Managing Director

Managing Director 

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum

Location: Camden, London

Closing Date: Applications will be on a rolling basis

We are recruiting on behalf of a dynamic, grassroots charity that have been transforming the lives of children and families for over a decade. Operating across three vibrant play centres, this charity delivers inclusive early years education, after-school and holiday play schemes, mentoring, and specialist support for children and young people with disabilities. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to create safe, engaging spaces where every child can thrive and play.

What sets them apart from most nurseries or schools is our unwavering belief in the power of play. Their services are designed around a play‑centred philosophy that puts children's curiosity, autonomy and emotional wellbeing first, creating environments where every child can thrive on their own terms.

As Managing Director, you will be both the strategic and operational lead, driving innovation and growth while ensuring excellence in service delivery. Reporting to a committed Board of Trustees, you'll oversee a talented team across three locations and work closely with partners, commissioners, and stakeholders to expand impact and develop new income streams.

They are looking for a commercially minded leader with a strong track record in play work, youth work with experience of EYFS provision. You'll combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, ensuring compliance, safeguarding, and financial sustainability while inspiring your team to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and families.

Key qualities we're seeking:

• Senior leadership experience across services for children and young people, including play work, youth work, nursery management, and EYFS provision, within education, care, or community contexts.


• Proven ability to develop services and generate income.


• Strong financial acumen and operational oversight.


• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and community engagement.

Please note, due to the front line nature of this charity, it's essential that you are open to working on-site most days.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead an organisation that truly makes a difference to it's community.

If you're ready to bring your expertise and passion to a role with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.