Head of Operational Function

Ministry of Justice; Poole; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in Poole seeks a senior leader to direct operations within the National Probation Service locally. The role oversees resources, strategy, and partnerships while deputising for the Deputy Director and guiding cross‑agency collaboration.

You will manage HR processes, ensure Health and Safety compliance, and lead strategic projects, with on‑call responsibilities as needed. A strong track record in public sector leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading local strategies and translating national priorities into local action.
• Proven ability to manage devolved budgets and multi-agency collaboration.
• Strong HR oversight including recruitment, performance management and hearings.

Responsibilities

• Lead, innovate and develop local strategies in line with the national strategic framework.
• Effectively lead cluster operational delivery and contribute 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 (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.
• To 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.
• Oversight of the management of complaints 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 your respective Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects/portfolios.
• Deputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU / operational unit functional area of activity.
• Work with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of products.
• Implement NOMS equality strategy.
• Responsible for ensuring the defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation. Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility 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

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

HR policy oversight

Health & Safety compliance

Strategic planning

Policy implementation

Job description

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 job 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/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours senior management on call rota. Responsibilities, Activities & Duties Heads of Operational Function may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.

• 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 (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
• To 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
• Oversight of the management of complaints 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 your respective Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects/portfolios
• Deputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU / operational unit functional area of activity
• Work with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of products
• Implement NOMS equality strategy
• Responsible for ensuring the defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation. Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility 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