Justice Services Manager

We are looking for an experienced people leader to take responsibility for a team delivering rehabilitation and resettlement services across both prison and community settings.

This is a role with real impact. You’ll be leading a dedicated team, ensuring they have the right support and direction to deliver high‑quality services that change lives. You’ll be out and about across sites most weeks, with the flexibility to balance this with some time at home for planning and administration.

If you’re a confident manager who thrives on driving performance while supporting people to reach their full potential, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Note:

you will oversee both probation (Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Basildon, Watford, Stevenage, Bedford, Luton) and prison settings (HMP Bedford, HMP The Mount, HMP Chelmsford, etc).

• Providing clear direction and leadership to a team spread across multiple sites.
• Monitoring performance and making sure targets and standards are consistently achieved.
• Acting as the first point of support for staff, offering guidance and stepping in where needed to keep services running smoothly.
• Building effective working relationships with a wide range of partners, both in custody and in the community.
• Using data and reporting tools to track progress, spot improvements, and ensure services remain compliant and high quality.
• Encouraging a culture of learning, growth and continuous improvement within your team.

• Have a proven track record of leading and motivating a team in a results‑focused environment.
• Are highly organised, resilient, and able to balance competing priorities.
• Can use data and reporting to monitor progress and drive improvement.
• Are confident working with external stakeholders and building positive partnerships.
• Can travel flexibly across several sites, adapting to the needs of the service.

You may already work in justice, probation, employability or social impact programmes, but we’re equally open to candidates from other sectors where performance management and people leadership are central.

A meaningful role where you’ll directly influence better futures for people and communities. A supportive employer with strong values and commitment to professional development. A mix of site‑based and home working, offering both variety and flexibility. Competitive salary and benefits package.

The role covers probation (Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Basildon, Watford, Stevenage, Bedford, Luton) and prison settings (HMP Bedford, HMP The Mount, HMP Chelmsford, etc). Travel across the region is essential. The position is subject to an Enhanced DBS and prison vetting.