Detention Operations Manager in Clapham

Detention Operations Manager in Clapham

Clapham Full-Time 43704 - 43704 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Serco

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage daily operations in a secure environment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
  • Company: Join Serco, a leader in operational management with a commitment to diversity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts at over 1,000 retailers.
  • Other info: Access over 1,100 internal courses for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by fostering a secure and respectful environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational settings required.

The predicted salary is between 43704 - 43704 £ per year.

Location: Serco: Yarl’s Wood IRC, MK44 1FD.

Band 6: Permanent, Full Time.

Shift pattern: early 07:00–19:00, late 10:00–22:00, night 22:00–07:00, including weekends and bank holidays. Average shift pattern: 4 days per week.

Salary: Up to £43,704 per annum plus benefits.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the day‑to‑day management of centre operations, ensuring safe, secure, and effective service delivery.
  • Lead and coordinate teams, including Detention Custody Officers and support staff, to meet operational and contractual requirements.
  • Manage staff deployment, attendance, and performance to maintain high standards across all functions.
  • Take command of incidents, ensuring appropriate reporting, resolution, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, maintaining a secure and respectful environment.
  • Coach, support, and develop colleagues to build capability and foster a culture of trust and accountability.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in an operational or secure environment with strong leadership capability.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver against objectives.
  • A proactive, solution‑focused mindset with the ability to manage complex situations.
  • Confidence in managing incidents and working within regulated environments.

Background Checks

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role, covering spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and other relevant information. An Occupational Health Questionnaire will also be completed.

Benefits

  • 28 days plus bank holidays.
  • Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
  • Free on‑site car parking.
  • Over 1,100 internal courses, including funding for qualifications and apprenticeships.
  • Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app.
  • Discounts across around 1,000 retailers.
  • Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme.
  • Support for inclusion and belonging via employee networks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Serco is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable adjustments during the interview and employment process. We hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard and are proud Disability Confident Leader employers.

Detention Operations Manager in Clapham employer: Serco

Serco at Yarl’s Wood IRC is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture and numerous growth opportunities through over 1,100 internal courses and funding for qualifications. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a range of perks including a generous pension scheme, paid volunteering days, and discounts across various retailers, all while working in a secure environment that values trust and accountability.

Serco

Contact Details:

Serco Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Detention Operations Manager in Clapham

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Serco, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Serco and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Detention Operations Manager in Clapham

Leadership Skills
Operational Management
Team Coordination
Incident Command
Compliance Management
Coaching and Development
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Serco and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Serco

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Serco, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Serco.