Location
London Borough of Waltham Forest

Hours
Full Time - 36 hours per week

Salary
PO4 £49,056 - £52,194

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Education Operations Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality education, early years, childcare and enrichment services across Waltham Forest. Reporting to the Education Operations Manager, you will lead on a diverse portfolio of operational, performance and commissioning responsibilities that support the Council's statutory duties relating to childcare sufficiency, free early education entitlement, and enrichment opportunities for children and young people. You will work collaboratively with schools, childcare providers, internal services and external partners to ensure high-quality provision, strong business performance and positive outcomes for families.
The role involves overseeing grant-funded programmes, monitoring provider compliance, developing business processes, analysing performance data, and driving service improvement. You will also provide expert advice and support to providers, helping to ensure they remain sustainable, compliant and responsive to the needs of local communities.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and operational leader who enjoys working across partnerships, using data to inform decision-making, managing complex projects and translating policy into effective service delivery. You will play a key role in ensuring children and families have access to high-quality childcare, early education and enrichment opportunities that support learning, development and wellbeing.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people, have strong operational management experience, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.

Experience
- Operationally managing a service or team delivering a Council’s statutory requirements for free early education and childcare places for children aged 0 to 14 (up to 18 for disabled children), including commissioning and supporting providers to maintain high quality and compliance.
- Managing grant-funded programmes related to early education, childcare and out of school/enrichment activities for school-age children.
- Providing information, advice and training to Early Years, Childcare providers and Schools to support sustainable, compliant businesses.
- Developing and implementing financial and business strategies based on thorough needs and risk analysis.
- Expert knowledge of Ofsted/DfE requirements, systems, policies, practices, procedures and legislation regarding early years and childcare.
- Excellent customer service skills with experience resolving queries.
- Building positive, trusting relationships with commissioned providers, especially Ofsted registered childcare providers and schools.
- Experience in consultation, engagement and participation with parents/carers, schools and childcare providers.
- Providing a range of business operations and support services across internal teams.
- Developing team members through effective delegation.
- Translating strategic vision into practical, achievable plans and setting clear service delivery expectations.
- Managing projects, change initiatives and grant-funded programmes.
- Using data and information to benchmark performance and assess team/service outcomes.
- Developing policies and procedures to improve service impact.
- Producing advice, information, data analysis, reports and presentations for senior managers and stakeholders.
- Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office suite and experience with complex management, client information and finance systems (particularly Oracle).

About you
You are a strategic and operational leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and families. You thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and have strong skills in partnership working, data-informed decision making, and project management. You are committed to delivering high-quality, compliant childcare and education services that meet community needs.

Qualifications
Relevant experience and expertise in early years, childcare and education service management, statutory requirements and grant-funded programme delivery. Continued professional development and registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable.