Operations Unit Manager

Job Introduction

HMP Addiewell are recruiting for an Operations Unit Manager

We are now recruiting for an Operations Unit Manager.  This is a crucial operational management role reporting to a member of the Senior Management Team and working closely with colleagues across the prison, with our partners and across the wider Sodexo Justice Services environment. 

HM Prison Addiewell is a high security prison, with a focus on enabling those in its care to change their life pathway. We have a strong and concerted focus on supporting prisoners to address their offending behaviour through delivery of programmes and working with a range of professionals including prison custody officers. We deliver relevant skills via training and employment and work with all areas of the wider community to ensure that prisoners have the best possible chance of leading positive lives following release. 

We have an effective prisoner peer support model, in which prisoners assist staff in the delivery of classes, programmes and activities becoming positive role models for others.

Addiewell opened in 2008 and has become an integral part of the Scottish Prison Service estate earning much praise for our innovation, use of technology, strong partnership working as well as our “can do” culture.

Role Responsibility

• Maintain the security of the prison in accordance with applicable SJS / SPS operational security standards, guidance and best practice.
• Direct line management responsibility for vehicle and pedestrian access/egress, prisoner reception area and the deployment of operational staff throughout the prison
• Effectively and efficiently run areas of responsibility, giving due regard to its contribution to the overall performance delivery of the establishment and to ensure a safe, secure and decent environment is provided
• Lead and coach staff, encourage learning and development whilst ensuring compliance with corporate and human resource policies, whilst taking cognisance of Sodexo’s Service Spirit, Team Spirit and Spirit of Progress
• Deal with all internal and external stakeholder engagement ethically and professionally
• Be able to explain the corporate direction and policy to staff within area of responsibility through coaching, team meetings and Huddles
• Provide creative and practical options for resolving problems within the unit and beyond
• Undertake any other management roles as and when necessary, including operational readiness
• Undertake Duty Manager Role
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety Legislation and Infection Control Policy and Procedures e.g. safe systems of work, risk assessments, monthly reviews, COSHH etc. where applicable
• Control of sick absence and other non-effective time, overtime, and TOIL.
• Contribute to Business Planning and Quality of Life Services as well as other related Sodexo policies
• Effective teamwork within the function and with other functions within the prison

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills/Experience Required

• Proven track record in management, ideally within a custodial environment
• High degree of technical knowledge of relevant physical and technical security equipment, prison legislation, inspection and audit processes, and knowledge of the wider criminal justice system.
• Experience of making decisions in a complex environment ideally within a custodial setting.
• A strong and consistent ‘moral compass’ and the ability to provide value based leadership.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in a politicised environment.
• Project management and risk management skills
• Experience of working successfully with accrediting and regulatory bodies and implementing associated policies and practices associated with operational security of a prison.
• A proven track record of building and managing effective teams in the delivery of the business needs
• Ability to adapt very rapidly to changing priorities
• Have belief that we can change lives for the better by reducing reoffending and risk of harm, and improve the Quality of Life of those under our supervision and care
• Be an outstanding communicator, who treats others with respect, dignity and decency
• Be a confident and responsive people manager and a focussed and dynamic team player.

Desirable Skills/Experience Required

• Experience of working as part of an Incident Command Team 
• Trained in RIP(S)A compliance or the ability to successfully achieve and meet legislative requirements
• Contract knowledge and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to manage change in a structured way
• Sound knowledge of project management framework(s) e.g. PRINCE 2
• Skills and previous experience of business continuity planning
• An understanding of staff rostering and deployment to efficiently maximise available resources

Package Description

£35,000 per annum plus excellent benefits (including free meals and parking, group discount schemes and pension with 28 days holiday)

Occasional weekend working and bank holidays

Please submit a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying for the role.

About the Company

Sodexo Justice aims to change lives for the better by reducing reoffending and improving the quality of life for those under our supervision and in our care. We deliver safe, effective and innovative custodial and community rehabilitation services that challenge offending behaviour, protect the public and offer individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. We deliver the total operation of five prisons within the UK and own six Community Rehabilitation Companies in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro.

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.