***THIS JOB VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED***
£52968 – £55756. Potential bonus of up to 10% of salary, dependent on performance
Based at our HQ in Leicester LE3 1UT with agile working. Required to travel throughout UK to visit settings.
A UK driving licence is an essential requirement for this role
Who we are
RAFAKidz is working hard to build something special, designed to meet the needs of military (and civilian) families in the RAF community, providing affordable and quality childcare. Children and their families are at the heart of everything we do. RAFAKidz nurseries are located across the country on (or close to) RAF stations. All our nurseries are fully OFSTED registered, and we pride ourselves of our commitment to safeguarding and quality assurance.
RAFAKidz works with children, families and partner organisation to help ensure that every child is supported to achieve their potential. Our close links to the RAF, and the RAF Association, ensure that we provide an environment and curriculum designed to meet the needs of serving families, at an affordable price.
About the role
The Director of Operations provides strategic direction, leads, develops and manages the provision of RAFAKidz nursery settings across the UK, directing and working with the Area Managers, Quality Assurance Manager, Nursery Managers and the supporting Head Office Team to provide high quality and affordable childcare in every setting. You will report to the Chairman of the Board, who is also the Group CEO.
The Director of Operations will create an organisational blueprint and operating model to support expansion and sustain the delivery of childcare to the RAF Community. Responsible for the management of the HQ Team, including Area Managers, the Quality Assurance Manager, HR and finance functions, the role will lead the organisation with an ‘education first’ focus, to drive and sustain growth in the provision. The job holder will have overall responsibility to ensure that relevant statutory and legal welfare and curriculum requirements are always met; and be expected to monitor performance metrics and implement improvement plans as necessary to meet or exceed targets.
Equally important is having a commercial mindset and the ability to drive the ‘bottom line’.
A full role profile and person specification is available to download on our website www.rafakidz.org.uk
About You
Experience of working in primary education or the early years sector. You will ideally be qualified to degree level and have extensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of early years provision, particularly those governing curriculum quality, safeguarding and regulation, as well as substantial experience in developing and managing budgets.
You will be fully ‘hands on’ leading on the development of the operating model including staffing, occupancy and finances, as well as ensuring that all settings develop and sustain high quality provision for all children. You will be responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance, supported by subject matter experts in the Association, and will advise on the management of complex SEN requirements. You will be the primary point of contact with the RAFAKidz Board on all matters, ensuring Directors receive the information they require in a timely and accurate manner.
As well as having a track record of providing high quality childcare, you will have the ability to identify opportunities to refine and improve business processes relating to curriculum, quality and finance.
Benefits:
- Fantastic environment committed to really making a difference.
- Annual Leave – 33 days including public holidays and time off over the Christmas period.
- 5% employer pension contribution (subject to matched employee contribution)
- Free eye tests and a contribution towards glasses.
- Car Allowance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) we know that sometimes life can be tricky, or you might just need some guidance.
- Free onsite car parking.
- On-site shower facilities[1].
- Close to park and ride1.
- Childcare discounts.
To apply
To make your application really stand out, please take some time to review that your CV is up to date as we will initially consider your skills and experience based on your CV which align with the role profile and person specification. Please also consider attaching a cover letter to briefly outline your interest in the role and how your skills and experience match the role profile.
When you are happy with your CV and cover letter, please send to jobs@rafakidz.org.uk.
Please do contact us on 0800 018 2361 if you would like to arrange an informal chat about the wider role and responsibilities.
Closing date: 30 August 2023
Interviews: First interviews w/c 4 September at Atlas House
The RAF Association is a Disability Confident Employer, please get in touch if you require any assistance with the application process.
We reserve the right to close this opportunity early so please do not delay in applying as we’d love to hear from you.
