Job Title: Area Director

Reports to: Divisional Director

Based: Berkshire, field based

Salary: DOE plus company car

About the role

As an Area Director, you will oversee the strategic and operational management of multiple centres within a geographic area. You will ensure compliance and quality standards are met, set performance goals, manage budgets and resourcing strategies, monitor policy compliance, and facilitate professional development, driving the success of each centre.

Why choose Busy Bees

Established in 1983 we are now not only the largest but also the leading provider of childcare in the UK and the fourth largest provider in the world with 1000 Centre's globally to date. We’re an innovative and fast-growing company that offers excellent career opportunities and a supportive, family-oriented culture.

About our Benefits

• Sector leading Family Leave with return to work bonus.
• Annual salary bonus
• Company car
• Big Benefits - including retail discounts
• Childcare discount.
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays and an extra day for your birthday
• Health and Wellbeing.  Employee Assistance Program and our Peppy and Mental Health Apps

• Ensure a strong safeguarding culture across all centres.
• Act as the main contact for centres in your area.
• Oversee and assess the implementation of educational programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor centres adherence to Busy Bees policies and procedures
• Visit sites every six weeks to maintain safety standards.
• Prepare centres for audits and inspections.
• Manage responses to emergencies and ensure swift resolution.
• Complete mandatory training.
• Oversee payroll, recruitment, and regulatory compliance.
• Promote a fair, respectful, and supportive work environment.
• Drive team well-being and training initiatives.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to direct reports.
• Lead engagement activities to boost team retention.
• Act as the link between centres and the National Support Centre.
• Monitor and support centre performance metrics.
• Drive marketing, community engagement, and customer service.
• Oversee financial performance and identify opportunities for growth.
• Implement NSC initiatives effectively across centres

Key skills and experience

• Extensive experience in a senior management role, within an early years setting
• Experience operating in a multi-site environment
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and direct a diverse team towards achieving excellence.
• Skilled in maximising operational and commercial performance outcomes in the short, medium, and long term.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Confident coaching, training, and mentoring team members. Sets stretching goals to drive improvements and performance.
• Engages others in change by painting a compelling picture and demonstrating optimism through challenges.

Join Busy Bees as an Area Director and lead the way in delivering exceptional early years education and care. Your leadership will play a vital role in shaping the future of our children and your team. 

Be part of a team that gives every child the best start in life.