23745 - Regional Property Operations Manager – New Prisons

Ministry of Justice UK•National City, CA

3d•£58,511 - £70,725•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ministry of Justice Property Directorate is a customer-focused organisation that manages a diverse government estate, including prisons, probation, headquarters and arm’s-length bodies. The Regional Property Operations Manager (RPOM) provides regional leadership and specialist property and estates advice, overseeing custodial Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract performance and ensuring services, works and building projects meet contractual, governance and stakeholder requirements. The post reports to the Head of Property Operations (HOPO), with a dotted-line relationship to the regional Prison Group Director, and line-manages Area Property Operations Managers (APOMs). It is a non-operational role with significant management, budgetary and statutory accountability. The RPOM assures HMPPS and the MoJ Property Directorate that services are delivered to agreed standards; monitors compliance, contractor performance and regional performance data; addresses and escalates issues; and supports strategic contract management. The role oversees the care and development of prison buildings and infrastructure, regional maintenance strategies, investment proposals, budgets, risks and delivery of works in live custodial settings. It also advises establishments and senior stakeholders, supports procurement and contract processes, coordinates regional and national estates initiatives, and contributes to emergency and business-continuity arrangements. For new prison projects, the role works with the Capital Project team and supports Government Soft Landings, including commissioning and witnessing, design input for critical systems and layouts, mobilisation, training, defects, handover and post-occupancy evaluation. Regular travel to prison sites, team meetings and other locations is required, with possible overnight stays. Unpredictable and unsocial hours may be required, and the post holder must be available on call to provide advice or attend sites. The role is fixed term until 30 September 2027. Hybrid working may be available subject to business need; employees are expected to spend at least 60% of working time in an office, subject to local capacity.

Requirements

Strong commercial and financial awareness, drive and resilience, effective team-management, leadership and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work accurately under pressure.
Experience managing a diverse, geographically dispersed estate portfolio, preferably with custodial characteristics.
Full UK driving licence.
Hold, be working towards, or be willing to work towards a National Examination Board Occupational Safety Health National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety.
Ability to demonstrate the Government Property Profession technical skills: Customer and Client Service, Property Professional Expertise, and Stakeholder Engagement.

Nice To Haves

Relevant project-management and contract-management experience.
Relevant technical or trade experience and qualification.
An industry-recognised qualification equivalent to the BTEC Advanced Diploma in Maintenance Management, covering building technology, contract and measurement procedures, mechanical technology and electrical technology.
Completion of National Engineering and Construction Contracts Accredited Training and an excellent understanding, or ability to rapidly acquire an excellent understanding, of the TFM contract, NEC3 provisions and associated processes.
Hold or be willing to work towards CIWFM, MRICS or CEng. If not already held, willingness to commence a training programme, apprenticeship or application process within six months of starting.
APM PMQ.

Responsibilities

Lead the regional team, including transition to the new contract and operating model, continuous improvement and delivery of corporate requirements.
Oversee the regional custodial TFM contract and contractor performance, ensuring delivery in accordance with the contract, governance and processes.
Provide assurance to HMPPS and the MoJ Property Directorate that services meet agreed standards, and lead resolution or escalation of regional and contract-level issues.
Manage and assure statutory and mandatory compliance, and ensure works and facilities-management services are delivered consistently.
Lead the care and development of prison buildings and site infrastructure to maximise asset value.
Support the HOPO in strategic contract control and management, and support APOMs with escalated issues.
Provide regional oversight and advice on estates and property issues to the Prison Group Director and MoJ Property Directorate.
Develop and coordinate regional and national estates initiatives, strategies and policies, including the Capital Asset Investment Programme.
Ensure a fit-for-purpose regional maintenance strategy is produced and delivered, and that maintenance is planned and managed against forward plans and estates strategy.
Manage risks associated with building works in live custodial settings, balancing operational requirements, security, health and safety, fire safety, project programming and delivery.
Visit prison establishments to assess contractor performance and compliance, address emerging issues, and prepare specialist and technical reports.
Validate and analyse regional performance data, review contract KPIs, and contribute to quarterly contract oversight reporting.
Advise establishments and the Prison Group Director on contract and estates matters to inform decisions.
Support procurement and competition processes; provide tender information, undertake technical tender evaluations, supervise awarded minor works as managing agent, and scrutinise business cases, specifications and contract documentation.
Prioritise and approve estate investment proposals for progression to the MoJ Property Directorate, and manage and allocate regional financial resources in line with relevant policies and governance.
Coordinate regional input on wider estates functions, including estate planning, historic estate, major projects, post-project evaluation, compliance audits, asset replacement, management information, investigations and policy initiatives.
Develop regional contingency plans and support the regional Prison Group Director’s command team during emergencies or incidents; coordinate contractor resources and mutual aid for business continuity.
Manage HMPPS properties with third-party tenancy or lease agreements and ensure relevant occupier-liability procedures are followed.
Provide professional supervision, coaching and mentoring; lead and manage staff, performance, development, appraisals and sickness absence.
Manage devolved budgets and ensure financial procedures, national and local policies, standards, KPIs, health and safety requirements and risk assessments are followed.
Attend and contribute to relevant boards and meetings, produce reports, respond to correspondence within agreed timescales, and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships.
For new-build projects, contribute to Government Soft Landings, commissioning and witnessing, critical-systems and layout design, mobilisation, training, defects management, handover and post-occupancy evaluation.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service.
Scheme to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year for qualifying staff.
Paid public holidays and one privilege day.
Choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
Extensive training and development opportunities.
Employee-run networks offering advice, support and representation for employees from minority groups.
Family-friendly policies, including opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
Access to flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Hybrid working may be available where business needs allow, with at least 60% office attendance expected, subject to local capacity.