Area Manager in Childcare

Love Childcare Recruitment; Woking; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee multiple sites across South London and Surrey. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and requires a strong focus on people development and operational management. Ideal candidates will have a passion for working with children and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The organization promotes strong values and a balance between work and personal life, ensuring no weekend work is required.

Benefits

Strong basic salary

Discounted childcare fees

Employee Assistance Program

Strong work/life balance with no weekend work

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management within childcare or a related field.
• Experience in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Must have a UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of multiple childcare sites.
• Lead growth, training, and onboarding for team members.
• Manage recruitment, scheduling, and cost control.
• Develop strong partnerships with schools.
• Ensuring high standards of service and care.

Skills

Management experience with a focus on people development

Strong organisational skills

Communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Ability to manage change and growth

Interest in childcare and child development

Job description

Area Manager (Children’s Play, Sport & Childcare Provider) – South London / Surrey

South London / Surrey (Croydon, Sutton, Morden, Epsom and surrounding areas)

£30,000 – £32,000 per year (depending on experience)

Full-Time

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have a UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

We’re recruiting for an Area Manager to join a leading children’s play, sport and childcare provider in the South London & Surrey border area. This is a fantastic full-time opportunity for an experienced childcare or operations manager to oversee multiple sites and lead high-quality wraparound and holiday club provision.

They're looking for exceptional people with experience in operations management, who hold high standards, have a passion for working with children, a fun‑natured personality, and an 'own it' attitude towards their work.

As the General Manager of a flagship venue and local cluster of schools, you’ll oversee all day-to-day operations of running breakfast clubs, after‑school clubs, holiday camps and lunchtime activities. Responsibilities include leadership and growth, training and onboarding, recruitment, scheduling, team management, cost control, customer service, and developing strong school partnerships.

As a General Manager, you will ideally bring :

• Management experience with a focus on people development
• Experience working in a busy and ever-changing environment where no day is the same
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A forward‑thinking, proactive approach to your work, being able to solve both present and future problems
• Proven ability to manage change and growth
• An interest and passion for childcare and child development

The organisation will offer :

• Strong basic salary
• Discounted childcare fees
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program, giving you access to confidential support and assistance
• A strong work / life balance with NO weekend work

The organisation has strong values and empowers its people to bring these values to life...

Be Considerate – Show You Care

Be Passionate – Love What You Do

Be Courageous – Show you Are Resilient

Make a Difference – Leave A Positive Legacy

This role requires compliance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education policy and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974