Full job descriptionJob detailsDetails*Title: Early Years and Childcare Sector Development Team Manager
*Reference: SCC/TP/288915/5804
*Positions: 1
*Salary: £55,486 to £60,898 per annum
*Category: Care - Children and Young People
*Contract type: Permanent
*Working hours: 36 hours per week
*Posted on: 25 August 2026
*Closing date: 16 September 2026
*Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning
*Location: Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking GU21 6JD
DescriptionWe are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
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
About the Role
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 behaviours:
*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.
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?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
Please contact Olivia Barton for any questions relating to the role.
An enhanced DBS ’Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16/09/2026 with interviews planned to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
This role has been provisionally allocated to East Surrey and will transfer on the current terms and conditions to the new council.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as...