At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage education contracts in prisons, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a difference in prisoner education.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth in the public sector.
- Why this job: Impact lives through education while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management or relevant accreditation required.
The predicted salary is between 53755 - 60504 £ per year.
Region: West Midlands
Closing Date: 02-Jul-2026
Business Unit: AGY - NOMS Agency
Post Type: Permanent
SEO: 1 available position
Reserve List: 12 months
Job ID: 19030
Description & requirements
HMPPS Band 8
The Prisoner Education Service (PES) is the commissioning route that allows governors and directors to meet the core curriculum needs of their establishment, such as maths, English, ICT, and ESOL, as well as screening and assessments. Delivery through the PES contract forms a significant part of the learning and skills provision in prisons and represents the majority of the spend in this area. PES delivery operates alongside provision commissioned through the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and internal options like embedded learning in work areas throughout the regime, including workshops, kitchens/serveries, and wing work.
Currently, two Common Awarding Organisations, including City & Guilds, have exclusive rights to supply qualifications to education providers in prisons. This ensures consistency and continuity in qualification delivery across different sites. The education contract management team oversees the financial management and control of PES, DPS, Library, HE/FE and Careers Information Advice & Guidance (CIAG) contracted provision. The team consists of Core Education Contract Managers, CIAG Contract Managers as well as Education and Skills Managers, the subject matter experts for quality of education and stewardship. The education team has also recently assumed responsibility for managing the family services contract, as well as education digital contracts and education grants.
Base Locations:
- HMP Birmingham, Centre City Probation Service Office, First Floor, 5-7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA
- HMP Birmingham (Winson Green), Winson Green Road, Birmingham, B18 4AS
- HMP Brinsford
- HMP Featherstone
- HMP Hewell, Hewell Lane, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 6QS
- HMP Stafford, 54 Gaol Road, Stafford, ST16 3AW
- HMP/YOI Stoke Heath, Stoke Heath, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 2JL
Working Arrangements & Further Information:
The role is a hybrid working arrangement. Employees must be present in the office for at least 60% of their working hours, equating to three days per week. The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows, blending work from the base location, other MoJ sites, or home. Some roles will not be suitable for hybrid working. The arrangement will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Cabinet Office Foundation and Practitioner Level Contract Management accreditation or equivalent relevant experience.
Behaviours:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
Security Check: DBS Standard
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications may include AI‑generated material, but all examples must be truthful, factually accurate and directly from your own experience. Plagiarism will lead to withdrawal of the application.
Operational Contract Manager - West Midlands Region employer: Ministry of Justice
As an Operational Contract Manager with the HMPPS in the West Midlands, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities within the prison system. The company fosters a supportive work culture that values employee development and offers flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth, this position provides a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in custody while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Contract Manager - West Midlands Region
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Operational Contract Manager - West Midlands Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
