GENERAL INFORMATION

Salary
£71,925 - £77,495
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
Plymouth
Region
South West
Closing Date
12-Sep-2025
Business Unit
PDU Plymouth (2021)
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
9164

DESCRIPTIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Job description

SUMMARY

To provide management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) with responsibility for resources and the operational and strategic direction and management of the Service within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or any other operational unit and/or functional area of activity.
To represent the Deputy Director with external agencies/Stakeholders and staff as appropriate.
In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.
The post holder must ad to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
May be required to participate in out of hours senior management on call rota.

JOB DESCRIPTION ATTACHMENT

• 
  NPS-JES-0034-Head-of-Operational-Functionv4.0.pdf (Job Description Attachment)

EXPERIENCE

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Heads of Operational Function may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.

• Lead, innovate and develop local strategies in line with the national strategic framework
• Effectively lead cluster operational delivery and contribute corporately to national operational delivery and priorities
• Lead the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks
• Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings in line with delegated functional lead and decision making responsibilities.
• Manage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegation
• Manage competing demands within (geographical) area of responsibility
• Responsible for the various functions across the division; including line management of middle managers.
• Manage resources effectively.
• Oversee the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetingsTo make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders w
• senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prisonOversight of the management of complaints within the Operational Function and direct involvement in complaint resolution w
• necessary
• Undertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, Attendance Management, Disciplinary Investigations, Performance Management and Staff Appraisals, chair grievance and other hearings.
• Work effectively with your respective Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects/portfolios
• Deputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU / operational unit functional area of activity
• Work with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of products
• Implement NOMS equality strategy
• Responsible for ensuring the defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation. Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility towards Health and Safety compliance
• Carry out agency responsibilities for victims.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
• Discharge estates responsibilities for Head of Operational Function
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post at present and are not exhaustive.

The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alteration sand additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under job evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
Additional Information
For successful candidates at the interview stage you will be required to do a presentation. These details will be sent to those successful candidates at the interview stage.
Significant experience at middle manager level, holding relevant responsibilities in at least two different settings.
Substantial experience of line management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and motivating.
Lead monitoring performance in area of responsibility against pre-determined targets and if necessary effect significant improvements.
Responsibility for budgetary control to support local operational requirements.
Strategic operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demands.
Manage people and projects (applying project management techniques) to implement significant change/practice improvements.
Working with key local agencies and stakeholders to develop strong partner relationships.
Preparing high level written reports
Experience of delivering presentations to multi-agency audiences and large groups
Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Experience of managing people through organisational change
Experience of successfully managing relationships including w t is conflict.
Experience of contributing to the development of strategic business plans to achieve improved service delivery
Experience of making complex risk management and public protection decisions