Operations Manager - Unpaid Work (UPW) - East of England with Visa Sponsorship

The Ministry of Justice is seeking an Operations Manager for Unpaid Work (UPW) in the East of England (Bedford, Harlow, Huntingdon, Stevenage). This full-time Support role is ideal for experienced managers, particularly Nigerians and other African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is available and foreign applicants are explicitly welcomed. Offering a competitive salary of £46,746 - £48,760, this position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's criminal justice system while securing a Skilled Worker visa.

Job Description

As an Operations Manager for Unpaid Work (UPW) within the Ministry of Justice, you will be instrumental in implementing and managing the strategic direction for UPW services across the East of England. Your core responsibilities will include ensuring the efficient delivery of contract requirements, maintaining compliance with specified standards, and upholding quality to support the crucial objective of reducing reoffending.

This regionally based role involves reporting directly to the Head of Unpaid Work and entails direct line management responsibility for a mobile and dispersed team operating throughout the region. You will oversee the assessment and planning of diverse, purposeful work placements that adhere to health and safety regulations, ensuring accessibility for all individuals on probation. Furthermore, you will foster partnerships with external agencies and local stakeholders to guarantee the high-quality delivery and performance of unpaid work services, meeting contractual targets and achieving positive outcomes for probationers.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing staff in a practical work environment, especially with challenging individuals.
• A deep understanding of the Probation Service's role within the Criminal Justice System and its multi-disciplinary context.
• Knowledge and empathy regarding the issues faced by victims of crime.
• Extensive experience in risk management and assessment, including familiarity with multi-agency risk assessment and management procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team to achieve performance targets.
• Right to work in the UK, or eligibility for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, which is available for this role.
• Level 3 Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or equivalent qualification (or ability to achieve within 6 months).
• D1 Category Driving Licence.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from £46,746 to £48,760.
• Opportunity for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship for eligible foreign applicants.
• Hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow, offering flexibility.
• Access to comprehensive staff development, performance management, and employee relations support.
• Meaningful contribution to reducing reoffending and supporting communities.
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
• Opportunities for career progression within the Ministry of Justice.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and other African immigrants targeting this Operations Manager role, demonstrating your leadership, risk management, and team oversight capabilities will be key. Ensure your CV clearly highlights experience managing diverse teams and working with challenging individuals, emphasizing any exposure to criminal justice or community service settings. Your cover letter should articulate your understanding of the UK's Probation Service and how your skills align with the Ministry of Justice's objectives, particularly your ability to manage health and safety and implement strategic directions.

Highlight your D1 Driving Licence and any IOSH qualifications prominently. During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've handled high-pressure situations, managed change, and championed diversity. When the visa sponsorship topic arises, express your enthusiasm for contributing to the UK justice system and your understanding of the visa process, reassuring them of your commitment to long-term relocation.

• Ensure your CV is polished, in a UK format, and clearly outlines your managerial experience, especially in challenging environments.
• Tailor your cover letter to explicitly address the job description's responsibilities, activities, and desired behaviours (Working Together, Developing Self and Others, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership).
• Prepare to discuss your experience with risk management, health and safety policies, and engaging with community partners, providing concrete examples.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and the Probation Service thoroughly to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during interviews.
• Highlight your D1 Driving Licence and any relevant safety qualifications (like IOSH Level 3) as essential technical requirements.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Operations Manager position under the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) route. Foreigners (non-UK residents) are explicitly encouraged to apply. If your immigration status or right-to-work is complex or borderline, it is advisable to clearly outline your situation in your application or discuss it during the initial stages to ensure full clarity.