Playcentre Manager

Salary: £37,000-£42,000, negotiable dependant upon experienceHours:
Full time Location:
BrightonStart Date:
September 2026 Your new companyWe 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 roleThe 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 succeedEssential

• 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 nowIf 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.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at