At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international operations to manage and optimise returns of individuals without status.
- Company: Join the Home Office, a key player in UK immigration enforcement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and impactful work at a national level.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high visibility and engagement with ministers and senior officials.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in immigration policy while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
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.
Head of International and Returns Services Command employer: Government Recruitment Service
As the Head of International and Returns Services Command, you will join a dynamic and impactful team dedicated to shaping the future of immigration enforcement in the UK. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values strong leadership and innovative problem-solving, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on high-profile operations and direct engagement with government officials, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant difference while working in a fast-paced environment that prioritises both operational excellence and employee well-being.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of International and Returns Services Command
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand their goals, especially around immigration enforcement and returns services. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact in this high-profile area.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Since this role involves managing large teams and complex operations, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams, tackled challenges, and achieved results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of International and Returns Services Command
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations, especially in operational roles. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive results and manage complex projects.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We’re looking for candidates who understand the role and its challenges. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. Remember, we want to understand your experience and vision without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of International and Returns Services Command. Familiarise yourself with the Home Office's goals, especially around migration control and returns. Being able to discuss specific strategies for maximising returns and managing complex operations will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a large team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed diverse teams or navigated challenging situations. Highlight your ability to inspire and drive results, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Given the nature of this role, it's crucial to stay updated on current immigration policies and international relations. Be ready to discuss recent news or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This shows that you’re not only knowledgeable but also engaged with the broader context of the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in this role, such as managing operational tempo or dealing with media scrutiny, and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your readiness to tackle the complexities of the position.
