Head of Operational Function

Ministry of Justice; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a middle manager to provide leadership and resources within the National Probation Service. The role includes operational direction, managing local strategies, and collaborating with various agencies. Candidates should have significant management experience, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications in community justice or probation studies. Benefits include competitive annual leave, extensive training opportunities, and employee support networks.

Benefits

Annual leave of 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years

Generous pension scheme

Extensive training and development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Significant experience at middle manager level.
• Substantial experience in line management of staff.
• Strategic operational planning through effective deployment of resources.
• Current knowledge of effective practice in managing risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop local strategies in line with the national framework.
• Manage devolved budgets according to financial procedures.
• Provide oversight of complaint management within the Operational Function.
• Chair grievance and other hearings while managing HR policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Making Effective Decisions

Managing a Quality Service

Delivering at Pace

Changing and Improving

Working Together

Education

Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice

Diploma in Probation Studies

Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)

CQSW (with Probation Option)

Job description

Job Overview

To provide management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) with responsibility for resources and the operational and strategic direction and management of the Service within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or any other operational unit and/or functional area of activity. To represent the Deputy Director with external agencies, stakeholders and staff as appropriate. In line with NPS policies and procedures, the post holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive and confidential nature of the information handled while working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours senior management on call rota.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, innovate and develop local strategies in line with the national strategic framework
• Effectively lead cluster operational delivery and contribute corporately to national operational delivery and priorities
• Lead the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks
• Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings in line with delegated functional lead and decision making responsibilities
• Manage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegation
• Manage competing demands within the geographical area of responsibility
• Responsible for the various functions across the division, including line management of middle managers
• Manage resources effectively
• Oversee the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetings
• Make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary, e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison
• Provide oversight of complaint management within the Operational Function and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary
• Undertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, attendance management, disciplinary investigations, performance management and staff appraisals, chair grievance and other hearings
• Work effectively with the Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects and portfolios
• Deputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU or operational unit functional area of activity
• Work with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of products
• Implement NOMS equality strategy
• Ensure the defined work areas and activities comply with Health and Safety legislation, ensuring risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their responsibilities towards Health and Safety compliance
• Carry out agency responsibilities for victims
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
• Discharge estates responsibilities for Head of Operational Function
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS, and ensure role suitability for Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

Essential Experience

• Significant experience at middle manager level, holding relevant responsibilities in at least two different settings
• Substantial experience of line management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and motivating
• Lead monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets and effect significant improvements where necessary
• Responsibility for budgetary control to support local operational requirements
• Strategic operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demands
• Manage people and projects (applying project management techniques) to implement significant change and practice improvements
• Work with key local agencies and stakeholders to develop strong partner relationships
• Preparing high‑level written reports
• Experience of delivering presentations to multi‑agency audiences and large groups
• Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Experience of managing people through organisational change
• Experience of successfully managing relationships, including where there is conflict
• Experience of contributing to the development of strategic business plans to achieve improved service delivery
• Experience of making complex risk management and public protection decisions
• Current knowledge of effective practice in managing risk and reducing reoffending

Probation Qualifications

• Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a qualification recognised by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007
• Diploma in Probation Studies
• Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
• CQSW (with Probation Option)
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Equality legislation
• Knowledge of the wider Criminal Justice System

Benefits

• Annual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service plus public holidays
• Part‑time and job‑share arrangements calculated on a pro‑rata basis
• National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
• Extensive training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of Justice
• Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employees
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share, flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens

Equality and Inclusion

We are a disability confident employer and are committed to providing adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We support veterans and provide a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks before taking up post.

Complaints Process

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5358, Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email at [e-mail]
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([e-mail])
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)