Location: Vauxhall, SE11
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
We are seeking a passionate, hands-on Nursery Manager to lead a successful and growing early years setting. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated leader who is committed to delivering outstanding childcare, exceptional customer service, and a positive working environment where children, families, and staff can flourish.
The Role
As Nursery Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operations and strategic leadership of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance are maintained at all times.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, inspire, and motivate a large multi-room team to deliver exceptional standards across the nursery.
Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing team members.
Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive working culture.
Conduct supervisions, appraisals, and performance reviews to support professional development.
Mentor Deputy Managers, Room Leaders, and senior staff to build future leaders.
Identify training needs and implement development plans across the team.
Quality & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, health and safety, and all regulatory requirements.
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
Maintain outstanding learning environments and ensure the EYFS curriculum is embedded effectively throughout the nursery.
Lead the nursery through inspections and quality improvement initiatives.
Oversee risk assessments and operational procedures to ensure a safe and stimulating environment.
Parent & Community Partnerships
Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers.
Act as the main point of contact for families, ensuring excellent communication and customer service.
Organise parent events and information sessions to strengthen community engagement.
Develop relationships with local schools, agencies, and community organisations to support children's learning and transitions.
Business & Financial Management
Manage occupancy levels, forecasting, budgeting, and overall nursery performance.
Monitor income, expenditure, staffing levels, and operational costs.
Analyse nursery performance data and implement strategies to achieve growth targets.
Work closely with senior leadership on marketing and business development initiatives.
Drive performance against key business objectives, including occupancy, quality standards, and parent satisfaction.
About You
We are looking for a Nursery Manager who has:
A minimum of 2 years' experience as a Nursery Manager.
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 6 desirable).
Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
Experience managing nursery budgets, occupancy, and staffing.
A proven track record of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
Experience recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.
Excellent leadership, communication, organisational, and IT skills.
A genuine passion for early years education and making a positive impact on children's lives.
Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, DBS Update Service registration, and safeguarding training (or willingness to maintain compliance).
Benefits
Competitive salary up to £50,000 per annum
Performance-related bonus opportunities
Length of service rewards, including additional annual leave and financial bonuses
Refer-a-friend scheme (£500 for qualified Level 3 referrals)
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Additional Christmas and New Year closure period
5 paid inset days for training and team development
Coaching and mentoring support
Team social events and celebrations throughout the year
Ofsted and Food Hygiene achievement bonuses
Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation
If you are an ambitious and experienced Nursery Manager ready to lead a successful nursery and make a lasting difference to children, families, and staff, we would love to hear from you
Salary description
£48000.00 - £50000.00 per year