Deputy Operations Manager - HMP

Deputy Operations Manager - HMP

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Turning Point

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative drug and alcohol services within a prison environment.
  • Company: Join Turning Point, a leader in recovery and rehabilitation services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to excellence and positive change.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in the best prison service in London.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in substance misuse or healthcare settings is essential.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

At Turning Point, we are recognised leaders in supporting people to recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. Our prison wellbeing service plays a critical role in reducing harm, supporting recovery and improving safety across the custodial environment. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the leading prison drug and alcohol service in London, based within HMP Thameside. This is a rare opportunity to work within a highly visible, innovative and ambitious service committed to delivering excellence across recovery, treatment, psychosocial interventions, partnership working and reducing drug-related harm within the prison/community.

This role sits alongside an experienced, passionate and demanding Operations Manager who expects high standards, accountability and professionalism from those around him. The successful candidate will join a team that prides itself on energy, resilience, creativity and a relentless commitment to doing the right thing for service users. This is not an entry-level leadership role. We are looking for an experienced and credible operational lead with a proven track record within substance misuse, criminal justice, healthcare or custodial settings.

Your focus will be on ensuring the safe, effective and innovative delivery of the prison drug and alcohol service, maintaining high standards across clinical governance, psychosocial interventions, recovery support and operational performance. You will:

  • Support the Operations Manager in leading and developing a high-performing multi-disciplinary drug and alcohol team within a complex custodial environment.
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality interventions and recovery-focused care to service users across the prison.
  • Lead on operational performance, quality assurance, compliance, audits and service improvement activity.
  • Maintain strong partnership working with HMPPS, healthcare providers, commissioners, security departments and external agencies.
  • Use performance data, PHOF indicators and service outcomes to drive continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.
  • Support continuity of care pathways from custody into the community, ensuring effective communication with external treatment providers and stakeholders.
  • Line manage Team Leaders and senior staff, providing supervision, performance management, support and professional development.
  • Promote a visible culture of accountability, professionalism, compassion and recovery throughout the service.
  • Contribute towards strategic development, innovation and implementation of new recovery initiatives within the prison.
  • Ensure all safeguarding, risk management, information governance and legal requirements are consistently maintained.

We are looking for an exceptional leader who is resilient, credible and passionate about recovery and rehabilitation. You will have:

  • Significant experience within substance misuse services, criminal justice, healthcare or custodial settings.
  • Proven experience managing teams and operational service delivery within complex environments.
  • Strong knowledge of NHS Models of Care, continuity of care pathways and Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) data.
  • Experience working with commissioners, stakeholders and partner agencies.
  • High levels of competence in IT systems, data analysis, compliance and governance processes.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence, challenge and motivate others.
  • The ability to remain calm, decisive and solution-focused under pressure.
  • A visible passion for supporting vulnerable individuals and advocating for meaningful recovery opportunities.

We want a leader who takes ownership, stands by their decisions and leads from the front. Someone who understands that success in this environment is built on consistency, integrity, resilience and relationships. You will be joining a service that already has a strong reputation within the London prison estate and is committed to becoming an example of best practice in prison wellbeing work. If you are ambitious, driven and ready to help shape the future of prison substance misuse services, we would welcome your application.

As a leading health and social care provider with more than 300 locations across England, we take real pride in the services we offer. We run all of our services on a not-for-profit basis; instead, we invest every penny back into our services and people. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we work constantly to improve the lives of the people we support.

We know reward looks different to each person and so whether it's ways to make your money go further, a culture supporting recognition and celebration, or opportunities to boost your career we want to support you in every way we can with our total reward package that includes: 35 days paid holiday a year + Bank Holidays, increasing to 36 days + Bank Holidays after 2 years service. Plus the option to buy additional holidays and spread the cost.

Join our team and discover the comprehensive benefits we offer by following this link to explore all the exciting perks available to our employees.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date.

Deputy Operations Manager - HMP employer: Turning Point

Turning Point is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to supporting recovery and rehabilitation within the custodial environment. Located in HMP Thameside, our team thrives on a culture of accountability, professionalism, and compassion, offering extensive benefits such as 35 days of paid holiday, opportunities for career advancement, and a supportive work environment that values innovation and excellence. Join us to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to transforming lives.

Turning Point

Contact Details:

Turning Point Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Operations Manager - HMP

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Turning Point or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission in supporting recovery and rehabilitation. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the lives of service users.

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and operational management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Operations Manager - HMP

Leadership Skills
Operational Management
Substance Misuse Knowledge
NHS Models of Care
Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) Data
Team Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for recovery and rehabilitation shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives, especially in a challenging environment like a prison.

Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in substance misuse services or custodial settings. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record, so don’t hold back on the details that showcase your skills and achievements.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Operations Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing benefits!

How to prepare for a job interview at Turning Point

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on NHS Models of Care, PHOF data, and COC pathways. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the jargon but truly understand how they impact service delivery.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed teams in complex environments. Highlight how you’ve motivated others and driven performance, as this role demands a strong leader who can inspire a high-performing team.

Be Ready for Tough Questions

Expect to be challenged on your decisions and past experiences. Prepare to discuss how you’ve handled difficult situations, maintained compliance, and ensured quality assurance in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your resilience and accountability.

Communicate Passionately

Your passion for recovery and rehabilitation should shine through in your responses. Be vocal about your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and how you advocate for their needs. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who truly believes in the mission.