Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team Manager

As the Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team Manager, you will lead Surrey's statutory early years and childcare functions, ensuring children and families can access sufficient, high-quality early education and school-age childcare, including wraparound and holiday provision. Leading a team of Senior Officers and Development Officers, you will oversee childcare sufficiency, delivery of funded early education entitlements, sector sustainability and compliance with statutory requirements. Using data and insight to inform decision making, you will monitor the childcare market, identify emerging needs and challenges, and work collaboratively with providers, schools, families and partners to develop effective solutions and drive continuous improvement. This is a fast-paced leadership role requiring strong judgement, resilience and the ability to balance competing priorities. You will influence the effective use of funding, support service development and help shape strategic responses to local and national priorities, including the delivery of childcare reforms and wider organisational change associated with Local Government Reorganisation. As a key member of the leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and supporting a high-performing workforce, ensuring Surrey continues to meet its statutory duties while planning for future demand and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the childcare sector. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our

• A relevant degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) and the ability to travel across Surrey.
• Significant knowledge of the early years and childcare sector, including funding, sufficiency, compliance and provider markets.
• Experience of leading early years and childcare services and delivering improvements in complex environments.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including managing performance, change and staff development.
• Excellent partnership-building, influencing and communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving abilities, using data to inform decisions, manage risk and improve outcomes.
  
  This permanent role has a starting salary of £55,486 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team as an Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team Manager. We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for one day per week on average (20% of the working week) and support a mixture of working from home and in person visits to settings, schools, and networks the rest of the time. Our Offer to You
• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children, families and communities across Surrey, To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions: What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing the early years and school age childcare sectors, and how would you help address these?
• Tell us about your approach to leading and developing teams through change and uncertainty.
• What motivates you to lead early years and school age childcare services, and what impact would you want to make in Surrey?