Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU, Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX or Riverside, LowestoftNR33 0EQ - Hybrid
• Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed term/Secondment to cover an absent post holder, expected to end 31 March 2028, subject to change.

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change.

As a Systems Liaison Officer (Early Years and Childcare), you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

This is a varied and rewarding role focused on making best use of systems and data to support the delivery of Early Years and Childcare Services. You will help ensure that colleagues, providers and families can access clear, accurate and timely information, supporting the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities.

You will act as a key link between service teams and the systems they use, helping to ensure data is accurate, processes are effective, and systems meet operational needs.

You will:

• support the effective use of information systems to meet statutory and reporting requirements
• maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners
• provide guidance and support to colleagues on data quality, systems and information processes
• contribute to service planning, performance monitoring and reporting activities
• support the sharing of clear and accurate information with providers, partners and families
• work with colleagues and system providers to improve processes and ensure systems are fit for purpose
• manage the Childcare Brokerage Service.

You will need

• a suitable professional qualification at graduate level or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• experience of working with data, systems or digital tools to support service delivery
• the ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly
• strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• evidence of continuing professional development
• knowledge of early years, childcare or children’s services (or the ability to develop this knowledge).

We will offer you

• a supportive and collaborative team environment
• opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge, including in early years and data systems
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

You can view the full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP) in the ‘How to apply’ section of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we would welcome your application.

The Team

The Early Years and Childcare (EYC) Service plays a vital role in improving the quality of early years provision across Suffolk, helping to deliver better long-term outcomes for children. By ensuring access to high-quality, inclusive childcare, the service supports families, meets statutory sufficiency duties, and helps reduce inequalities for disadvantaged children. With increasing demand for funded childcare, the service works closely with providers to ensure children benefit from safe, effective environments that support learning and development. This includes supporting providers to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and investing in workforce development to strengthen practice across the sector.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Carolyn Heyburn or Christina Lewis for a casual conversation. You can reach Carolyn by calling 01473 264003 or emailing carolyn.heyburn@suffolk.gov.uk You can reach Christina by calling 01473 265360 oremailing christina.lewis@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Closing date: 11.30pm, 28 May 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk)