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- Tasks: Lead and develop impactful services for individuals with complex needs in the justice sector.
- Company: Join a values-driven organisation making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence service delivery.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of justice services and work with passionate colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: East Midlands – Derbyshire
Salary: £36,213 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Direct Reports: Up to 10
DBS: Enhanced DBS & MoJ Enhanced L1 vetting is a requirement
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Service Manager to lead and develop high-quality services within our Justice & Health directorate. This is a key leadership role, responsible for delivering against contract objectives, driving continuous improvement, and building strong relationships with commissioners, partners, and stakeholders. You will manage and inspire a team to deliver impactful services for individuals with complex needs, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. You will play a vital role in shaping service delivery, influencing future commissioning opportunities, and championing our work across the region. Travel around the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area will be required in this role, with occasional travel to our Birmingham and London offices for senior management meetings. It is essential for the post holder to hold a driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle. Should you choose to use your own vehicle to meet this requirement, please note that Nacro’s Driving for Work Policy requires all staff who drive for work purposes to have full business use insurance cover for their vehicle.
We are looking to hold interviews for this role on the 10th & 11th February 2026, in person at our Nottingham offices. The interview will comprise of a short presentation which will be provided prior to all shortlisted candidates followed by a competency based interview.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, induct, train, and develop staff to ensure a skilled, confident, and motivated workforce
- Provide strong leadership, supervision, and support to promote high performance, wellbeing, and staff retention
- Translate service specifications into effective delivery models that achieve contract outcomes
- Clearly communicate service expectations and objectives to teams
- Work collaboratively with commissioners and stakeholders to ensure contract success and support service development
- Produce performance reports and data demonstrating impact, outcomes, and volumes
- Act as a regional ambassador, promoting the organisation and building new partnerships
- Take a proactive role within the Justice & Health management team, leading on key workstreams such as safeguarding, health & safety, or service user involvement
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety, ensuring compliance and best practice
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement through a solution-focused approach
People Management
- Set clear direction and priorities for your team aligned with organisational objectives
- Lead by example, embedding organisational values and behaviours
- Manage performance through effective appraisals, one-to-ones, and clear objectives
- Support learning, development, and wellbeing across the team
- Ensure consistent and effective people management, including recruitment, attendance, conduct, and performance
- Recognise and reward positive behaviours and encourage innovation
Professional & Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of the barriers faced by ex-offenders and prison leavers
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers to deliver high-quality services
- Ability to mobilise and implement services in challenging environments
- Commitment to service evaluation, learning, and improvement
Organisational Performance & Compliance
- Responsibility for managing budgets and delivering value for money
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, health & safety, and equality legislation
- Monitor KPIs and service performance, driving improvement where required
- Ensure services meet relevant regulatory and contractual standards
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
About You
You will be an inspiring and confident leader with strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships at all levels. You will be comfortable making decisions, managing complexity, and leading teams through change while maintaining a focus on quality, impact, and outcomes.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Lead meaningful services within justice and health
- Work collaboratively with passionate, values-driven colleagues
- Influence service development and future commissioning
Justice Services - Service Manager employer: Nacro
Contact Detail:
Nacro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Justice Services - Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Nacro's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll need to deliver a short presentation during the interview, rehearse it a few times. Make sure it’s clear, engaging, and highlights your leadership experience and vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the company culture and the role, plus it might give you an edge when it comes to references.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Nacro.
We think you need these skills to ace Justice Services - Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and delivering high-quality services, especially in justice or health settings. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you've inspired teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and develop staff, so share examples of how you’ve done this effectively.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Sector: We want to know that you understand the challenges faced by ex-offenders and prison leavers. Include any relevant experience or insights that show your commitment to improving services for individuals with complex needs.
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nacro
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Service Manager in Justice Services. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around managing teams and delivering impactful services for individuals with complex needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare Your Presentation
Since the interview includes a short presentation, take time to craft it carefully. Focus on how you would translate service specifications into effective delivery models. Practise your delivery to ensure you can communicate your ideas clearly and engage your audience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Think of specific examples where you've inspired staff or implemented successful changes. Highlight your ability to manage complexity and make decisions that positively impact service delivery.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of collaboration with commissioners and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you would approach this in the context of the Justice & Health directorate.