At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a dynamic team delivering impactful unpaid work services.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, committed to equality and community engagement.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in operations management with flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing essential leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in staff management and risk coordination is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Ministry of Justice is seeking an Operations Manager to implement and manage the strategic direction for Unpaid Work (UPW). The successful candidate will be regionally based, report directly to the Head of Unpaid Work, and have direct line‑management responsibility for a mobile and dispersed team across the region. Occasional out‑of‑hours working on an on‑call duty rota will be required to ensure management support for lone‑working staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective management and leadership to the UPW team and be accountable for quality delivery of services.
- Ensure safe and effective delivery of court orders and manage associated risks, including reputational and organisational risks.
- Maintain statutory links with risk management multi‑agency forums.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to maximise awareness and performance of unpaid work services.
- Engage with community partners (PCC office, local authority forums, safety partnerships) to promote services, negotiate agreements, and create new placement opportunities.
- Oversee suitability assessments for offenders’ community payback placements, including high‑risk offenders.
- Recruit, develop, and manage staff performance, attendance, employee relations, and diversity matters in line with HR policies.
- Lead the development and assessment of suitable projects and partner engagement, representing the Probation Service appropriately.
- Accountable for asset, fleet, and equipment management to achieve cost‑effective service delivery.
- Ensure health and safety practices meet statutory requirements; investigate breaches and implement improvements.
- Adjust to reasonable alterations or additional tasks of a similar level.
- Work on weekend duty cover as required.
Qualifications and Experience
- Full clean driving licence (D1 category) and a Level 3 IOSH qualification or ability to achieve it within six months.
- Experience managing staff in challenging environments, including risk management and multi‑agency coordination.
- Strong experience working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines.
- Proven IT skills, including interpretation and application of performance reports.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and experience managing associated policies.
- Effective administration and information system skills.
- Proficiency in spoken English (and Welsh where required).
Working Arrangements
Hybrid working arrangements are available where business needs allow, combining base location, MoJ sites, and/or home. The role requires regular office presence, and the successful candidate will be based in a UK MoJ office. Working hours are 37 per week, excluding unpaid breaks. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns will be considered where they meet the role’s demands.
Equal Opportunities
The Ministry of Justice is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from disabled people are welcomed, and reasonable adjustments will be made during the recruitment process.
Operations Manager - Unpaid work in Southampton employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the community through the management of Unpaid Work services. With a strong commitment to employee development, diversity, and inclusion, the Ministry fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovative thinking and professional growth. The hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours provide a supportive balance between work and personal life, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Unpaid work in Southampton
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
Get involved with local community service projects or government initiatives that align with your interests. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build connections within the public sector that might lead to volunteer opportunities at places like Ministry of Justice.
✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
Many government organisations post their volunteer roles on specific online portals or their official sites. Keep an eye on the careers section of Ministry of Justice's website and your local council’s page to find roles that resonate with you.
✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
Look for local events, town hall meetings, or public forums where you can meet professionals from the public sector. Engaging in conversations at these events can spot volunteer opportunities and even lead to future roles within Ministry of Justice.
✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
Join groups or forums focused on volunteering in your area. Not only will you be able to share experiences, but you might also come across insider info about upcoming roles at Ministry of Justice or other related organisations. It's all about who you know!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Unpaid work in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Community Involvement:Volunteering in the government and public sector is all about making a difference in your community. Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or community projects you’ve been involved in on your CV. We want to see how passionate you are about serving the public and what initiatives you've taken to create positive change.
Emphasise Transferable Skills:In the public sector, skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are golden. Highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they were in a non-public sector role. We appreciate real-world examples that show your ability to connect with people and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter:Since you're applying for a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and commitment to helping others. Use this opportunity to express your passion for public service and any specific issues or groups you’re excited to support. Let's see your reason for wanting to join our cause at Ministry of Justice!
Show Your Availability:When you're volunteering, we need to know how much time you can commit. Be clear about your availability and any other commitments you might have. This will help us understand how you can best fit into our team at Ministry of Justice. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Community
For a volunteer role in the public sector, it’s super important to understand the community or area you’ll be serving. Reflect on local issues and initiatives that affect residents. This shows your interest and awareness, which can set you apart during the interview with Ministry of Justice.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Volunteering is about service – be ready to discuss why you want to contribute to the public sector. Share any past experiences of community involvement or projects that demonstrate your dedication. Be honest about your motivations; passion goes a long way in volunteer roles.
✨Familiarity with Policies
Brush up on basic policies or regulations relevant to the public sector. Familiarity with how these impact community services can be a big plus. You might be asked situational questions where your understanding of these matters might help, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Bring Your Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, soft skills are key. Think of examples that showcase your teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. Since we’re dealing with people from various backgrounds, your ability to connect and collaborate is crucial, so be ready with stories that highlight these abilities.
