Operations Team Leader

Operations Team Leader

Full-Time 32483 - 37265 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ministry of Justice

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing parole reviews and driving operational improvements.
  • Company: Join the Parole Board, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to equality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the justice system while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong collaboration, judgement in case management, and experience in performance management.

The predicted salary is between 32483 - 37265 £ per year.

Job Details

  • Salary: National £32,483 – £37,265; London £34,281 – £41,836 (dependent on location)
  • Working Pattern: Full Time
  • Location: London, National
  • Closing Date: 22-Jun-2026
  • Job ID: 18515
  • Dept: Operations
  • Team: End to End Case Management
  • Job Grade: HEO (Higher Executive Officer)
  • Number of Posts: 1
  • Reports to: Senior Operations Manager

Job Purpose

Provide executive leadership for the Team Leader roles within Regional Case Management, IPP Taskforce and Listings, ensuring timely and efficient progression of parole reviews, driving continuous improvement and compliance with operational KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure timely and efficient progression of parole reviews in line with business KPIs.
  • Advocate for change and lead the implementation of operating model improvements.
  • Prepare and plan Paper and Oral hearings (Member Case Assessment and Oral Hearing).
  • Oversee the case management team and delivery of auxiliary operational functions.
  • Drive and embed delegated authority under Rule 4, supporting case managers.
  • Oversee listing and scheduling of prisoner reviews and manage workload allocation.
  • Apply strong knowledge of policies to lead high‑quality delivery using data-driven decision making.
  • Build effective relationships with members, staff and stakeholders.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives with Capability team.
  • Provide cover for Senior Operations Manager and peer team leaders.
  • Support organisational change initiatives and participate in operational forums.

Scope of Responsibilities

  • Line manage a medium‑large sized team, including HR-related matters, performance, absence and talent development.
  • Ensure team provides effective secretariat support for MCA and Oral hearings, meeting KPIs.
  • Support integration of Member Case Assessment and Oral Hearing processes.
  • Monitor staff performance and train on the escalation process.
  • Undertake QA case management dip sampling for all managers.
  • Conduct one‑to‑one meetings using structured template covering well‑being, HR, KPIs, performance and QA.
  • Build and maintain relationships with Parole Board members, staff and stakeholders.
  • Provide onboarding, training and development support for staff.
  • Represent case work at operational forums and ensure policy adherence.
  • Collaborate with operational leaders and Capability team on guidance updates.
  • Provide cover for Senior Operations Manager and peer leaders.
  • Assist with new projects and process changes.

Primary Deliverables

  • Ensure the team works efficiently to support the parole process.
  • Provide clear leadership and direction with measurable objectives.
  • Consistently QA the team's case work, giving regular feedback.
  • Review cases to ensure timely progress.
  • Manage outstanding directions, liaising with stakeholders and escalating as needed.
  • Drive performance improvement and develop staff potential.

Person Specification

  • Strong collaborative skills with colleagues.
  • Ability to provide confident support for delegated authority.
  • Judgement in complex case management decisions.
  • Understanding of organisational priorities and business plan alignment.
  • Positive professional relationships with members and stakeholders.
  • Performance‑management capability and KPI monitoring.
  • Cross‑directorate working and change initiative contribution.
  • Stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Professional representation in forums.
  • Experience managing high caseloads in evolving teams.
  • Change management and continuous improvement experience.
  • Resilience and positive focus under complexity.
  • Adherence to processes, policies, and guidelines.
  • Confidence in using IT systems (Excel, Teams, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Experience in conducting challenging conversations.
  • Knowledge of the Parole Process and PPUD.
  • Proficiency in leadership, coaching and succession planning.

Benefits

  • Flexible working system with standard full‑time hours of 37 hours per week.
  • Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns are supported.
  • Annual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years.
  • Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day.
  • Pension choice available via Civil Service scheme.

Training & Development

The Parole Board offers extensive training and development opportunities for staff.

Equal Opportunities

The Parole Board is an employer of choice for a diverse workforce and is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Employee‑run networks exist to support employees of minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBT+ employees.

Additional Information

The Parole Board offers a range of benefits including family‑friendly policies, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, childcare support options, paid parental leave, and annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Who can apply

Open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with right to work, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and relevant family members.

Recruitment Notes

3 roles in higher executive team leader positions; preferred role will be taken into account during allocation.

Operations Team Leader employer: Ministry of Justice

The Parole Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the parole process. Located in London, the Parole Board provides a dynamic environment where team leaders can lead impactful initiatives and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

Ministry of Justice

Contact Details:

Ministry of Justice Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Team Leader

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to operations and case management. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements or managed teams effectively. We want to see your impact!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Team Leader

Leadership Skills
Case Management
Performance Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Change Management
Continuous Improvement
Data-Driven Decision Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities of the Operations Team Leader role. We want to see how you can drive performance improvement and lead a team effectively!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a medium-large sized team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and how you’ve handled challenging situations.

Be Data-Driven:The job requires strong knowledge of policies and data-driven decision making. Include specific instances where you've used data to improve processes or outcomes in your previous roles. We love seeing those numbers!

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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the parole process and the key responsibilities of the Operations Team Leader role. Brush up on relevant policies and KPIs, as you'll want to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance improvements. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led change initiatives and supported staff development in previous roles.

Build Relationships

Think about how you can illustrate your ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the role.

Practice Makes Perfect

Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice answering common questions related to case management and operational leadership. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.