Early Childhood Education Area Manager

In Jämsä there are three early childhood education areas, led by a pair: an early childhood education area manager and an pedagogical specialist. The area manager acts as the day-care centers and family day care director for their own area together with the pedagogical specialist. The area manager is responsible for personnel and financial administration and for safety management within their area. The pedagogical specialist, who works with the area manager, is responsible for pedagogical leadership of the area. The area manager belongs to the early childhood education leadership team. The position is located in the western early childhood area, which currently contains three day-care centers of different sizes, one of which is a shift-day care center. We expect from you: experience in management of early childhood education/daycare; ability to work independently and lead changes; good organizational and decision-making skills; expertise in financial and human resources management and熟悉 the systems used; an inclusive, development-oriented and solution-focused working style; good interpersonal skills. Experience with wraparound care is an advantage. We offer: occupational health services; Edenred exercise, culture and well-being benefit; opportunities for professional development and training; a professional and team-oriented work community; continuous support from the supervisor and the leadership team for early childhood education; occasional remote work days; a time-bank for flexible working hours. Qualifications: the position requires the qualification for a daycare director under the Finnish Varhaiskasvatuksen laki (540/2018 § 31): qualification for a kindergarten teacher or social educator (26 or 27 §) and a Master of Education degree and sufficient leadership skills or the transitional provision under §75; the same qualifications include general appointment criteria under the Finnish Constitution. The appointment starts 1 January 2027 and, by agreement, becomes a temporary position and then a permanent post as of 1 May 2027. The selected person will be introduced to the role and the area with guidance from the current holder. Selection uses personal assessment. In the evaluation we consider the applicant’s education, work experience in early childhood education and in leadership roles, the interview-based assessment of suitability and assessment results. The interview day is Tuesday 15 September 2026 and will be conducted as an on-site interview in Jämsä. Invitations to the interview will be sent to those selected about a week before the interview. Before the decision is confirmed, the selected person must provide an approved medical certificate, an extract from the criminal records, and original certificates of qualifications. Conditions of service follow the Municipal Educational Sector collective agreement (OVTES). The selected person is expected to participate in a pre-employment medical examination with drug testing. A six (6) month probationary period applies.