Job overview
An exciting secondment opportunity has arisen for the position of Operational Manager within the Health and Justice Service. This role will involve strategic and operational oversight of a Female prison intergrated mental health service , ensuring high standards of care, quality, safety, and service delivery.
The Health and Justice Service encompasses a diverse range of secure care environments, including:
- HMP Risley
- HMP Thorn Cross
- HMP Manchester
- HMP Styal
- HMP Buckley Hall
- HMP Forest Bank
- OPD service
- Liason and diversion
- Approved Premises
This position offers a unique chance to contribute to the development and continuous improvement of Health and Justice services, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to support recovery-focused care and rehabilitation.
Main duties of the job
The Operational Manager will lead the day-to-day and financial operations of a designated area within the Health and Justice Services. This leadership role is central to ensuring that services run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with strategic goals.
The post holder will maintain a strong and visible presence across the service, engaging actively with both staff and service users. As a role model and advocate for recovery and positive change, they will foster a culture of continuous improvement and person-centred care.
A key responsibility will be to uphold and enhance the quality of care delivered within their area, achieved through the implementation and monitoring of performance standards, and by supporting the ongoing development of the workforce.
Working in close partnership with clinical colleagues, the Operational Manager will ensure that all care and interventions are responsive to the needs of service users and contribute meaningfully to their recovery journey.
In addition, the post holder will act as deputy to the Service Manager, providing leadership cover when required, and will report to the Head of Operations as necessary.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
See attached detailed job description and person specification:
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant Core Professional qualification in mental health e.g. registered nurse, clinical psychologist, social worker plus evidence of continued Professional development • Evidence of professional registration • Educated to first degree level or be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and abilities to work at this level
Desirable
- Experience in both health and social care-Experience as a practicing professional in a mental/physical health environment
- Experience of working closely with service users and advocacy schemes
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Highly motivated individual with strong personal integrity Ability to communicate with staff at all levels and with colleagues within and external to the organisation Demonstrates a leadership style which supports the development of positive relationships and effective team work
- Knowledge of legislation, statutory and good practice guidance relating to mental health (including the National Service Frameworks, NICE guidelines, the Mental Health Act, the Care Programme Approach and the Mental Capacity Act.
- Ability to provide leadership and management skills to an integrated multidisciplinary team. - Ability to organise, prioritise and monitor own and others work load. - Supervisory skills including staff appraisal and supervision. - Ability to contribute to staff training and development. - Ability to communicate and work effectively with service users, carers, other agencies and professionals. - Ability to involve service users and carers in service delivery, service evaluation and service development. - Ability to manage change and contribute to the development of services. - Ability to contribute to the development of service policies and strategies
- Ability to ensure and oversee effective budget management
- Understand all Trust Policies and Procedures. • Understand the Trusts Strategic Goals and how they can support them. • Understand the need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. • Carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Equal Opportunities, equality and Diversity and dignity in care and work policies and principles.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Operational Manager with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in HMP Styal. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Aug 2026.
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