Area Manager

London Source: WhatJobs

£48,000–£55,000

A fast-growing and reputable early-years childcare and education provider is seeking an Area Manager to deliver on their strategic priorities and make sure all sites are safe, well-maintained and fully compliant. The Area Manager will have previous experience working in a similar operations role, have experience working in an EYFS setting, experience keeping sites Ofsted compliant, and have proven experience executing company strategies. In addition, the Area Manager will have excellent financial, leadership, communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills. You must know H&S legislation and have HR/personnel development experience.

Having successfully achieved the Investors in People standard at their main site, our client is now rolling this approach out across the entire organisation. This reflects a long-term commitment to developing its people, strengthening leadership, and ensuring employees experience the same high standards of support and development wherever they work.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver the Company’s strategic priorities and agreed objectives, ensuring progress is tracked and reported
Have all sites meet or exceed agreed KPIs and work with senior management to create these metrics
Be responsible for keeping all sites fully Ofsted and EYFS compliant, ensuring all safeguarding policies are current and designated leads are trained
Be involved and provide input in the due diligence for future acquisitions
Be responsible for future site launches and work with the relevant authorities to ensure operational readiness
Keep staffing levels across sites always maintained at or above required ratios
Be the key point of contact for nursery managers and be accountable for their performance and development
Oversee the quality of all sites, identify any best practices and share across the group
Make sure all site H&S legislation is fully compliant and that all sites are kept safe, clean and well-maintained
Work with the Finance Manager to ensure each site operates within the agreed budget
Oversee the Company’s timesheet system and work with the Support Manager to report key data to aid in future planning
Review and update all nursery policies and procedures
Handle any complaints professionally and promptly, in line with policy
Be responsible for enrolling the Investors in People programme to other sites across the business
Ensure families are informed, welcomed and valued, while maintaining a positive atmosphere at all sites
Be responsible for the content and tone of all staff-facing internal communications, aligning with the Company’s values
Oversee the Before & After School Club operations and make sure they are run to the same high standards as the nurseries
Renew all Company-related affiliations and insurances
Make sure the Company operates in full compliance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation
Be prepared to lead the Company and cover for any business-related matters during the CEO’s absence

Knowledge, skills and qualifications required:

Proven experience working in an Operations capacity or similar
Expert and current knowledge of the EYFS framework
Have experience with Ofsted inspection methodology
Holds or is working towards a senior safeguarding qualification
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategies aligned with organisational goals
Be able to manage across multiple sites simultaneously
Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control
Strong communication, leadership, relationship‑building, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills
Thorough working knowledge of health and safety legislation
Have some experience with HR and personnel development experience
Is ambitious and driven
Is professional and discreet