Operational Manager | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Croft; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional mental health service provider is seeking an Operational Manager to lead the Health and Justice Service. This role involves strategic oversight of mental health services in male prisons, ensuring high standards of care and safety. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and operational management skills, relevant experience in mental health, and be capable of fostering a collaborative environment. Benefits include generous annual leave, pay enhancements, and excellent pension options.

Benefits

Pay Enhancements for evenings and weekends

27 days annual leave

Excellent pension

Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of mental health services and care delivery.
• Ability to engage with staff and service users effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day and financial operations of the service.
• Maintain visibility and presence across the service.
• Uphold and enhance the quality of care delivered.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Strategic planning

Team collaboration

Mental health care knowledge

Education

Relevant management qualification

Job description

Overview

An exciting secondment opportunity has arisen for the position of Operational Manager within the Health and Justice Service. This role will involve strategic and operational oversight of a Cat C and Cat D male prison's integrated mental health service, ensuring high standards of care, safety, and service delivery.

Organisation and Services

The Health and Justice Service encompasses a diverse range of secure care environments, including:

• HMP Risley
• HMP Thorn Cross
• HMP Manchester
• HMP Styal
• HMP Buckley Hall
• HMP Forest Bank
• OPD service
• Liason and diversion
• Approved Premises

This position offers a unique chance to contribute to the development and continuous improvement of Health and Justice services, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to support recovery-focused care and rehabilitation.

Role and Responsibilities

The Operational Manager will lead the day-to-day and financial operations of a designated area within the Health and Justice Services. This leadership role is central to ensuring that services run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with strategic goals.

The post holder will maintain a strong and visible presence across the service, engaging actively with both staff and service users. As a role model and advocate for recovery and positive change, they will foster a culture of continuous improvement and person-centred care.

A key responsibility will be to uphold and enhance the quality of care delivered within their area, achieved through the implementation and monitoring of performance standards, and by supporting the ongoing development of the workforce.

Working in close partnership with clinical colleagues, the Operational Manager will ensure that all care and interventions are responsive to the needs of service users and contribute meaningfully to their recovery journey.

In addition, the post holder will act as deputy to the Service Manager, providing leadership cover when required, and will report to the Head of Operations as necessary.

About the Organisation

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 6,400 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options. Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity. Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Benefits

Staff benefits

• Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts

This advert closes on Wednesday 17 Dec 2025