Early Years Operational Manager

Job Introduction

From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package comes into effect, bringing a new approach to how we recognise and reward roles across the Council. This means the salary for this role will be changing. The pay range for this role will be £60,357 – £67,381 (pro rata for part time colleagues)

We're looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, 'More than just a job' brochure ]

Are you a passionate and experienced professional looking to make a real difference in the lives of children? Do you have a proven track record in managing OFSTED regulated early years/EYFS provision? We have an exciting opportunity for a Early Years Operational Managers who will oversee a team of Portage Officers, Area SENCOs, Early Years Childcare Advisors and our own BCP Nursery.

Role Overview: We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic individual to lead and oversee the Early Years Service, supporting children under 5 years of age and their families. The successful candidate will drive the council's ambition for excellent Early Years services by ensuring high-quality, effective partnerships and services are available to all families and their children across the BCP council area. In this post you will work closely with the strategic lead to help shape and drive the strategic direction of the Early Years sector across our authority.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Early Years Service, promoting a positive and inclusive culture.
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills with significant experience in managing, motivating, and coaching staff teams.
• To oversee SEND services across the Early Years.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and coordinated multi-agency services for children.
• Work closely with the strategic lead to shape and drive the strategic direction of the Early Years sector.
• Manage a team of talented individuals and collaborate with maintained nursery schools, PVI settings, childminders, and out-of-hours providers to deliver statutory duties.
• Provide reports and statistical analysis to senior leaders and external agencies such as Ofsted and DfE.
• Attend regional partnership meetings on behalf of the service and local authority.
• Input into and support Early Help strategy development, leading its implementation and operation to comply with statutory regulations and consider the diverse needs of users.
• Lead on monitoring and evaluating performance against national and local key performance indicators, driving future improvement and outcomes.
• Manage team managers and associated budgets, ensuring the highest professional standards and efficient management of resources.
• Champion a framework for practice, leading teams in learning and embedding practice models, toolkits, and interventions.
• Contribute to the development of multi-agency services at a strategic level by building sophisticated relationships with external partners.
• Ensure consistent implementation of local policies, processes, and procedures to meet statutory guidance and legal framework.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes to promote and embed best practices.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Lively and enthusiastic with a passion for early childhood education and services.
• Knowledge of SEND code of practice and implementation.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and promote a positive and inclusive culture.
• High level of resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and prioritise.
• Effective interpersonal skills and excellent planning and organisation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and early child development and will advocate for inclusive practice. You will have a sound understanding of Ofsted inspections and current Government initiatives for children 0-5. In addition you will be knowledgeable about Early Years funding mechanisms and requirements.

Closing date- 8th December

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Kerry Smith at

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we're not just building a workforce— we're transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

From 1 December 2025, we're proud to introduce a new Pay and Reward package, shaped through close collaboration with our trade union partners. This marks a significant step forward in how we recognise and reward our colleagues, reflecting our commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Our enhanced offer includes fair and transparent pay, modernised terms and conditions, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to attract and retain talented individuals. Whether it's flexible working, wellbeing support, or opportunities for career progression, our new approach puts people first- we're excited to welcome new colleagues into a Council that's evolving to meet the needs of both our workforce and our communities.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.