Early Years Funding Manager

Ackerman Pierce; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks an Early Years Funding Manager to oversee funding distributions and system optimizations. In this role, you will manage a team and ensure compliance in funding delivery across the location. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of early years entitlements and proven operational experience. This position offers a long-term contract with remote working options and a competitive day rate.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of funding mechanisms and local authority processes.
• Proven experience in managing early years programs.
• Ability to use and improve data systems for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery and distribution of early years entitlements.
• Ensure timely payments to early years providers.
• Optimize the Synergy system for better operations.
• Manage a dedicated team for high-quality service delivery.
• Build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute insights on funding models and operational efficiency.

Skills

Knowledge of early years entitlements

Experience in early years operations

Proficiency in Synergy system

Excellent communication skills

Team management experience

Job description

Early Years Funding Manager

Salary: £350-£400 / Day | Job type: Long Term Contract | Location: London

6 Month Contract, potential for extension or permanent recruitment | London Local Authority | Predominantly Remote Working | Rate: Competitive Day Rate | Start: ASAP

We’re looking for an experienced Early Years Funding Manager to lead the delivery of early-year entitlements across the borough. This is a key interim role in overseeing funding distribution, system optimisation and collaborative partnership work across the sector.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead on the delivery and distribution of DfE Early Years Entitlements (2, 3 & 4-year-old funding – capital & revenue).
• Ensure accurate, timely payments to registered early years providers.
• Oversee and optimise use of the Synergy system, identifying improvements and embedding better ways of working.
• Manage and support a small, dedicated team to deliver a high-quality service.
• Work closely with internal & external partners to ensure compliant, transparent and effective delivery.
• Contribute operational insight on early years sufficiency, funding models, best practice and LA processes.

What we’re looking for

• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of early years entitlements, funding mechanisms and LA processes.
• Proven experience in early years operations, ideally within a local authority setting.
• Confident using and improving Synergy for funding, headcount, provider data and reporting.
• Collaborative, positive partnership-builder with excellent communication skills.
• Proactive, responsive, able to work at pace and meet deadlines.
• Experience managing or supervising a small team.

Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?

Ackerman Pierce calls upon over 15 years' worth of experience in recruiting directly into the Social Work Sector. We can offer a unique experience within recruitment where you have your own personal consultant, a DBS and Compliance service with a quick and easy registration process. We pride ourselves on a guaranteed weekly payment process.

To discuss this vacancy further or any other opportunities, please contact Elise Revett or email in your updated CV to us at Ackerman Pierce.