• Closing date:
    13 March 2026
  • Department
    Children’s Social Care & Social Work
  • Salary
    £42,771 - £46,968 per annum
  • Vacancy type
    Permanent
  • Hours per week
    36
  • About the role

  • We are seeking an experienced and motivated Children’s Centre Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation of our Family Hubs and Children’s Centres and ensure high‑quality, integrated services for families across the locality. This is a key leadership role, shaping the centre offer, managing multiple sites, and ensuring families receive accessible, responsive and effective support.

    What You’ll Be Doing

    • Leading and managing the Family Hub and Children’s Centre team, ensuring effective communication, supervision, development and performance.
    • Overseeing the delivery of high‑quality children’s centre services across multiple sites, aligned to local needs and Council priorities.
    • Ensuring a warm, inclusive and emotionally supportive environment for children and families.
    • Building strong partnerships with Health, Social Care, Employment Services and the voluntary sector to ensure integrated support for vulnerable families.
    • Ensuring early help principles are effectively implemented, including early help assessments, lead professional roles and Team Around the Family processes.
    • Managing premises across all sites, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety requirements and that buildings remain safe, secure and well‑maintained.
    • Monitoring quality of provision and supporting staff to embed best practice through observation, feedback and ongoing professional development.
    • Leading service planning and development aligned to locality and service plans, ensuring services are responsive to community needs.
    • Managing delegated budgets, resources and procurement in line with Council policies.

    We Are Looking For Someone Who…

    • Is an experienced leader confident managing diverse teams and coordinating multi‑agency service delivery.
    • Has strong knowledge of early years, child development, safeguarding and family support.
    • Can work flexibly across locations and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
    • Understands the needs of families with young children, including those facing complex or challenging circumstances.
    • Is able to monitor quality, drive continuous improvement and lead change effectively.
    • Communicates with warmth, clarity and professionalism, embodying the Council’s values.

    Essential Requirements

    • NVQ Level 3 or above in early years education, childcare or a related field (e.g. social work, youth work, education).
    • Experience working in early years settings and coordinating services for families with young children.
    • Experience leading staff, managing premises and working with families with complex needs.
    • Knowledge of safeguarding, early intervention, and relevant legislation and standards.
    • Strong organisational, planning and problem‑solving skills.

     Desirable

    • A management qualification such as NPQICL, ILM or equivalent.
    • Experience providing training to adults or managing large-scale service improvements.

    Why Join Us?

    This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on children and families, leading a dynamic team and shaping services that directly improve outcomes across the community. You will be part of a supportive local network committed to high‑quality, inclusive family support.

  • About us

  • We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development. 
     
    Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide: 
     
    • Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
    • 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. 
    • Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
    • Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
    • Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
    • Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
    • Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
    • Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
    • Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
    • Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.  
    Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

    At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. 
     
    The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. 
     
    Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success. 
     
    Recruitment Information

    Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis. 

    We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  

    Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.  

    In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening: 
     
    • Enhanced DBS Check
    • Qualifications Check
    • 5 years of Referencing 

    Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. 

    It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

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