Area Manager

A fast-growing and reputable early-years childcare and education provider is seeking an Area Manager to deliver on their strategic priorities and make sure all sites are safe, well-maintained and fully compliant. The Area Manager will have previous experience working in a similar operations role, have experience working in an EYFS setting, experience keeping sites Ofsted compliant, and have proven experience executing company strategies. In addition, the Area Manager will have excellent financial, leadership, communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills. You must know H&S legislation and have HR/personnel development experience.

Having successfully achieved the Investors in People standard at their main site, our client is now rolling this approach out across the entire organisation. This reflects a long-term commitment to developing its people, strengthening leadership, and ensuring employees experience the same high standards of support and development wherever they work.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the Company’s strategic priorities and agreed objectives, ensuring progress is tracked and reported
• Have all sites meet or exceed agreed KPIs and work with senior management to create these metrics
• Be responsible for keeping all sites fully Ofsted and EYFS compliant, ensuring all safeguarding policies are current and designated leads are trained
• Be involved and provide input in the due diligence for future acquisitions
• Be responsible for future site launches and work with the relevant authorities to ensure operational readiness
• Keep staffing levels across sites always maintained at or above required ratios
• Be the key point of contact for nursery managers and be accountable for their performance and development
• Oversee the quality of all sites, identify any best practices and share across the group
• Make sure all site H&S legislation is fully compliant and that all sites are kept safe, clean and well-maintained
• Work with the Finance Manager to ensure each site operates within the agreed budget
• Oversee the Company’s timesheet system and work with the Support Manager to report key data to aid in future planning
• Review and update all nursery policies and procedures
• Handle any complaints professionally and promptly, in line with policy
• Be responsible for enrolling the Investors in People programme to other sites across the business
• Ensure families are informed, welcomed and valued, while maintaining a positive atmosphere at all sites
• Be responsible for the content and tone of all staff-facing internal communications, aligning with the Company’s values
• Oversee the Before & After School Club operations and make sure they are run to the same high standards as the nurseries
• Renew all Company-related affiliations and insurances
• Make sure the Company operates in full compliance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation
• Be prepared to lead the Company and cover for any business-related matters during the CEO’s absence

Knowledge, skills and qualifications required:

• Proven experience working in an Operations capacity or similar
• Expert and current knowledge of the EYFS framework
• Have experience with Ofsted inspection methodology
• Holds or is working towards a senior safeguarding qualification
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategies aligned with organisational goals
• Be able to manage across multiple sites simultaneously
• Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control
• Strong communication, leadership, relationship-building, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
• Thorough working knowledge of health and safety legislation
• Have some experience with HR and personnel development experience
• Is ambitious and driven
• Is professional and discreet

Salary: £48,000 - £55,000

Benefits: yearly bonus, 31 days annual leave incl. bank holidays + add. 2 days & birthday leave, 1 free childcare place