Assistant Director 1

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Director to join their team at a secure facility in London. This pivotal role involves strategic planning, resource management, and overseeing operational responsibilities to enhance prisoner care and rehabilitation. The position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a diverse environment, fostering a culture of support and continuous improvement. If you have a passion for leadership and stakeholder engagement, and are ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Pension scheme—up to 6%

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities to innovate

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Benefits portal with discounts

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience with a focus on stakeholder engagement.
• Strong skills in planning, teamwork, and organizational management.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational responsibilities for the prison regime and incident management.
• Drive continuous improvement through quality initiatives and strategic planning.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Teamwork

Planning

Organizational Skills

Influencing

Education

Senior Manager CMI Level 4

Job description

We’re looking for an Assistant Director 1 (AD1) to join our team at HMP Thameside, a Category B establishment for adult males, prioritizing safety and security.

The AD1 plays a key role in delivering the functional elements of the Contract, aligned with Service Specifications and Prison Service Instructions. This position manages a specific functional area within the contract, such as Residence, Security and Operations, or Interventions, and may include overseeing part of the accommodation profile.

You will be responsible for strategic planning and resource management within your area to meet Contract objectives. Additionally, you will perform duties of the Duty Senior Manager, taking operational responsibility for managing the prison regime, including adjudications and incident management in line with protocols.

This challenging yet rewarding role offers the chance to significantly impact prisoner care, contribute to a positive legacy for team members, and be part of a secure, decent, and caring custodial environment. If you enjoy engaging with people and possess strong interpersonal skills, this is an excellent opportunity to work in a diverse environment committed to prisoner rehabilitation.

Minimum requirements include: Prison Custody Officer (PCO) certification, experience commanding Serious Incidents, and custodial experience to start effectively. Additional responsibilities include:

• Articulating business issues and areas for improvement, developing practical solutions in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Generating innovative, strategic ideas that challenge the status quo.
• Recognizing and encouraging high-quality work and outstanding performance.
• Maintaining up-to-date Directors Rules detailing procedures within your functional area.
• Driving continuous improvement through quality initiatives such as ‘Custodial Blueprint’ and LEAN practices.
• Delivering service requirements as specified in the Annual Custodial Service Delivery Plan (ACSDP) negotiated with the Ministry of Justice.

Qualifications and experience needed

Previous leadership and people management experience, with a passion for stakeholder engagement with customers, suppliers, and partners. Strong teamworking, influencing, planning, and organizational skills are essential. You should hold a relevant management qualification such as a Senior Manager CMI level 4 or equivalent, or have significant managerial experience in a custodial setting.

Why Serco?

Make an impact—We manage around 5,000 prisoners across our prisons and have been in operation for years, employing 2,000 colleagues across six custodial contracts, ensuring you deliver essential services impacting lives.

Reliable support—Our UK-wide operations provide opportunities for learning and growth, allowing you to broaden your experience and apply your skills innovatively.

Join a motivated team—We foster a supportive, safe culture that encourages your success.

What we offer

• Pension scheme—up to 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities to innovate in the Justice sector
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A benefits portal with discounts on high street brands in Retail, Leisure & Hospitality