Area Operations Manager - Early Years

Slough Borough Council; Slough; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Wellbeing initiatives

Season ticket loan

Flexible working

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking an Early Years Operational Area Manager to lead exceptional early years provision across multiple settings. You will champion excellence, develop nursery leaders, drive performance and continuous improvement, and build strong partnerships with families and stakeholders to ensure high standards of quality, safety and compliance.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for giving children the very best start in life, this is your chance to make a lasting

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership within early years or children's services.
• Ability to lead across multiple settings and drive continuous improvement.
• DBS Enhanced required for safeguarding children.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape high-quality early years provision across settings.
• Inspire nursery leaders, drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships with families and stakeholders to ensure safety and compliance.

Job description

The closing date for applications is midnight on 6th November 2026.

Interviews will be held week commencing 16th November 2026.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications.

• Pay Level: 9, £56,354 - £62,066 (fully inclusive of local weighting allowance)
• Contract Type: permanent
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Children’s Centres/ Family Hubs
• Directorate: Children Services
• DBS requirement: Enhanced

What You’ll Be Doing

As our Early Years Operational Area Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping exceptional early years provision across multiple settings.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven professional to lead with vision, inspire teams to deliver outstanding care and education, and ensure every early year’s provision operates to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

You will champion excellence, support and develop nursery leaders, drive performance and continuous improvement, and build strong partnerships with families and stakeholders.

If you are a strategic thinker with a genuine passion for giving children the very best start in life, this is your chance to make a lasting impact across our early year’s community.

Our Council

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute to delivering services to local people - either directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous, and healthy lives.

What We Offer

We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That's why we're committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance and accommodate different working patterns. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1st April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director.

Alongside a Competitive Salary, We Provide

• 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 - 5 years' service and 33 days after 5 years' service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to and from work.

Accessibility And Support

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. Therefore, if you require any support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview (e.g. questions being printed on the day or consideration for layout or lighting for the interview room), please contact our Recruitment Team who will be able to assist: [e-mail].

This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Slough Borough Council offers a variety of staff networks for you to be part of. Networks represent our diverse staff groups and come together to help the organisation be a place where our people can feel included and thrive.

Right To Work And Checks

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates who require visa sponsorship.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.