Operational Support Manager - Bristol/East Midlands

Partou UK Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in the South West of England is seeking an Operational Support Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This field-based role requires a Level 3 qualification in Children and Education and involves supporting nursery teams directly. Responsibilities include operational guidance, coaching managers, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding practices. The ideal candidate has experience in multiple childcare settings and strong relationship-building skills. A generous car allowance is provided.

Benefits

Car Allowance

Qualifications

• Experience supporting or leading across multiple childcare settings.
• A warm, calm, and practical approach.
• Confidence working alongside managers and teams in busy nursery environments.

Responsibilities

• Support nursery teams with day-to-day operational flow.
• Coach managers through challenges and people interactions.
• Help nurseries maintain strong routines and compliance standards.

Skills

Coaching skills

Relationship building

Safeguarding knowledge

Practical support abilities

Education

Level 3 qualification in Children and Education

Job description

Operational Support Manager

South West Region (UK)

Location: Field based role across the South West

Contract: 6 month Fixed Term Contract

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 dependent on experience plus generous car allowance

About Us

Partou UK is a leading name in the UK childcare sector, part of a global group caring for over 75,000 children across more than 1,000 nurseries.

Our focus is on creating safe, nurturing environments where children thrive and where teams feel valued, supported, and confident in their practice.

Why This Role Matters

This role is all about being present in nurseries and supporting teams where it matters most.

What You Will Be Doing

• Being a regular, supportive presence in nurseries across the South West
• Working shoulder to shoulder with Nursery Managers in their day to day role
• Offering coaching, reassurance, and practical support to nursery teams
• Helping teams stay focused on high quality care, learning, and safety
• Supporting good practice around safeguarding, health and safety, and compliance
• Sharing ideas, approaches, and solutions that help nurseries work well

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Operational Support in Practice

• Spend time in nurseries supporting daily routines and operational flow
• Work alongside managers to plan, prioritise, and organise the working day
• Offer hands on help during busy periods where appropriate

Quality, Safeguarding, and Compliance

• Support teams to understand and embed safeguarding and compliance expectations
• Help managers feel confident and prepared around Ofsted requirementsEncourage consistent, reflective practice across settings

People and Coaching Support

• Build positive, trusting relationships with Nursery Managers and teams
• Coach managers through challenges, decision making, and people conversations
• Support team wellbeing through visibility, listening, and practical help

Operational Confidence and Consistency

• Help nurseries maintain strong routines, clear roles, and organised ways of workingShare learning and good practice between settings
• Support managers to feel confident, capable, and supported in their role

What Success Looks Like

• Managers feel supported, listened to, and more confident
• Teams experience visible, practical support in their nursery
• Strong day to day practice around safeguarding and care
• Calm, organised nursery environments
• Positive feedback from nursery teams about the support received

What It Takes

• Level 3 qualification in Children and Education minimum
• Experience supporting or leading across multiple childcare settings
• A warm, calm, and practical approach
• Confidence working alongside managers and teams in busy nursery environments
• Strong coaching and relationship building skills
• Good understanding of safeguarding and early years practice
• Willingness to travel across the South West region

Additional Information

This is a 6 month fixed term contract, field based across the South West of England, with regular travel between nurseries.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Particulars of the provider

Partou is proud to be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.

Benefits

Car Allowance.