20605 – 2 x Head of PDU (1 HNE and 1 SENF)


Company:	Ministry of Justice
Salary:	£76,241 - £82,145
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Havant, PO9 2AS
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	31 Jul 2026
Closing date:	30 Aug 2026

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Summary

Overview of the job

Heads of Operational Functions are deployed to a variety of roles so as to provide leadership of staff and operations.

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 adhere 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.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

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 meetings

To make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison

Oversight of the management of complaints within the Operational Function and direct involvement in complaint resolution where 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.

Behaviours

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Making Effective Decisions

Managing a Quality Service

Delivering at Pace

Changing and Improving

Working Together

Essential Experience

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 where there 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

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh

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