At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant playcentre, ensuring a safe and inspiring environment for children.
- Company: Community-focused play and childcare setting with a strong identity in Brighton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contribution, flexible working options, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive community and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in early years and a Level 3 qualification.
Salary: £37,000-£42,000, negotiable dependant upon experience
Hours: Full time
Location: Brighton
Start Date: September 2026
Your new company
We are a well-established, community-rooted play and childcare setting with a strong identity and a beautiful environment, including substantial outdoor space that forms a central part of our provision. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are proud of our warm, inclusive ethos and are now seeking an exceptional Centre Manager to lead our team and guide the next phase of our development.
Your new role
The Centre Manager is the most senior leader within the organisation, holding full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility. You will lead a team of around 30 staff, ensuring the setting continues to thrive as a safe, inspiring, and child-centred environment. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being present, visible, and connected - with children, families, staff, trustees, and the wider community. You will be the face of the centre and the driving force behind continuous improvement.
- Leadership & People Management
- Lead and motivate staff across playwork, early years, and support roles.
- Conduct supervisions, appraisals, and professional development planning.
- Oversee recruitment, induction, and retention.
- Foster a positive, respectful, safeguarding-led culture.
- Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure a smooth, safe, high-quality environment.
- Maintain and enhance indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Ensure policies, procedures, and risk assessments are current and embedded.
- Hold overall responsibility for health and safety.
- Safeguarding
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.
- Maintain a consistently safe environment for all children.
- Financial Management
- Hold responsibility for the centre's budget and financial sustainability.
- Work with the Board to set and monitor budgets.
- Identify and pursue grants, contracts, and funding opportunities.
- Quality & Improvement
- Maintain and build on the centre's Good Ofsted rating.
- Lead self-evaluation and improvement planning.
- Stay current with developments in early years, playwork, and out-of-school care.
- Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with families.
- Develop partnerships with schools, community groups, and local agencies.
- Represent the centre in networks and external forums.
What you'll need to succeed
- Essential
- Proven senior leadership experience in early years, playwork, or out-of-school childcare.
- Full and relevant Level 3 qualification.
- DSL qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience managing teams of 10+.
- Strong financial literacy and budget management experience.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Commitment to play, child-led learning, and inclusive practice.
- Desirable
- Level 5 or 6 qualification in early years, education, or leadership.
- Experience securing external funding.
- Knowledge of local childcare landscapes.
- Experience working with a Board of Trustees.
What you'll get in return
- The chance to lead a well-established, community-centred organisation with a strong identity.
- A supportive and committed Board of Trustees.
- A warm, dedicated team.
- Pension contribution.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Flexible working options available.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Playcentre Manager in Brighton employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join a well-established, community-rooted play and childcare setting in Brighton, where you will lead a dedicated team in a beautiful environment that prioritises child-led learning and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working options, and a supportive Board of Trustees, this role offers an exceptional opportunity for meaningful impact within the community while fostering your own growth as a leader.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Playcentre Manager in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare and early years sector. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for play and child-led learning.
✨Tip Number 2
Be visible! If you can, volunteer or take part in community activities related to childcare. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you build relationships with families and local agencies, which is key for a Centre Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their ethos, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the childcare sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Playcentre Manager in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Playcentre Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in early years and any relevant qualifications to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for child-led learning and how you can contribute to our community. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s improving Ofsted ratings or leading successful projects, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Ofsted frameworks and regulatory requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of child-led learning and inclusive practices, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff or improved team dynamics, as this role is all about effective leadership.
✨Engage with the Community
Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with families and local agencies. Highlight any previous experience you have in community engagement, as this is key for the Centre Manager role.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll be responsible for the centre's budget, come prepared to talk about your financial management experience. Be ready to share how you've previously identified funding opportunities or managed budgets effectively.
