Director of Operations
York Childcare is a well-established charity with the aim of providing quality, affordable childcare within the City of York and providing assisted childcare places to those who require it. We have three children's day nurseries which provide full and part-time day care for children in the 6 weeks to 5 years age group. We also provide support to a number of ‘not for profit’ Out of School clubs in the York area.
We have the unique opportunity for a Director of Operations to join the charity on a permanent basis. The role is 37.5 hours per week, hybrid working will be considered after completion of a 6-month probationary period.
The Director of Operations (DO) is the most senior role within the charity providing leadership and having responsibility for York Childcare’s administration and financial management. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the OM will develop the organisation’s long-term strategy, budget and business plan, and ensure it complies with the law and all regulations (Charitable, Legal, Childcare).
Acting as the public face and ambassador of the organisation, the DO will build relationships with key stakeholders: parents and carers, nursery and administrative staff, trustees, trustees and staff linked with out of school clubs who contract with York Childcare, City of York Council Childcare Services, OFSTED, the media and others within the sector.
The DO will play a key role in motivating and engaging staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and grant making organisations.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Prepare a strategic plan and annual budget for approval by the Board in consultation with the York Childcare Accountant
- Deliver the organisation’s business plan and ensure that York Childcare develops strategies which promote environmental sustainability.
- Operate within the annual budget and ensure management and HR policies are up to date
- Help to ensure a sustainable income working with the Nursery Managers and the York Childcare Business Management Team (the Specialist Services Manager, the Business Manager, the HR Manager) to monitor and maintain the financial viability of the nurseries and Out of School Support Service
- Recruit and work with the York Childcare Business Management Team and the Nursery Managers to ensure effective management throughout the organisation
- Establish and monitor key indicators of the organisation’s impact and financial health
- Maintain awareness of risks and changes in the external environment that affect the organisation
- Build an effective working relationship with the Management Board and be accountable to Trustees. Support the Management Board with ongoing recruitment of new trustees with appropriate skills
- Work collaboratively with the SSM to maintain awareness of matters impacting out of school clubs who contract with YC
- Supply regular reports to the Management Board and attend Board and sub-committee meetings
- Ensure the organisation’s staff are focused on achieving its mission and aims
- Ensure the organisation fulfils its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities working with the York Childcare Accountant and company auditors
- Establish mechanisms for listening to the views of staff, parents/carers and children on the organisation’s performance
- Represent the organisation to the media and give interviews where require
Personal Specification
Essential
- Proven business management experience
- Proven team leadership and line management experience - providing vision, motivation, inspiration and direction
- Be able to demonstrate strong strategic thinking
- Experience of gathering, analysing, interpreting and reporting complex data/information
- Actively champions respect, inclusivity, equality and diversity
- Communicates to engage and influence others
- Identifies and implements continuous improvement
Desirable
- A degree in business management or equivalent
- Previous experience working in childcare or education
- Knowledge of Early Years education and awareness of childcare regulations (OFSTED/EYFS)
- A childcare qualification
- Knowledge of charity structures and governance
Salary will be shared at application stage.
Staff benefits include generous annual leave entitlement, closure over Christmas, discounted childcare at one of our nurseries, fully funded training opportunities, onsite parking and membership of a healthcare scheme.
Post-holders will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and employment will be subject to receipt of two satisfactory references.
The deadline for applications is 9am Friday 10th February 2023.
To request an application form please email recruitment@yorkchildcare.co.uk or telephone 01904 409763.
York Childcare are committed to protecting the privacy of all of our candidates and clients. Following some recent changes to data protection laws we have updated our Privacy Policy. To view a copy and to help you understand how we collect, use and process your personal data please visit http://www.yorkchildcare.co.uk/policies-and-procedures/ and download our GDPR YC Privacy Notice.