Job Purpose
The Project Manager is responsible for the operational leadership and day-to-day management of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, ensuring delivery of all Department for Education grant objectives, contractual requirements and Key Performance Indicators.
Working closely with the Hub Lead, the Project Manager will coordinate delivery across seven London boroughs, leading programme implementation, workforce development, partnership engagement, communications, performance monitoring and quality assurance.
The postholder will also fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme Lead, ensuring successful recruitment, deployment and management of EYSPAs alongside the wider operational delivery of the Hub.
The Project Manager will ensure the Hub delivers an ambitious, evidence-informed professional development programme that improves outcomes for children, strengthens the early years workforce and supports the Government's Best Start in Life ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
- Lead the operational delivery of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.
- Translate the Hub strategic plan into annual operational workplans.
- Ensure delivery of all DfE grant objectives and KPIs.
- Monitor delivery against milestones and timelines.
- Coordinate the Hub operational team.
- Deputise for the Hub Lead where appropriate.
- Produce reports for the Hub Board and strategic partners.
2. Programme Management
Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of all Hub programmes including:
- Early Years Stronger Practice Advisers
- Early Years Learning Leads
- Professional Development Networks
- Conferences
- Webinars
- Learning Communities
- Evidence-informed practice projects
- Bespoke support programmes
- Communications programme
3. EYSPA Programme Lead Responsibilities
Act as the designated EYSPA Programme Lead by:
- Managing Expressions of Interest.
- Coordinating recruitment of EYSPAs.
- Managing interview and selection processes.
- Maintaining recruitment records.
- Coordinating adviser induction.
- Liaising with Ambition Institute.
- Matching advisers to eligible settings.
- Coordinating Local Authority referrals.
- Ensuring diagnostics are completed.
- Monitoring adviser activity.
- Supporting adviser supervision.
- Ensuring action plans are completed.
- Monitoring programme quality.
- Ensuring surveys are completed.
- Managing programme reporting.
- Leading continuous improvement.
4. Early Years Learning Leads
Coordinate delivery by:
- Recruiting Learning Leads.
- Supporting induction.
- Coordinating specialist delivery plans.
- Monitoring delivery against KPIs.
- Organising regional networks.
- Supporting collaboration with Subject Matter Experts.
- Ensuring quality assurance.
- Supporting evaluation and impact measurement.
These responsibilities align with the Hub's role in recruiting, managing and overseeing EYLL delivery while ensuring delivery meets agreed KPIs and local priorities.
5. Partnership Development
Develop and maintain productive relationships with:
- Department for Education
- Ambition Institute
- Local Authorities
- Family Hubs
- English Hub
- Maths Hub
- Teaching School Hubs
- Health partners
- Universities
- Partner schools
- Private, voluntary and independent providers
- Childminder networks
Support delivery of integrated Best Start in Life priorities through collaborative working.
6. Performance & Quality Assurance
- Monitor Hub KPIs.
- Produce management information.
- Analyse delivery data.
- Produce quarterly reports.
- Lead quality assurance visits.
- Evaluate programme impact.
- Monitor provider feedback.
- Support continuous improvement.
- Manage Hub risk registers.
7. Communications & Marketing
Lead the operational delivery of:
- newsletters
- social media
- website content
- promotional campaigns
- recruitment campaigns
- events
- conference planning
- publication of resources
while ensuring all communications comply with DfE branding requirements.
8. Financial Management
- Monitor Hub budgets.
- Manage programme expenditure.
- Validate EYSPA claims.
- Monitor grant allocations.
- Produce financial reports.
- Support forecasting.
- Maintain audit evidence.
- Ensure value for money.
9. Governance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
- DfE Grant Conditions
- GDPR
- Safeguarding
- Equality Act
- Financial Regulations
- Procurement requirements
- Information Governance
Maintain accurate records and oversee data management and reporting processes.
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London W9 3JY
