Job Description

The National Distribution Centre (NDC)

The Ministry of Justice Transport Unit is made up of three core business areas and sits within Commercial directorate.

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is based in Branston, Staffordshire. It was purpose built in 2003 and the operation is responsible for the collection, storage and delivery of internally manufactured goods, raw materials, prisoner property, mattresses, footwear and a small amount of document storage. The site is also used to support other MoJ activities as and when required.

The warehouse is a modern, 135,000 sq. ft. ‘high bay’ facility which can accommodate 16,500 pallets / stillages in both wide and narrow aisle configurations. In addition there is in the region of 6000 sq. ft. of office space.

The in-house NDC fleet comprises 18 rigid / drawbar vehicles, and three vans providing a scheduled agreed service of approximately 300 visits per month. The fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system and this is largely governed by the problems that arise from physical access restrictions in prisons, necessitating a mix of vehicle types. The fleet delivers to the Prison Service estate on a national 5 day week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by ‘nights out’ as and when required.

The Transport Unit is responsible for providing a transport management service to the Ministry of Justice. The unit is also responsible for a specialised vehicle workshop based in Branston, with an engineering and administrative staff of eight. Three field based Regional Engineers, controlled by the transport unit provide a peripatetic service covering England and Wales. The primary functions include the development of transport policy, provision of technical advice and to administer the Crown Indemnity Insurance Policy and commercial insurance requirements.

Fleet Engineering Services (FES) operates out of Building 50 of the Branston site and is situated near the NDC. The facility has been occupied by FES since the late 1980’s. It provides services to HM Prisons and undertakes a wide range of engineering activities which include.

The provision of first line servicing for the National Distribution Centre (NDC) fleet of heavy and light commercial vehicles, as well as second line repairs, bodywork and vehicle modifications.

Design, develop and carry out conversion work on behalf of HMPPS tactical units as per their specifications. FES also undertake work at the start and end of a vehicle’s fleet life for the purchased fleet. This can involve an inspection or necessitate the removal of sensitive equipment before the disposal of a tactical vehicle. FES also inspect all vehicles returned to Branston to establish if they can be re issued to a unit where the requirement does not warrant a new vehicle. For these units FES inspects, costs the parts required, and on agreement with the establishment, undertake the repairs needed to bring the vehicle to a roadworthy legal condition.

Role Summary

The Workshop Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities within a specialist commercial vehicle workshop supporting the Prison Service Fleet. The role ensures the efficient planning and delivery of maintenance, repairs, and technical services, manages staff and resources, and maintains full compliance with health, safety, and legislative requirements. The postholder contributes to strategic service delivery, continuous improvement, and business continuity planning.

Working hours

Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:00

Friday 08:00 to 15:30

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop workshop technical staff, ensuring high standards of performance and capability.

• Plan and manage the workshop schedule in line with pre-planned maintenance and urgent repair requests.

• Oversee stock control, parts acquisition, returns, and procurement processes.

• Ensure high-quality workmanship through robust quality control practices.

• Manage safe and compliant disposal of waste materials in accordance with legislation.

• Maintain full health & safety compliance, ensuring all workshop practices meet legal and organisational standards.

• Support business continuity activities and undertake duties to maintain service delivery during disruption.

• Identify and escalate risks, issues, or weaknesses in processes, policies, or service standards.

• Manage and maintain accurate operational, performance, and financial data.

• Challenge misuse of resources and promote value-for-money practices.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant policies including equality, diversity, security, and environmental standards.

• Use technology and workshop management systems to improve efficiency and reliability of service delivery.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience of leading teams, managing performance, and supporting staff development.

• Strong technical background gained through qualifications or practical experience.

• Experience of applying health & safety legislation in a workshop setting.

• Experience using workshop management systems such as CFC Solutions, Jamma K2, or similar.

• Managing stock control, procurement processes, and parts ordering.

• Coordinating maintenance schedules and responding to unplanned operational demands.

• Producing and maintaining accurate operational data, records, and reports.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with fleet services, transport operations or public sector environments.

• Knowledge of commercial procurement frameworks and contract management

• Managing a busy specialist commercial vehicle workshop or similar technical environment.

Application Stage

An initial sift will be performed against the following elements and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Experience

• CV

• Statement of Suitability (between 250 - 500 words): this should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria

• Necessary licenses and qualifications held

Behaviours

• Managing a quality service

• Delivering at pace

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview and will be assessed on the selected success profile elements at the interview stage.

Interview stage

The interviews will be held at National Distribution Centre, Burton Road, Branston. DE14 3EG.  The site is shared with B&Q distribution, please follow the road signs for MoJ once entering the site and report to the security gate where you will be directed to the reception to sign in.  The interviews will be held on an Industrial Site and all staff and visitors are required to wear Hi-Vis Vests whilst moving around site; these will be provided by security on arrival, please ask for a vest if not offered one.

Behaviours

• Working together

• Changing and improving

• Leadership

Strengths maybe assessed at the interview, and these are not shared in advance.

To learn more about the Civil Service success profiles framework and how they are assessed please click here.