Assistant Director

Serco Group Plc; North East; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading security and detention services provider is seeking an experienced Assistant Director for the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC). This permanent, full-time role involves managing a multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of care, safety, and compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, experience in custodial environments, and the ability to handle incident management. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £50,000 per annum and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Free on-site parking

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a custodial or secure environment.
• Ability to develop teams in a high-pressure setting.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead departments to deliver services within contractual KPIs.
• Act as Duty Director and Silver Commander during serious incidents.
• Monitor performance and report against operational targets.

Skills

Leadership in custodial environments

Stakeholder management

Performance management

Communication skills

Incident management

Education

Command-level incident management qualification

DCO accreditation (or willingness to achieve)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Assistant Director to join the leadership team at Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC). In this critical role, you will report to the Deputy Director in leading a key operational function within the centre, ensuring the delivery of high standards of care, safety, and compliance in a secure and politically sensitive environment.

You will lead, motivate, and manage a multidisciplinary team to deliver contractual obligations, drive performance, and uphold the principles of Positive Detention Culture. Working both on site and in an office environment, you’ll also build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and the customer (Home Office), acting as a role model for professional and ethical standards.

This is a challenging yet rewarding leadership opportunity for someone with a strong background in custodial or secure settings and a passion for people management, operational excellence, and ethical service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned departments to deliver high‑quality services within contractual KPIs.
• Act as Duty Director and Silver Commander during serious incidents, including out‑of‑hours on‑call responsibilities.
• Drive staff engagement, support business change initiatives, and reduce absenteeism.
• Ensure compliance with Serco policies, Home Office standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor performance and report against operational and financial targets.
• Support training, development, and succession planning across your teams.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and respectful environment for detainees, staff, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a custodial or secure environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a complex, high‑pressure setting.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Sound understanding of performance management, contract compliance, and reporting.
• Financial and IT literacy.
• Command‑level incident management qualification.
• DCO (Detention Custody Officer) accreditation (or willingness to achieve).
• Knowledge of immigration detention and working with vulnerable adults is desirable.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence.

Additional Requirements

• This role requires successful security clearance (CTC and enhanced DBS).
• Primarily based at Derwentside IRC, with occasional travel to other sites.
• Control & restraint training (provided as part of onboarding) is required.

Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .

Why Serco?

At Serco, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and rehabilitative environment. You'll be part of a collaborative team striving to make a real difference in people’s lives while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.

A place you can make an impact: We’re focused on decency and respect in all aspects of our care for residents. You’ll help create a clean and comfortable environment during a critical time in their lives.

A place you can count on: Our diverse UK‑wide operations offer fantastic opportunities to learn and progress. You’ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways, with plenty of room to grow.

A place for you: As well as caring for residents, we also care for and support one another. When you join Serco, you join a community of 50,000 people. We’re a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed with ongoing support and a flexible approach to work‑life.

Role Details

Assistant Director – Derwentside IRC, Consett, DH8 – Permanent, Full‑time

Up to £50,000 per annum + Corporate Benefits Package

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• A collaborative team environment with strong leadership
• The chance to make a real difference in the justice system
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Free on‑site parking