Operations Manager

A fast-growing and reputable early-years childcare and education provider is seeking an Operations Manager to deliver on their strategic priorities and make sure all sites are safe, well-maintained and fully compliant. The Operations Manager will have previous experience working in a similar operations role, ideally have experience working in an EYFS setting, and have proven experience executing company strategies. In addition, the Operations 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 as an Operations Manager or similar
• 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

Desirable:

• Expert and current knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted inspection methodology
• Holds or is working towards a senior safeguarding qualification

Salary: £48,000 - £55,000

Benefits: yearly bonus, 31 days annual leave incl. bank holidays + add. 2 days & birthday leave, 1 free childcare place