Operations & Development Manager

Operations & Development Manager

Lead people. Grow the business. Shape the future of childcare.

Do you thrive on leading people, developing teams, and making things happen?

We're looking for experienced

Operations & Development Manager’s to oversee a portfolio of Clubland's breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs and holiday clubs across Surrey.

This is a varied leadership role where no two days are the same.

One day you could be coaching a new Playscheme Manager, the next supporting an Ofsted audit, meeting with a school about a new partnership, or launching an exciting new setting.

At Clubland, we're a small, family-run childcare provider with ambitious plans for growth.

Our Operations & Development Manager’s play a vital role in delivering exceptional childcare today whilst helping shape where we go tomorrow.

The Role

As Operations & Development Manager, you'll lead a portfolio of settings, ensuring they deliver exceptional childcare, operate efficiently and continue to grow.

• Lead exceptional teams
• Coach, support and develop Playscheme Managers to become confident leaders.
• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and staff development across your region.
• Build positive, high-performing teams with excellent staff retention.
• Support succession planning and identify future leaders.
• Deliver outstanding childcare
• Ensure every setting provides safe, engaging and high-quality childcare.
• Support managers to deliver inspiring play opportunities, outstanding customer service and excellent experiences for children.
• Maintain consistently high safeguarding, welfare and operational standards.
• Drive continuous improvement across all settings.
• Ensure compliance
• Lead quality assurance through regular setting visits and audits.
• Support managers to achieve and maintain strong Ofsted outcomes.
• Monitor safeguarding, health & safety, risk assessments and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
• Grow the business

You’ll play a key role in Clubland's continued expansion by

• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities and community partners.
• Identifying opportunities to grow existing services.
• Supporting the preparation of tenders and proposals for new contracts.
• Leading the mobilisation and successful opening of new breakfast clubs, afterschool clubs and holiday clubs.
• Supporting new managers through the launch of new settings to ensure they become successful, sustainable provisions.
• Drive operational excellence
• Support managers with staffing, rotas, budgets and day-to-day operations.
• Monitor expenditure and ensure resources are used effectively.
• Oversee stock management and facilities across your region.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Senior Management Team to continually improve systems and processes.
• Build lasting relationships
• Develop excellent relationships with schools, parents and external partners.
• Represent Clubland at networking events and partnership meetings.
• Support marketing initiatives and community engagement activities.
• Be an ambassador for Clubland's values and reputation.

About You

We're looking for someone who is

• A confident, approachable leader who enjoys developing people.
• Passionate about delivering outstanding childcare.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and problem-solving skills.
• Commercially aware and excited by helping a growing business expand.
• Comfortable balancing operational management with strategic thinking.
• Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions.
• An excellent communicator who builds trust quickly.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience managing childcare settings.
• Experience leading and developing managers or senior staff.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience managing multiple priorities across different locations.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Surrey.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Level 3 Childcare or Playwork qualification (or above).
• Paediatric First Aid.
• Safeguarding qualifications.
• Experience opening new childcare settings.
• Experience writing or contributing to tenders.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Project management experience.
• The Practical Bits

Location

Hersham Head Office with regular travel across Surrey

Hours

Full-time (40 hours per week)

Contract

Permanent

Salary

£38,000-£45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Perks & Benefits

At Clubland, we know great leaders deserve great support.

You’ll receive

• 75% childcare discount for your dependants (10% for wider family)
• Up to 30 days paid annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free DBS, uniform and training
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Discounted gym membership
• Refer-a-Friend bonus
• A supportive, family-run environment where your ideas are valued and your contribution genuinely shapes the future of the business.

We are committed to safeguarding children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Ready to help shape the future of Clubland?

Join a growing, ambitious childcare provider where you'll have the opportunity to lead exceptional people, open exciting new settings, develop lasting partnerships and make a real difference to children and families across Surrey.

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