Operations Manager, Ministry of Justice, Brighton & Hove: Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking an Operations Manager for their Brighton and Hove or Hastings locations, a pivotal role in delivering justice within HM Courts & Tribunals Service. This opportunity is ideal for experienced leaders from Nigeria and across Africa who are seeking to advance their careers in the UK, with visa sponsorship explicitly available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary of £42,914 - £46,182, this full-time position also provides extensive leadership development opportunities within a crucial public service. Foreigners are welcome to apply as visa sponsorship is advertised.

Job Description

In this high-profile leadership role, you will be instrumental in proactively leading service delivery, providing clear direction to teams, and ensuring business activities are well-coordinated to boost productivity and deliver high-quality services. As an Operations Manager, you will lead by example, champion change, and cultivate a culture of resilience and adaptability, empowering your teams to thrive while building strong, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders.

This position sits within HMCTS’ Southeast region, where you will support your Deputy Head of Operations in meeting operational needs and delivering performance objectives. Your responsibilities include translating national priorities into local plans, providing visible leadership across operational areas, driving service delivery, and enhancing team productivity across Surrey and Sussex.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a challenging operations or management role, demonstrating adaptability and a rapid learning pace.
• Demonstrable people management and coaching skills, with a track record of leading, developing, and managing teams to drive performance in a service-focused environment and deliver measurable results.
• A strong leader with the ability to manage resource allocation, confidently lead teams through change, make informed and timely decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating strong negotiation, persuasion, and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication skills, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture within your teams.
• Confidence to make independent decisions and resolve complex problems, including using data-driven tools to identify trends and generate solutions.
• Ability to collaborate across the business to deliver local priorities and HMCTS and MoJ strategic objectives.
• Applicants must either possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, as sponsorship is available for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £42,914 - £46,182.
• Extensive HMCTS Leadership Development offer designed to build confident, capable teams.
• Opportunities for professional growth through bite-sized learning, interactive workshops, and the Accountability & Decision-Making framework.
• Reimbursement for occasional travel expenses to other HMCTS courts and sites.
• Hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow, blending office-based and remote work within the UK.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting this Operations Manager role, demonstrating your leadership and people management skills with a UK-centric approach is crucial. Ensure your CV highlights quantifiable achievements in managing teams and driving operational performance, aligning with the Civil Service Line Management Standards. Craft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the 'Statement of Suitability' criterion, showcasing your experience in leading change and fostering collaborative environments. Prepare to discuss your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa during the interview, emphasizing your long-term commitment to the UK and the Ministry of Justice.

• Tailor your CV to UK standards, focusing on results-driven leadership and operational management experience.
• Develop a strong 'Statement of Suitability' that directly addresses the key criteria, using examples from your professional background.
• Practice articulating your experience in managing diverse teams and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be prepared to discuss your visa sponsorship needs and how you meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS values to align your answers with their public service mission during interviews.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Operations Manager position, meaning foreign / overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are explicitly welcome to apply. This role is open to individuals who do not currently hold the right to work in the UK. If your immigration status is borderline or requires specific clarification, it is advisable to clearly state your situation in your application and be prepared to discuss it during the recruitment process.