At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead early years and childcare provision, ensuring high-quality services for children and families.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a progressive employer committed to community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a role that values different perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and partnership working within early years or childcare sectors.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
As Early Years Business Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the planning, sufficiency and business management of early years and childcare provision across Nottingham. You will play a key role in ensuring that children and families can access high-quality, affordable and sustainable early education and childcare services that meet local need and support the best possible outcomes for young children.
You will lead on the development, delivery and monitoring of the local authority's early years sufficiency responsibilities, working closely with providers, commissioning colleagues, schools, partners and internal services to ensure there are sufficient childcare places available across the city. This includes overseeing the effective delivery and management of funded early education entitlements and supporting providers to remain financially sustainable and responsive to changing demand.
The role requires strong partnership working with statutory, private, voluntary and independent sector organisations. You will build productive relationships with providers, commissioners and key stakeholders, promoting collaboration, high standards of practice and continuous service improvement. You will also provide day-to-day leadership and management to your team, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and effectively while identifying opportunities for innovation, improvement and value for money.
Using data, intelligence and market analysis, you will identify emerging trends, gaps in provision and areas of need, ensuring support and resources are targeted appropriately. You will contribute to wider priorities relating to inclusion, school readiness, place planning, early intervention and reducing inequalities for children and families.
Working for Nottingham City Council comes with a wide range of award-winning benefits. Alongside competitive pay, generous annual leave, and access to an excellent pension scheme, we are committed to creating an innovative, inclusive, and progressive workplace where colleagues are supported to be their very best:
- A competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement (between 26 and 33 days per year depending on your length of service)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with an 18.5% employer contribution
- Flexible hybrid working
- A strong focus on wellbeing
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
In return, we are looking for compassionate, dedicated people who share our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, adults, and families across Nottingham. If you are passionate about making a positive difference through education and social care and want to help people thrive, we would love to hear from you.
Nottingham City Council is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We value diversity and recognise that different perspectives, experiences and ideas help us deliver better services for Nottingham's citizens. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT+), as these groups are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of right to work checks in accordance with Home Office requirements.
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Friday 21st August 2026.
Early Years Business Manager in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the council provides a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while contributing to the community's welfare.