Early Years Strategy, Partnerships & Operations Manager

37 hours per week. Fixed term until March 2028, with extension possible, subject to continued funding.

About the role

Senior leadership position to develop and deliver Bridgend County Borough Council’s early years operational and infrastructure strategy, aligning with national policy, statutory frameworks, and local need. The role is part of the early years and childcare senior leadership team and works closely with the Strategic Lead for Early Education and Childcare to ensure a coherent, whole‑system approach across the county borough.

Responsibilities

• Oversee partnerships and integrated working across the early years portfolio.
• Lead childcare sufficiency and workforce planning.
• Drive childcare expansion planning, including identification of capital projects.
• Manage premises and ensure health and safety across the early years settings.
• Direct core business systems and operational processes.
• Coordinate strategic leads for partnerships and projects, sufficiency and business processes to maintain alignment and focus on outcomes for children and families.

Key qualifications

• Significant experience working at a strategic level within early years, education, children’s services, public health or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Welsh early years policy including Flying Start, childcare sufficiency and integrated service delivery.
• Proven experience in effective partnership working, managing complex programmes and service transformation.
• Confidence in using data to inform strategic planning and decision‑making.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across local authority services, health, Welsh Government and the third sector.
• A clear, collaborative leadership style, with the ability to bring alignment across diverse functions.

Requirements

Hybrid working from the Corneli Integrated Children’s Centre with visits to settings across the county borough.

Reliable home internet connection, full driving licence, and sole use of a car during working hours.

Ability to greet customers through the medium of Welsh.

Enhanced Children’s Barred List criminal records check (DBS) required.

Commitment to protecting children, young people or adults at risk as a core responsibility of all council employees.