/or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Hold a valid light vehicle driving licence in the country of origin and be eligible to obtain an equivalent licence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Join Us 

At Serco, we believe there is a place here for everyone. A place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day. Our workplace culture is one that embraces diversity and fosters equity, respect, and belonging for every individual. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive environment that proudly celebrates the perspectives and backgrounds that each of our employees bring to work every day. 

Join Serco and be part of a values-driven organization that invests in the development and well-being of its employees and offers a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Serco is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities and is committed to ensuring the safety of all of its employees through its Zero Harm initiative. Please visit careers.serco.com for more information.