Early Years Funding Manager

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

Job summary

A recruitment firm specializing in social work is seeking an Early Years Funding Manager for a 6-month contract in Greater London. This key interim role involves overseeing the delivery of early-year entitlements and managing a small team to ensure compliance and efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of early years funding mechanisms, experience in local authority operations, and proficiency with the Synergy system. Flexible, predominantly remote working is available.

Benefits

Guaranteed weekly payment

Personal consultant

DBS and compliance service

Qualifications

• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of early years entitlements and funding mechanisms.
• Proven experience in early years operations within a local authority setting.
• Confident using and improving Synergy for funding and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery and distribution of DfE Early Years Entitlements.
• Ensure accurate, timely payments to early years providers.
• Oversee and optimise use of the Synergy system.

Skills

Knowledge of early years entitlements

Experience in early years operations

Strong communication skills

Team management experience

Ability to use Synergy system

Tools

Synergy

Job description

Early Years Funding Manager

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