Operations Manager - Early Years

Judicium; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organisation in West Yorkshire is seeking an experienced Childcare Operations Manager to oversee operations and support the strategic goals of the organisation. You will lead the recruitment and development of staff while ensuring compliance with ESFA standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Early Years Management and a passion for fostering a quality-oriented culture. This role offers competitive benefits, including generous holiday entitlement and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Health Cash Plan

Free life insurance

Pension contributions after 3 months

Flexible benefits options after probation

Learning and development opportunities

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Experience in Early Years Management with extensive experience in education sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet business objectives and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and manage staff to meet organisational goals.
• Ensure compliance with Education & Skills Funding Agency standards.
• Promote Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

IT competence in Microsoft applications

Ability to plan and organise workload

Well-developed interpersonal skills

Time management skills

Education

Teacher training qualifications (e.g., PTLLS)

A*-C GCSE in English and Maths

Children’s Care Learning & Development Level 3

Job description

Job Details: Operations Manager - Early Years

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Full details of the job.

The Childcare Operations Manager will work as part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) working as part of a team to deliver the strategic and tactical objectives of the organisation. The Childcare Operations Manager will support the introduction and development of new concepts, and new initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, manage, develop Skills Coaches, Skills Assessors and Functional Skills Tutors in line with Eden’s Vision, Mission & Values.
• Meet the requirements of the organisation’s vision to be the number one childcare provider of choice.
• Ensure new staff inductions are managed effectively to ensure maximum productivity and engagement.
• Agree and set targets with all line reports to ensure KPI’s are met and exceeded.
• Motivate/drive Skills Coaches, Skills Assessors and Functional Skills Tutors to achieve high levels of performance in line with agreed targets and deadlines.
• Effectively communicate and drive bonus schemes that motivate and align to Eden’s business objectives.
• Carry out monthly 1-1 meetings with all line reports to manage and review performance levels.
• Carry out field-based support where appropriate.
• Undertake Early Years coaching and mentoring as well as coordinating delivery staff development plans including CPD based activities and IAG
• Maintain high levels of audit compliance to Educations & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) standards.
• Encourage and ensure a quality orientated culture for continuous improvement.
• Undertake quality assurance responsibilities including curriculum consultation group meetings and IQA sampling where required.
• Ensure line reports paperwork is completed to the minimum required quality standards.
• Monitor learner retention levels and achievement rates with Skills Coaches and Functional Skills Tutors.
• Implement and carry out performance management duties as required.
• Maintain and develop positive communications with stakeholders at all levels.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with other departments as required.
• Take an active role in the research into new, Early Years related sectors and business-related opportunities.
• Promote Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity and Safeguarding at all times.
• Attend external meetings, seminars, and training sessions in pursuit of continuous development.
• Work collaboratively with the other managers to communicate and implement cross functional plans.
• Maintain a small caseload of learners to retain occupational competence.
• Promote Eden Training Solutions at every opportunity with employers, learners, and partners.
• Flexibility in carrying out business related duties which may vary at times dependent upon requirements and location.
• Lead by example, a role model for stimulating high performance standards within Eden.
• Operate as a role model for Eden, embedding our values amongst your team
• Carry out any additional duties as reasonably requested by Head of Operations.

About you

Qualifications & Skills

• Mandatory level qualifications:
  • Teacher, training qualifications or working towards (eg: PTLLS, CTLLS, DTLLS, Cert-Ed)
  • A*-C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and maths.
  • V1, D34 or IQA related qualification
  • Children’s Care Learning & Development (Level 3), Childcare & Education (Level 3), Early Years Care & Education (Level 3) or equivalent/higher qualification
• Desirable level qualifications:
  • Operations Department Manager L5 (Standard) qualification
  • Foundation/honours degree in Early Childhood Studies

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience in Early Years Management.
  • Extensive experience in the Early Years and education sectors.
  • Experience carrying out Early Years quality assurance activities.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
  • Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workload to meet business objectives.
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to work under own initiative, whilst also being able to engage with other teams.
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills
  • Good customer contact skills – customer orientated.
  • Ability to work to strict deadlines.
  • IT competence in the use of Microsoft applications
• Desirable
  • Good presentation skills
  • An understanding of the Teaching Assistant standards

What we Offer

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan, once you’ve passed probation, which includes access to a private GP
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary
• We’ll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you’ve passed probation – this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days – 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.