Head of Supplier & Service Management, Ministry of Justice, UK – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Head of Supplier & Service Management to join their Office of Public Guardian (OPG) team across various UK locations. This senior role is ideal for experienced professionals, especially Nigerians and other African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary range of £58,511 - £70,725, this position also provides significant flexibility with full-time, part-time, and job-share options.

Job Description

As the Head of Supplier and Service Management, you will be instrumental in leading OPG's operational approach to key supplier-delivered services. This involves comprehensive responsibility for supplier performance, service assurance, and overall service management. Your primary goal will be to ensure that strategic suppliers consistently deliver the agreed outcomes, service levels, and performance standards as stipulated in their contractual agreements, while also guaranteeing that these services continue to meet the evolving needs of OPG and its customers.

Key areas of focus will include managing essential services such as scanning, remote print and post, and telephony. You will collaborate closely with Commercial, Technology, Operational, and Delivery colleagues to establish robust operational supplier governance, performance management, and service assurance frameworks. Furthermore, you will provide critical leadership for OPG’s internal IT service management activities, directly managing the SEO ITIL Service Manager to ensure services are well-governed, continuously improved, and perfectly aligned with the organisation's strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in operational contract and supplier management, particularly across digital and technology contracts.
• Proven ability to establish and lead effective operational supplier governance arrangements, including performance management and escalation processes.
• Strong analytical skills to validate supplier performance information, identify issues, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Experience in leading strategic supplier relationship management, fostering constructive relationships while maintaining robust challenge on operational performance.
• Leadership experience in IT service management capabilities, including incident, problem, change, and service request management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, capable of building relationships across various levels within an organisation and with external suppliers.
• For foreign applicants, eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range from £58,511 to £70,725, dependent on location and experience.
• Flexible working arrangements, including full-time, part-time, part-time/job share, and flexible working options.
• Generous pension scheme and a comprehensive benefits package typical of Civil Service roles.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Ministry of Justice.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment, with the OPG being a Disability Confident employer.
• Access to various staff networks and employee assistance programs.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting this Civil Service role, preparation is key. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight your experience in supplier and service management, specifically detailing how your skills align with the duties described, using UK-centric terminology. Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects this professional brand. Given it's a Civil Service position, understanding public sector values and demonstrating your commitment to public service will be advantageous. Prepare to discuss your eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa confidently during the interview, as sponsorship is available.

• Thoroughly research the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and the Ministry of Justice to understand their mission and values.
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to explicitly address the 'Duties and Responsibilities' and 'Responsibilities' sections, providing concrete examples.
• Prepare for competency-based questions, focusing on examples where you've managed complex supplier relationships, driven service improvements, and led teams.
• Familiarise yourself with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, as interviews often assess against these behaviours and strengths.
• Be ready to articulate your understanding of ITIL principles and their application in a public sector context, especially if you have certifications.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship for the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa is available for this position. Foreigners, including those currently residing outside the UK, are explicitly invited to apply. If you are unsure about your specific immigration status or eligibility, it is recommended to consult the official UK government guidance on skilled worker visas or seek advice from an immigration professional before applying.