At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational support and management within the National Probation Service.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the Greater Manchester area focused on community justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; supportive environment with family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in middle management and a relevant probation qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Region: Greater Manchester
Closing Date: 12-Jun-2026
Business Unit: PDU Tameside (2021)
Post Type: Permanent
Number of jobs available: 1
Reserve List: 12 Months
Job ID: 17527
Overview
Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function, the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles in order to provide strategic support. To support the Head of LDU Cluster providing management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) Local Delivery Unit (LDU). To represent the Head of LDU Cluster with external agencies/stakeholders and staff as appropriate. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours on call rota.
Responsibilities
- Cluster operational lead on caseload segmentation issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Guns and Gangs, Integrated Offender Management etc.
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster within relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High‑Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
- Providing support to the Head of Cluster within the relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as grievance, discipline, capability, complaints, etc.
- Responsible for the professional development of cluster staff.
- Responsible for developing and deploying the Cluster Training Needs Analysis.
- Ensure effective cluster employee recruitment and induction.
- Act as cluster lead for performance & quality.
- Act as cluster lead for audits and inspections.
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster in completing reviews and delivery of action plans such as Domestic Homicides, Serious Further Reviews, Serious Case Reviews, etc.
- Responsible for the management of the Business Manager and the administrative support functions within the cluster.
- Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster; represent the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks in line with statutory responsibilities and operational policy.
- Participate in the Multi‑Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally with other responsible authorities, including chairing MAPPA level 3 meetings.
- In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster: make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary (e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison).
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster in the management of complaints within the cluster and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary.
- Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster lead on specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
- Operational support to the Head of Cluster in cluster compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
- Senior Management responsibility for estates, buildings and maintenance activities within the cluster.
- Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
- Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
- Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.
Behaviours
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
Essential Experience
- Significant experience at middle‑manager level, including the management of staff.
- Experience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements.
- Experience of budgetary control including procurement.
- Experience of managing relationships including working with key local agencies and stakeholders.
- Evidence of preparing high‑level written reports to a good standard.
Technical Requirements
- Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Or a qualification recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.
- The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option), CQSW (with Probation Option).
- Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system.
Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances
37 hours a week.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home. This role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate will be appointed to an MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed at the completion of pre‑employment checks. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role.
Benefits
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and increases to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays.
- Pension: National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
- Training and development opportunities.
- Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ groups.
- Family‑friendly policies such as reduced hours and job‑share.
- Access to voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
- Childcare support schemes such as Tax Free Childcare.
Support
- Family‑friendly policies for reduced hours or job‑share.
- Voluntary benefits and discounts.
- Alternative government childcare support schemes (e.g., Tax Free Childcare).
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
Recruitment Information
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process.
Additional Information
Eligibility for the position: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (and settled or pre‑settled status holder’s family members), and other qualifying categories that have been granted rights under UK immigration law.
Senior Operational Support Manager employer: Ministry of Justice
The National Probation Service (NPS) is an exceptional employer located in Greater Manchester, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and family-friendly policies, NPS fosters a collaborative environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Employees also benefit from hybrid working arrangements and various training opportunities, ensuring continuous professional growth within a vital public service sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operational Support Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the probation and criminal justice sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Probation Service and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready for situational ones that test your leadership and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through examples! When you get the chance to speak about your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will make your achievements stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our job alerts so you can jump on new opportunities as soon as they pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operational Support Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Operational Support Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:We want to see your significant middle-management experience, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've managed staff and improved performance in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you the chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the responsibilities of a Senior Operational Support Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of caseload segmentation, performance monitoring, and the relevant Probation Instruction criteria. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing staff and leading projects, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led a team or managed a challenging situation. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. For instance, how would you handle a high-risk case transfer? Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to ensure compliance with policies while maintaining safety.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges the cluster is currently facing, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
