Playground Manager – Make Playtime Count!

Working Hours: 36 variable hours per week and will include 1 working weekend in 4 during term time.

Essential criteria: Level 3 qualification or above and at least 2 years experience of working in a playground setting / early years setting or other suitable experience

Love adventure, making kids smile, and creating magical experiences? If you’re passionate about empowering disabled children and young people to explore, play, and grow in a truly inclusive environment, this could be your dream job!

About Us

Welcome to Hayward Playground, a vibrant, accessible green wonderland in the heart of the city! Here, children can unleash their imagination with treehouses to climb, bikes to zoom around on, nest swings for soaring high, and sensory rooms for quiet moments of wonder. We’ve been sparking joy since 1974, and we’re not stopping anytime soon!

At Hayward, we’re all about fun and freedom for young people aged 6 to 25. Whether they need 1:1 support or prefer the independence of 1:4 groups, we create spaces where everyone belongs. We host awesome after-school clubs, weekend adventures, youth hangouts, and holiday play schemes. Think of us as the coolest play crew in town!

What You’ll Do

As Playground Manager, you’ll be the Captain of Fun, steering this ship of adventure! You’ll lead a passionate team, ensure everyone’s safe and happy, and build a space where creativity and inclusivity thrive. Here’s what’s on your to-do list:

Your Key Superpowers 🔑

• Team Captain: You’ll recruit, train, and inspire a team of play champions (both permanent and sessional staff). From first-aid training to creative play strategies, you’ll make sure they’ve got all the tools to create memorable moments for the kids.
• Safety Hero: You’ll be the guardian of the playground! Making sure that all staff know how to keep playtime safe, with the right training, support ratios, and, of course, plenty of fun.
• Safeguarding Superstar: Protecting young people is priority #1. You’ll ensure that safeguarding is woven into the fabric of everything we do, keeping everyone safe and sound.
• Adventure Architect: Get hands-on with the playground itself! From making sure swings are swinging to managing repairs and keeping everything clean, your mission is to keep this space as magical as ever.
• Number Ninja: You’ll oversee the playground’s budget, making sure we’re sticking to financial plans while keeping the fun flowing. You’ll also handle the paperwork and liaise with local authorities and other agencies (don’t worry, we’ll keep it exciting).
• Creative Play Planner: Work with our team to design a non-stop parade of activities! Whether it's building the next treehouse fort or organising inclusive games, you’ll be the master of memorable experiences.

The Awesome You Bring to the Table 🌟

• Playtime Expert: You understand the power of play! You know what it takes to run an adventure playground, and you love the idea of making each child’s experience unforgettable.
• Disability Champion: You’ve worked directly with disabled children before and know how to meet their needs, creating a supportive and joyful atmosphere for all.
• Safeguarding Legend: As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you’ve handled sensitive situations and always make sure the right protections are in place.
• Leader of the Pack: With experience managing teams, you know how to motivate people, handle recruitment, supervision, and development like a boss.
• Multitasking Mastermind: From reports to risk assessments, you can handle it all! You’re organised and know how to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
• IT Wizard: You’re no stranger to Microsoft Office and databases, making record-keeping and admin tasks feel like a breeze.
• Collaboration Pro: You’ve got experience working with local authorities and other partners, making sure everyone’s working together to support the kids.
• Champion of Inclusion: You believe in equality and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring our playground is a welcoming place for every child and young person.

Why you’ll Love It Here!

Hayward Playground is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something special! You’ll be helping to create magical memories for children and young people who need it most. With every swing pushed and treehouse climbed, you’ll be changing lives in a fun, adventurous, and inspiring environment.

So, if you’re ready to lead a playground filled with joy, laughter, and boundless imagination, we can’t wait to meet you. Apply now and make playtime awesome!