Operations Manager

We are looking for a passionate and experienced manager to lead our new Dorset High‑Risk IDVA Service. As the IDVA Service Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the operational delivery, quality, and strategic oversight of a specialist team supporting victims of domestic abuse across Dorset. This role is 37.5 hrs offered as hybrid working with two days from our Boscombe office, however travel across Dorset will also be required.

You will provide strong leadership, ensure trauma‑informed, victim‑centred practice, and work closely with multi‑agency partners‑including Dorset Police, MARAC, DA service partners, health, and safeguarding teams‑to ensure safe, high‑quality and effective service delivery.

This role is pivotal in shaping a newly commissioned service and embedding high standards aligned to Safe Lives Leading Lights best practice.

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options:
  Including hybrid working
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave:
  An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced
  
  Allowances:
  
  Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts:
  High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing:
  Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary‑deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support:
  Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks:
  Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel:
  Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development:
  Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

This role will include an additional £2k allowance in recognition of the specialist skills required to manage a high‑risk IDVA service. As an Operations Manager you will

• Lead, manage and develop a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, ensuring high‑quality, consistent and safe practice.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Dorset IDVA service, ensuring contractual requirements and KPIs are met.
• Coordinate effective multi‑agency working, including attendance at MARAC, partnership meetings and commissioning discussions.
• Provide case oversight, risk management guidance and quality assurance for high‑risk domestic abuse cases.
• Monitor performance, reporting, workforce planning and service improvement activities.
• Build strong relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies to promote partnership‑led, victim‑focused service provision.
• Ensure the team adopts a trauma‑informed, inclusive approach that centres the needs and voices of victims.
• Lead recruitment, supervision, wellbeing support and development of staff.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding procedures, data security, and relevant legislation.

Ideally, you will have

• Experience working within multi‑agency forums
• Experience representing or developing services at an operational level
• Experience supporting workforce wellbeing in trauma‑exposed roles
• Additional specialist knowledge such as coercive control, harmful practices, or complex needs.

You will need

• Experience managing domestic abuse or similar high‑risk safeguarding services.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with the ability to coach, support and develop staff.
• A thorough understanding of domestic abuse, risk assessment and safety planning.
• Excellent knowledge of MARAC processes and multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements.
• Confidence in managing service performance, reporting and contractual requirements.
• The ability to work collaboratively with partners to achieve positive outcomes for victim/survivors
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the service at a strategic level.
• A commitment to Victim Support's values and a compassionate, trauma‑informed approach.

This role involves regular travel and, due to the location, a driving licence and access to a vehicle is…