Playground Manager - Hayward Adventure Playground

Playground Manager – Hayward Adventure Playground

📍 Upper Holloway, North London (N7 9PL)
💰 £35,000 per year + benefits
🕒 36 flexible hours per week, including 1 weekend in 4

Lead with purpose. Champion inclusive play. Make a real difference.

We’re looking for a passionate Playground Manager to run Hayward Adventure Playground, inspire a team, and create safe, joyful spaces for children aged 6–25, including those with disabilities. If you’re ready to lead with heart, connect with the community, and make a lasting impact, this role is for you.

About Us

Since 1974, Hayward Adventure Playground has been a creative, inclusive sanctuary for children and young people. Run by Kids Adventure Playground, we provide a vital space where young people can explore, express themselves, and just be kids.

We’re more than a playground — we’re a community.

The Role

As Playground Manager, no two days are the same. You’ll lead day-to-day operations, guide a passionate team, and help design play experiences that truly matter.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a dedicated team to deliver safe, fun, and inclusive play sessions
• Serve as safeguarding lead, ensuring top-notch child protection and welfare practices
• Oversee site safety, maintenance, and facilities
• Manage budgets and resources efficiently
• Develop engaging, accessible programs and activities
• Build and maintain relationships with families, local groups, and authorities

Who You Are

• Experienced leader (2+ years) in a play setting, childcare service, or youth work
• Level 3 qualification in Playwork, Childcare, Youth Work, or related area
• Passionate about inclusion and creating welcoming spaces for all children
• Confident in safeguarding and child protection practices, ideally as a DSL
• Organised, resourceful, and comfortable juggling priorities
• Excellent communicator, able to build trust with families, colleagues, and partners

Why Join Us?

• Lead a service that truly changes lives
• Be part of a values-driven, supportive team
• Shape inclusive play experiences every day
• Competitive salary + generous benefits
• Flexible working hours for better work-life balance
• 25–30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and optional extra leave
• Pension, Maternity/Paternity pay, Sick Pay, and Death in Service cover
• Learning and development opportunities, mentoring programs, and wellbeing support

How to Apply

If you’re ready to bring your energy, ideas, and leadership to Hayward Adventure Playground, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us create a playground where every child belongs.