Centre Director - Immigration Removal Centre (IRC)

Better places, thriving communities.

Location: Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre, Colnbrook Bypass, Harmondsworth, West Drayton UB7 0FX

Please note, this role is site-based, hybrid or remote working options are not available

Heathrow IRC combines Colnbrook and Harmondsworth removals centres under one management structure making it the largest immigration removal centre in Europe, with a capacity of 965 residents.

We are responsible for delivering the end-to-end management of all residents needs until the outcome of their case is decided by the Home Office – removal or temporary admission into the UK. This is balanced against the competing pressures of safety, security, welfare needs and regime.

Our aim is to treat those in our care with dignity, decency, and respect, delivering a safe and healthy establishment which stands up to public scrutiny. We operate in a high risk, high profile and heavily regulated environment engaging with numerous stakeholders including the Home Office and Medical Service delivery partners. In delivering our services, we help residents understand what happens next, provide an environment for them to engage in activities relevant to them and create an environment in which they can reach out for support whilst building positive staff-resident relationships. Our environment is one where positive behaviour is promoted in order to support the welfare of those in our care, and our staff.

Job Overview

We're looking an authentic leader with proven experience achieving operational excellence within a detention or custodial environment.

Someone who can create and embed a culture which recognises and respects individuals, celebrates diversity and is based on safety and security for everyone.

You will provide leadership, coaching and support to staff in order to maximise the efficient and effective operation of the Centre, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements.

Main Duties

• Lead and coordinate multiple units within the Centre, ensuring resources—whether personnel, financial, or assets – are optimised to meet strategic objectives and standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships through effective communication.
• Monitor operational performance, manage financial forecasts, work-in-progress, and debt levels, and identify initiatives to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Develop, implement and monitor strategies that align with business goals and deliver key performance targets.
• Manage planning and budgeting processes, ensuring accuracy in financial forecasts, resource allocation, and timeline adherence.

What we are looking for

• Proven leadership experience within Immigration detention or custodial environments at a director level.
• Experience managing large teams (typically 200+ staff), including Heads of Function, with a focus on performance and development.
• Strong commercial awareness and a clear understanding of contractual compliance.
• Demonstrable experience in budget management, particularly relating to operational staffing costs.
• Level 6 qualification such as a Degree Apprenticeship, Bachelor's Degree (BA/BSc), or equivalent professional qualification.
• Please note that all employment offers are subject to security clearance and thorough background checks, including verification of citizenship status, financial history, and criminal records.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a British citizen, EU citizen with settled status, or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from a Commonwealth country.
• Resided in the UK for at least the past three years, with limited travel outside the UK.
• No significant criminal record, bankruptcy history, or adverse social media activity.