Head of International and Returns Services Command in Manchester

The Head of International & Returns Services Command (IRSC) provides senior operational leadership for the command, overseeing complex operational, international engagement and system-delivery functions to remove those within the UK without status, including foreign criminals. This is a demanding and important role with a varied and high profile portfolio.

The work has a high operational tempo and you will lead teams based across the UK and overseas. The Head of International and Returns Services will enable and support delivery against operational returns activity which is central to the Home Office goal of controlling migration and Immigration Enforcement’s (IE) mission of tackling illegal migration by removing those with no right to be here.

This fast-paced, important and complex work sits at the centre of the Home Secretary and Ministers’ high levels of ambition and expectation of optimising and maximising returns and is rarely out of the ministerial, public and parliamentary spotlight.

We are looking for someone with a strong delivery mindset, who can work at speed, is comfortable working in the ministerial, parliamentary and media spotlights and, above all, can bring energy and drive to achieve challenging outcomes through strong leadership, problem-solving and effective engagement.

In order to secure the removal of those without permission, the government needs a set of capabilities including strong co‑operation with receiving countries; an ability to secure flight routings (be those flights chartered or scheduled operations); strong contacts with airlines and other suppliers to assist with escorted returns; and an ability to address any barriers which may otherwise prevent returns.

You will be responsible for the national escorting removal contract and operations, as well as programmes leading future procurement and build of escorted removals capabilities. The postholder will lead large, geographically-dispersed teams, including those based in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs). You will support the design, development and delivery of the strategic and operational returns plans for Immigration Enforcement in line with the Government’s immigration priorities.

You will communicate a clear and strong vision for the Command as well as being an active member of the wider Returns Directorate and Immigration Enforcement (IE) senior leadership team. High tempo, challenging and rewarding, this role provides the opportunity to work in IE’s highest profile area with frequent engagement with the ministers and senior officials. Within this role you will lead around 500 people and manage a budget of over £250m.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Delivery of Government’s goal of maximising returns by managing a blended balance of charter flight operations and scheduled flights to maximise returns.
• Driving and influencing country relationships to protect existing routes and expand new ones utilising cross Whitehall levers and exploiting opportunities for joint working with international partners to benefit UK returns activity.
• Innovating, developing and improving processes to ensure the swift securing of necessary approvals associated with identity and nationality verification for those we are seeking to remove.
• Leading teams responsible for detention decisions including safeguarding.
• Overseeing the Home Office scheduled and chartered returns operations, including oversight of complex cases.
• Ensuring that the UK has excellent returns cooperation with receiving countries.
• Delivery of the national Escorted Removals Contract, operationally, contractually and for the future procurement programme.
• Leading a Command of around 500 staff based across the UK and around the world, ensuring they work together to deliver the Government's returns priorities.