Prison Operational Senior Leader

We are looking for a Prison Operational Senior Leader to join HMP Northumberland team, providing strategic direction, visible leadership, and a strong commitment to safety, decency, and high‑quality prisoner care. Working closely with the Deputy Director and Director, you will help drive key organisational priorities in line with Company values and wider HMPPS expectations, ensuring a zero‑harm culture and consistently high operational standards.

The role requires confident leadership across your function, with responsibility for performance delivery, robust assurance frameworks, and proactive risk management. You will motivate and develop teams, act as a positive role model to staff and prisoners, and play a key role in the command of complex operational incidents with professionalism and resilience.

You will also represent HMP Northumberland and Sodexo within the wider community, building strong and meaningful stakeholder relationships that support operational effectiveness and enhance the establishment’s reputation.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater.

You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers

Main Responsibilities

• Lead your teams effectively through positive communication, clear direction, engagement activities and performance expectations.
• Maintain operational stability and safety.
• When necessary, take command of complex operational incidents and participate in incident management as required.
• Work with the Deputy Director to anticipate risks (operational, financial, contractual and reputational), devising and implementing appropriate proactive strategies.
• With guidance from the Deputy Director, plan, supervise, coordinate and continuously review the daily routine, ensuring that it meets the requirements to deliver all aspects of the prison regime and Contract.
• Supervise and direct performance within the prison in accordance with the Contract and wider requirements of the Authority.
• Direct management of the prison in the absence of the Deputy Director.
• Ensure that prisoner care, decency and safety is of the highest standard.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures within your function and the wider establishment
• Continually review the skills and competencies of the team, addressing issues proactively.
• To anticipate risks (operational, financial, contractual and reputational), devising and implementing appropriate proactive strategies.
• Effective management of the operational budget within your function.
• Effective communications and stakeholder engagement / relationships with a range of external organisations.
• Participate in recruitment, promotion and selection and drive towards efficient and effective use of resources.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Proven track record in criminal justice operational leadership experience
• Effective incident management skills
• Evidenced risk management capabilities
• Credibility and authenticity
• Stakeholder engagement
• Alignment with Sodexo Values

Desirables

• Project Management and Risk management skills
• Experience in contractual compliance and delivery

Package Description

Competitive Salary depending on experience + bonus

Monday to Friday work - with some weekends and evenings on call

MOJ Level 2 will be required for the role

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer

20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

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File Downloads

• UK Rewards and Benefits Guide.pdf
• Operational Senior Leader v2 Feb 26 (1).docx