At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead criminal justice projects and empower women through high-quality support services.
- Company: Award-winning women-only organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
- Benefits: 35-hour work week, 30 days holiday, employee discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and understanding the criminal justice system for women.
- Other info: Join a supportive community focused on equality and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Advance, Lydbury North, England, United Kingdom
Salary: £38,000 – £48,000 (based on skills and experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Recruitment is open to female applicants only as a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010. To secure a job, references, right‑to‑work, DBS, and Police Vetting checks will be required.
About Us
Advance is an award‑winning women‑only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls who are survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short‑term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non‑violent, equal lives, fostering community participation.
About the role
As a senior manager, you will lead criminal‑justice projects, develop and expand services, manage teams, and ensure delivery of high‑quality support within budget and regulations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee criminal‑justice service delivery.
- Develop and expand services and partnerships.
- Manage budgets, financial regulations, and statutory compliance.
- Implement quality assurance frameworks, monitor and evaluate impact.
- Represent Advance externally, including visits to HMP Peterborough and HMP Bronzefield.
- Ensure staff are trained, motivated and deliver high‑quality care.
Qualifications & Skills
- Deep understanding of women in the criminal‑justice system.
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles for adults and children.
- Strong line‑management, project management and strategic planning experience.
- Experience working with complex service users in custody and community settings.
- Track record of building relationships with funders and commissioners.
- Proficiency in quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation.
- Excellent communication, influencing, negotiation and conflict‑resolution skills.
- Proactive, solution‑focused mindset and ability to plan strategically.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement and cover letter via the Advance careers page. Only applications made through the advert and containing a cover letter will be considered.
Closing date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Advance reserves the right to close the advert early or upon appointment of a candidate.
Benefits & Employee Support
- 35‑hour working week.
- 30 days paid holiday per year (+ public holidays, International Women’s Day, etc.).
- Perkbox employee discount platform.
- Pension scheme.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provisions.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee eye‑care scheme.
- Clinical supervision for front‑line staff.
- Refer‑a‑Friend scheme (£250 per referral who passes probation).
- Organisation‑wide away days.
- One‑week paid carers’ leave.
- Career development pathways.
Under the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities or special needs. Contact the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website for arrangements. We are committed to equality of opportunity and actively recruit from under‑represented groups. We have policies to ensure equal opportunity in recruitment, selection, promotion, pay and benefits. Advance is dedicated to safeguarding and zero‑tolerance of harm. All staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training and adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
Regional Senior Operations Manager - Criminal Justice (Thames Valley) employer: Advance
Contact Detail:
Advance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Senior Operations Manager - Criminal Justice (Thames Valley)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the criminal justice field, especially those connected to Advance. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Advance's values and projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of empowering women and reducing offending. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a senior manager, you'll need to influence and negotiate effectively. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Tailor them to reflect the specific requirements of the Regional Senior Operations Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Senior Operations Manager - Criminal Justice (Thames Valley)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Regional Senior Operations Manager role. Highlight your understanding of the criminal justice system and any experience you have with women in similar situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting women in the criminal justice system and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Advance. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior manager, we want to see your leadership style. In your application, mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in challenging environments.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, to be considered, you need to apply through the Advance careers page. Make sure you follow all the instructions carefully and submit your application before the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the criminal justice system, especially as it relates to women. Brush up on safeguarding principles and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff, managed budgets, and ensured high-quality service delivery in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic planning abilities. Think of specific situations where you've had to navigate complex challenges, particularly in custody or community settings.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your approach to building relationships with funders and commissioners.