At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support individuals facing financial challenges in community and custodial settings.
- Company: The Wise Group, partnering with the Ministry of Justice for impactful services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement in justice services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams within criminal or social justice sectors.
The predicted salary is between 29077 - 31500 € per year.
Location: North West England (community and custodial)
Salary: £29,077 – £31,500 + excellent benefits
Hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working)
Status: Fixed term until 28th February 2027
Closing date: 28th May 2026
The Wise Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and third‑sector organisations, delivers the Finance, Benefit and Debt service across the North West of England. This role is about more than advice. It’s about helping people stabilise their finances, reduce crisis, and create the conditions for long‑term change. Working across prison and community settings, you will lead a team delivering one‑to‑one mentoring to men facing financial hardship, benefit challenges and debt. You’ll work closely with probation, prison teams and local partners to ensure people can access the right support at the right time. Using our Relational Mentoring approach, your team will build trusted relationships that go beyond transactional support – helping individuals make meaningful, sustained progress.
As Team Lead, you will play a key role in how this support is delivered – shaping team performance, strengthening partnerships and ensuring we deliver high‑quality, person‑centred services that make a real difference.
What you’ll lead
- People and performance: Recruit, onboard and support mentoring staff delivering frontline interventions. Provide regular supervision, support wellbeing and performance, manage caseload allocation and create a culture focused on accountability, rehabilitation and outcomes.
- Service delivery: Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across custodial and community settings. Support your team to address finance, benefits and debt barriers that impact stability and resettlement.
- Partnerships and stakeholder engagement: Build strong working relationships with prisons, probation, Ministry of Justice partners and third‑sector organisations. Strengthen referral pathways and support collaborative delivery.
- Safeguarding, risk and compliance: Ensure safe working practices are embedded, including risk assessment and safeguarding. Manage and elevate concerns appropriately and ensure compliance with all requirements.
- Data, quality and performance: Oversee CRM systems, case recording and performance reporting. Use data and insight to track progress, meet contractual requirements and drive service improvement.
- Continuous improvement and change: Identify opportunities to improve delivery, gather feedback and support the ongoing development of justice services across the North West.
What you’ll bring
- Experience leading or coordinating frontline teams within criminal justice, social justice, employability or related services
- Strong people management and coaching skills, with the ability to build trust and accountability
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people entering or leaving custody, particularly around finance, benefits and debt
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, partnership environment
- Strong organisational and digital skills, including experience with CRM systems and performance reporting
- Confidence building relationships with statutory and third-sector partners
- A practical, solutions-focused approach and the ability to implement change
Essential requirements
- Full driving licence and access to a car for daily use
- Willingness to travel across the North West, including custodial and community locations
- Successful completion of enhanced Level 1 prison vetting
- Home broadband to support flexible working
- Experience of working in a custodial setting is advantageous.
Team Lead (Justice Services) in Manchester employer: The Wise Group
The Wise Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in North West England, where you can make a tangible impact on individuals facing financial hardships. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and collaboration with key partners in the justice sector, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while contributing to meaningful change in the community. Our commitment to high-quality, person-centred services ensures that you will be part of a culture that values accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Lead (Justice Services) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the justice services sector. Attend local events or online webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and mentoring. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your motivation for working in justice services. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to support those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Lead (Justice Services) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Team Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading teams within criminal justice or related services, and show how your skills align with our mission at The Wise Group.
Showcase Your People Skills:We want to see your strong people management and coaching abilities. Share examples of how you've built trust and accountability in previous roles, especially in challenging environments like custodial settings.
Demonstrate Your Understanding:It's crucial to show that you understand the challenges faced by individuals in financial hardship. Use your application to discuss how you've addressed similar issues in the past and how you can help make a difference.
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 this exciting opportunity to lead impactful change in the North West.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wise Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with The Wise Group's mission and how they work with the Ministry of Justice. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on financial stability and long-term change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in challenging environments, particularly in criminal or social justice settings. Highlight your coaching abilities and how you've built trust within your team.
✨Build Connections
This role involves working closely with various partners. Think about how you can illustrate your experience in building relationships with statutory and third-sector organisations. Be ready to discuss specific partnerships you've developed and how they benefited service delivery.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
The interviewers will be looking for your ability to tackle challenges head-on. Prepare to discuss situations where you've identified opportunities for improvement and implemented changes. Show them that you're practical and can think on your feet, especially in fast-paced environments.
