At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and oversee a portfolio of contracts in probation services, ensuring effective delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Ministry of Justice focused on community integration.
- Benefits: Flexible working locations, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence national strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rehabilitation services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Accountable to the Deputy Director (DD) or Head of Community Integration in regions, the SACM is accountable for overseeing delivery and development of a portfolio of contracts, including Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS). This includes accountability for contract management and oversight of related interfaces with other providers in their designated area (e.g. prisons, Electronic Monitoring (EM), Bail Accommodation Support Service (BASS)) and for related stakeholder engagement, service planning, development, transition, exit and mobilisation and commissioning activity.
The post holder is accountable for managing a complex, innovative portfolio of contracts and for delivery of services that carry high levels of risk, that have not previously been commissioned in this way. The SACM will be allocated strategic/subject matter expert lead responsibility for an aspect of business. This may include: at national level leading on particular service specifications (e.g. Offender Management, Rehabilitation etc); leading on a particular cross-regional supplier; leading on a particular segment of the offender population (e.g. women, BME etc); or leading on liaison with other functions e.g. national strategic contract management, PPAS, Finance, Commercial, Commissioning Strategies Group etc.
The SACM will be responsible for evaluating sentencer demand and service delivery against local and national priorities, and for service planning, development, transition, exit and mobilisation and commissioning activities within their designated area. The SACM will work collaboratively with colleagues within the Directorate (Deputy Directors, Service Managers, Contract Support Officers, Operational Audit Team, System Development Team, and Contract Support Unit) and other functions across HMPPS/MOJ.
The SACM will lead and promote effective relationship management and build effective working relationships with and between providers (e.g. CRS, PS, prisons, EM and BASS) and with key stakeholders and partners at regional level. The post holder will have sufficient seniority and authority to represent and deputise for the DD or Head of Community Integration and deal effectively with strategic commissioning partners (e.g. Police and Crime Commissioners) and with providers at Chief Executive, Deputy Director and senior manager levels.
At the discretion of the DD or Head of Community Integration and decisions about the most effective deployment and management of the Area team, the SACM will be accountable for the line management, performance, and development of a team of Service Managers, Contract Support Officers and Contract Administration Specialists in line with Area and National priorities. The geographical base for the SACM post can be flexible within their contract management Area and will require some work in London and other locations.
Responsibilities, Activities and Duties
- Managing portfolio of regional contracts (including CRS) to deliver service outcomes and value for money.
- Ensuring appropriate levels of assurance in relation to designated contracts, including as required, on-site presence within the organisation in order to observe and monitor operations, processes and practice.
- Ensuring financial payments are made in line with contract performance.
- Identifying service quality, contract compliance and supplier performance issues and priorities and liaising with the National Operational Audit Team in order to inform the programme of assurance activity required to deliver the Annual Service Quality Assurance Plan.
- Liaising with National Strategic Contract Management, Commercial Contract Management, Contract Improvement Team, System Development, and other HMPPS/MoJ functions to ensure that the necessary advice and support is obtained to inform effective management of the designated contracts.
- Leading on management of the contract management Governance processes in relation to designated CRS and other contracts, including dispute resolution and chairing as required the Service Management Board, Contract Strategy Board and other groups.
- Liaising with Commercial Contract Management to convene the Change Management Board as required.
- Accountable for overseeing the interfaces between designated suppliers, the PS and prisons, and other providers of community based offender services.
- Liaison with the PS within a designated area, and as required to inform the setting and oversight of the PS Divisional SLA, and oversight of service delivery across the whole Rehabilitation Services system.
- Maintaining effective stakeholder relationships with providers, particularly between CRS suppliers, PS and prisons, and with wider stakeholders in relation to community and 'through-the-gate' offender services, and holding suppliers to account for their stakeholder engagement commitments.
- Leading work to critically evaluate local sentencer demand, offender needs and priorities in order to inform, service planning, development and commissioning activities.
18410 - Senior Area Contract Manager Probation Services employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Senior Area Contract Manager within our organisation, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the delivery of rehabilitative services. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to employee well-being and engagement, combined with the chance to work across various locations, including London, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding and impactful role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 18410 - Senior Area Contract Manager Probation Services
✨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 professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills in contract management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from the interview to remind them of your conversation and reinforce your interest.
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Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get clicking!
We think you need these skills to ace 18410 - Senior Area Contract Manager Probation Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Area Contract Manager role. We want to see how you can manage complex contracts and engage with stakeholders effectively.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team and representing senior management, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Focus on your experience with contract management and service delivery, especially in high-risk environments. We’re looking for specific examples that show your ability to oversee and improve service outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you understand the specifics of contract management, especially in relation to rehabilitative services. Familiarise yourself with the key performance indicators and compliance requirements that are crucial for overseeing contracts effectively.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight your experience in managing interfaces between different providers and how you’ve navigated complex situations to ensure smooth service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to evaluating service delivery against local and national priorities. Think about how you would lead on specific service specifications or segments of the offender population, and be prepared to share your insights.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-risk situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage disputes or oversee governance processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
