Area Manager

Premier Education UK; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Haywards Heath is seeking an Area Manager to oversee the delivery of high-quality PE, sport, and childcare services. The role combines strategic leadership with direct involvement in enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business growth in schools. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership abilities, strong communication skills, and commercial awareness to successfully manage budgets and develop staff. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in the community and build lasting relationships.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with the ability to inspire a team.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and growing revenue.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting for decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality PE and sport programs across schools.
• Manage and develop team leaders and staff effectively.
• Drive business growth through school penetration and partnerships.
• Oversee holiday camp provision ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Communicate effectively with various stakeholders and report on KPIs.

Skills

Proven leadership and ability to inspire a team

Strong organisational, communication, and presentation skills

Commercial awareness, with ability to grow revenue and manage budgets

Proactive problem-solving and adaptability

High standards in delivery of PE and sport

Competent in BMS, reporting tools, and general IT systems

Job description

Reports to: Director, Head of Growth, Head of Operations

Direct Reports: Team Leaders, Activity Professionals (APs)

Role Purpose: The Area Manager is a pivotal leadership role combining direct delivery of high-quality PE, sport, and childcare with strategic responsibility for growth, quality, and people management across an allocated area. This includes driving penetration rates in schools, expanding wraparound and holiday camp provision, managing and developing staff, and ensuring Premier Education’s reputation for outstanding customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Delivery & Quality

• Deliver a minimum of 50% contracted hours in curriculum, OOSH, and/or community settings.
• Plan and deliver engaging, inclusive, and innovative sessions following Premier Education guidelines.
• Lead by example in delivery standards, consistently modelling best practice.
• Produce accurate planning, assessments, and impact reports on BMS.
• Support and train staff to achieve consistent quality standards and compliance with safeguarding, H&S, and child protection.
• Mentor and observe team members, ensuring effective feedback, SMART targets, and development plans.

2. Leadership & People Management

• Line manage Team Leaders and APs, ensuring 1:1s, RAG reviews, and performance management frameworks are in place.
• Inspire, motivate, and develop your team to achieve KPIs across delivery, occupancy, retention, assessments and customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate regular huddles, training events, and safeguarding updates to maintain culture and standards.
• Embed a positive team culture that prioritises wellbeing, development, and high performance.
• Drive accountability and performance reviews, reporting to Senior Leadership Team on progress and challenges.

3. Growth & Sales

• Contribute directly to business growth by increasing school penetration rates, holiday camp numbers, and wraparound provision.
• Identify and pursue new sales opportunities through schools, partnerships, and community outreach.
• Lead and attend sales meetings, following up with schools and prospective clients.
• Support marketing and promotional campaigns to drive bookings and customer engagement.
• Manage and report on area sales dashboards, ensuring targets are achieved or exceeded.

4. Holiday Camp & Community Provision

• Oversee the planning, promotion, and execution of holiday camps across designated venues.
• Ensure provision aligns with HQ product guidance, HAF standards, and customer expectations.
• Manage camp P&L, budgets, and risk registers to reduce business risk.
• Drive retention and occupancy rates, targeting improved early bookings and increased revenue.
• Deliver training to ensure all holiday camp staff are confident, compliant, and equipped to WOW every customer.

5. Communication & Reporting

• Manage effective communication with senior leaders, team members, schools, and customers.
• Provide regular updates on KPIs, quality standards, sales performance, and staff wellbeing.
• Contribute to 90-day planning cycles, supporting delivery of the wider business plan.
• Conduct competitor analysis to identify threats and opportunities within the local landscape.
• Champion Premier Education values, ensuring customer satisfaction and Trustpilot 5-star standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• School penetration rate % (active schools per area)
• Holiday camp occupancy, revenue, and Trustpilot scores
• Wraparound care growth and retention %
• Staff retention, compliance, and performance scores
• Customer satisfaction, retention, and feedback ratings
• Area sales dashboard results (weekly/monthly reporting)

Essential Skills & Qualities

• Proven leadership and ability to inspire a team
• Strong organisational, communication, and presentation skills
• Commercial awareness, with ability to grow revenue and manage budgets
• Proactive problem-solving and adaptability
• High standards in delivery of PE and sport
• Ability to perform to Premier Education Core Values
• Competent in BMS, reporting tools, and general IT systems

Desirable

• Experience in PE, school sport, or community sport delivery
• Strong understanding of the education sector and funding streams (e.g. HAF)
• Experience in sales, customer engagement, and building client relationships
• Data analysis and reporting for decision-making