• Lead daily prison operations, ensuring safe, secure, and effective service delivery.
• Ongoing, Full-Time Opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team in the Victorian Public Service
• COG Grade 5: $131,459 - $170,606 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to provide a critical role at Western Plains Correctional Centre.

About the Business Unit

Western Plains Correctional Centre is a modern, maximum-security prison focussed on rehabilitation, housing up to 1248 people in custody. Western Plains features multi-purpose infrastructure which is adaptable to the evolving needs of Corrections Victoria and the people in our care. Modern amenities include medical wards, a cultural centre, and vocational training facilities. 

Western Plains provides a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to individualised care which motivates, encourages and promotes reintegration into the community. Western Plains has advanced technology which improves security, streamlines operations and enhances connections for the people in our care. 

Western Plains operates with three primary service teams: Workforce and Prison Services, Communities, and Safety and Operational Service which collaboratively deliver comprehensive services for people in our care, safety management, and corporate services. Through its innovative design and service model, Western Plains aims to create a thriving environment conducive to safety and positive behavioural change.

About the Role

As one of two Senior Operations Managers at Western Plains, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the facility's operations through innovation, technology, and contemporary correctional practice. You will lead the development and delivery of services that are responsive to a dynamic and evolving environment, ensuring the prison operates safely, securely, and in alignment with the department's values and strategic direction.

In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day operational functions of the prison, including security, prisoner management, and compliance with legislative and policy frameworks. You will provide high-level advice to the General Manager and contribute to the development of strategies that address operational, thematic, and strategic challenges—mitigating risks and aligning with long-term priorities. Your work will directly influence the quality and effectiveness of service delivery across the facility.

You will be responsible for recruiting, developing, and leading high-performing teams, guiding them through the critical early stages of operational ramp-up and into full-service delivery. This includes fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development, while ensuring staff are supported to deliver safe, humane, and effective correctional services. You will also play a key role in managing performance, supporting staff wellbeing, and contributing to workforce planning and capability development.

Additionally, you will oversee intelligence-led operations and the coordination of security infrastructure, emergency management, and risk mitigation strategies. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external agencies to ensure integrated service delivery and effective information sharing. This is a powerful opportunity to shape a purpose-driven culture, champion operational excellence, and deliver lasting impact in reducing reoffending.

Some of your duties will include:

• Drive the development and implementation of contemporary correctional services, leveraging technology and innovation to shape facility operations and improve outcomes.
• Recruit, lead, and support new teams, fostering a culture aligned with departmental values and focused on rehabilitation, professional growth, and operational excellence.
• Provide high-level advice to the General Manager on complex and sensitive issues relating to prisoner and staff management. Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement of prison operations, policies, and programs as part of the senior leadership team.
• Manage the day-to-day operational needs of the prison, including security, offender management, vocational and offender services, OH&S, and policy implementation. Oversee the development and review of local operating procedures, emergency management plans, and compliance frameworks.
• Lead the coordination of prison security infrastructure, including surveillance, search procedures, offender movement, reception and discharge, and emergency management exercises. Conduct security audits and reviews to ensure robust control measures.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Strong understanding of operational requirements and compliance frameworks within a correctional or similarly regulated environment, including the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, policies, and standards.
• Demonstrated capability in designing and implementing evidence-based service delivery models and operational procedures that support rehabilitation and align with strategic objectives.
• Proven experience in managing security infrastructure, intelligence functions, and risk mitigation strategies, including the use of surveillance systems, emergency management planning, and intelligence-led operations.

Qualifications/requirements

•  A relevant qualification in social work, related human services discipline, criminal justice, criminology or with work experience in a related field is highly desirable.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.