Head of Operations (Remote) – Early Education & Childcare Coalition | Applications Close: 11 June 2026
Senior operations roles in the social impact sector are increasingly shaping how policy, services, and advocacy organisations function. One such opportunity is the Head of Operations position at the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, a remote leadership role focused on strengthening systems that support early years education and childcare reform in England.
This role sits at the intersection of operations, finance, HR, governance, and organisational strategy, making it one of the most central positions in the organisation.
About the Organisation
The Early Education and Childcare Coalition is a cross-sector alliance bringing together voices from parents, childcare providers, early years professionals, trade unions, NGOs, and business groups.
Its mission is to advocate for investment and reform in early education and childcare systems. The coalition believes that strong early years provision benefits children, families, the economy, and society as a whole.
With increasing political attention on childcare and early education policy, the organisation is experiencing growth and expanding its impact.
About the Head of Operations Role
The Head of Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably. It is a two-year contract, part-time role (30 hours per week), with a salary of approximately £53,820 FTE (pro-rata).
The role is fully remote, although occasional in-person meetings are required for planning and governance purposes.
This position is not just administrative—it is strategic. It supports the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team in building the operational foundation that enables the organisation to scale its impact.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The role spans several core operational domains:
1. Leadership and Strategy
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Operations contributes directly to organisational planning and decision-making. This includes balancing operational efficiency with long-term strategic growth.
2. Operational Systems and Infrastructure
A major focus of the role is building and maintaining systems that keep the organisation running effectively. This includes:
- Workflow design and improvement
- Internal coordination systems
- CRM and digital tools management
- Organisational policies and processes
3. Finance and Sustainability
The role oversees financial operations and supports long-term financial planning:
- Budget tracking and reporting
- Invoicing and payments
- Financial forecasting and modelling
- Liaising with accountants and financial partners
- Supporting governance decisions around finance
4. HR and People Management
People systems are another core responsibility:
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Contract management
- Performance and staff development
- Maintaining a healthy organisational culture
- Ensuring HR compliance and best practice
5. Programme and Delivery Support
The Head of Operations ensures programmes and projects run smoothly:
- Monitoring delivery timelines
- Supporting funder reporting and compliance
- Coordinating across teams
- Improving accountability systems
6. Governance and Board Support
This role also strengthens organisational governance:
- Preparing board reports and documentation
- Supporting decision-making processes
- Ensuring transparency and compliance
- Aligning governance with operational strategy
Who This Role Is For
This position is designed for experienced professionals who thrive in complex, fast-moving environments. The ideal candidate typically has:
- Senior-level leadership experience
- Strong operational and financial management skills
- Experience building systems in growing organisations
- HR and people management experience
- Familiarity with governance and stakeholder engagement
- The ability to work independently in a remote-first setting
Experience in charities, NGOs, policy organisations, or membership-based coalitions is especially valuable.
This is a role for someone who is both strategic and hands-on—comfortable designing systems, but also willing to manage day-to-day operational challenges.
Why This Role Matters
Behind every successful advocacy organisation is a strong operational backbone. While policy work and campaigns often take the spotlight, it is operational leadership that ensures:
- Teams can collaborate effectively
- Funding is managed responsibly
- Projects are delivered on time
- Staff are supported and resourced
- The organisation remains stable during growth
In this sense, the Head of Operations plays a critical enabling role, ensuring that the coalition can focus on influencing policy and driving reform in early education.
Work Culture and Flexibility
The organisation operates as a fully remote team, with flexibility built into working arrangements. Staff are trusted to manage their own time while maintaining alignment with core working hours.
Key cultural values include:
- Collaboration across disciplines
- Inclusive and equitable working practices
- Flexibility around caring responsibilities
- Commitment to social impact and public benefit
- Transparency and accountability
Application Timeline
The recruitment process is fast-moving:
- Applications close: 11 June 2026 at 23:30
- Shortlisting notification: 16 June 2026
- Interviews: 24–25 June (first stage)
Candidates are expected to submit a CV and a tailored cover letter demonstrating how they meet the role requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Head of Operations role at the Early Education and Childcare Coalition is a strong example of how operational leadership underpins meaningful social change. It combines strategy, systems thinking, and people management in a mission-driven environment focused on improving early childhood outcomes.
For experienced operations professionals looking to contribute to public policy and social impact work, this role offers both responsibility and purpose in equal measure.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
