We are looking for experienced HR professional to join the University of Cambridge as a Holiday Provision Manager.
The University of Cambridge is recognised globally as a renowned centre for research, education and scholarship. We employ more than 13,000 staff in a range of academic, research and professional services roles, all of whom play a key role in maintaining and enhancing our world leading reputation. Our people are the University's greatest asset and it is critical to our continued success that we create the right conditions to thrive at Cambridge.
About The Role:
The Holiday Provision Manager is a key role within the University Childcare Services team, which oversees the University's nursery provision, family information and support services and University of Cambridge Holiday Provision (UCHP) for staff and student families.
Reporting to the Head of Childcare Services, you will lead the operational delivery and ongoing development of Holiday Provision across multiple sites. This is a varied, year-round role that combines people management, safeguarding leadership, service development, financial oversight and stakeholder engagement.
What you'll be doing:
Leading the delivery and development of University Holiday Provision across multiple sites.
Line managing the Holiday Provision Assistant Manager and Holiday Provision Administrator.
Recruiting, training and supporting a team of casual playworkers.
Acting as Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer for Holiday Provision.
Ensuring high-quality, inclusive provision for all children, including those with SEND and additional needs.
Managing staffing, venues, activity programmes, health and safety compliance and operational planning.
Monitoring budgets and overseeing financial administration.
Reviewing policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
Working closely with families, schools, venue providers and other stakeholders to continuously improve the service.
We're looking for someone who has:
A minimum Level 3 Childcare Qualification (or equivalent).
Experience of managing teams within a childcare, playwork or out-of-school provision setting.
Strong knowledge of child development, safeguarding and childcare regulatory frameworks.
Experience of managing safeguarding concerns and promoting child welfare.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Experience of budget monitoring and financial management.
A commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive and child-centred services.
Desirable: Experience of holiday club or out-of-school provision, supporting children with SEND, working within Ofsted-regulated services, and using data to support service improvement.
Further information about the role and its responsibilities available via the link below.
Benefits at Cambridge include:
Automatic service related pay progression and annual cost of living increases.
Annual leave allowance of 41 days paid leave (including bank holidays).
Parental leave and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare).
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person and remote working. Frequency of remote elements can be discussed with the hiring manager.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (enhanced with children's barred list), and a security check.
Closing date for applications: Midnight, Sunday 6th September 2026
Interviews for the role will be held: Wednesday 23rd September - Friday 25th September 2026
Please quote reference AH50769 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
