At a Glance
- 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, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, plus occasional trips to Birmingham and London.
- Why this job: Shape service delivery and influence future commissioning while leading a motivated team.
- 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 in London employer: Nacro
Nacro is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. As a Service Lead in the East of England, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying competitive salary progression and the chance to lead a dedicated team of Support Workers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Justice Services - Service Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their 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 in the Justice Services sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll need to deliver a short presentation during the interview, rehearse it multiple times. Make sure it’s engaging and clearly outlines how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and expectations. They might even share tips that could give you an edge in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining our team in making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Justice Services - Service Manager in London
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 specific examples of how you’ve done this before.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Sector:We want to know that you understand the challenges faced by individuals within the criminal justice system. Use your application to show us your knowledge and commitment to making a difference in this area.
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 whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nacro
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Service Manager in Justice Services. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how your background makes you a perfect fit for leading and developing high-quality services.
✨Prepare Your Presentation
Since the interview includes a short presentation, take time to prepare and practice it. Focus on how you would translate service specifications into effective delivery models. Use real examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and achieve contract outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you've inspired and developed staff, ensuring a motivated workforce. Remember, they want to see how you can lead by example and promote high performance.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the competency-based interview, engage actively with the interviewers. Ask questions about their current challenges and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to building relationships with stakeholders.
