Nursery Manager

Job summary

£1,000 joining bonus when passing 6-month probation!

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a magical learning environment?

This role would suit an experienced Early Years professional with the ability to lead and inspire an incredible team of staff and children. We are looking for a leader who truly thrives in outdoor learning and brings a creative passion to grow and develop our outdoor forest area, turning it into a cornerstone of our nursery’s identity.

If you are a strategic thinker who isn't afraid to get stuck in outside and is excited about cultivating both our team and our natural spaces, we have a fantastic package for you, and a warm welcome awaits!

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours of work: 40 hours, 51 weeks a year

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £40,000.00 - £43,000.00 pa based on qualifications and experience.

£1,000.00 joining bonus! - paid on successfully passing 6 months probation.

Benefits:

• 5% employer pension
• EV scheme through Octopus
• Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts
• 50% fee discount for the sessions your child attends on the days you work in the nursery
• Access to the group’s counselling scheme
• 3 x days of paid CPD / training per year
• 25 days holiday per year,
• Paid bank holidays off plus Christmas closure
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships, up to L5
• Accident at work insurance cover
• Staff uniform provided

Why Join Us?

• A supportive, family-like team culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A beautiful, homely setting where children and staff feel valued.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth understanding of the EYFS framework and early childhood development.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Engage in continuous professional development, staying informed on sector developments, regulatory changes, and best practices in Early Years education.
• Be financially aware and target-driven, with proven experience in managing budgets, controlling costs and achieving financial objectives.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and time management.
• Confident in using data to drive improvement and inform planning.
• IT literate, with experience using nursery management systems (e.g., EYWorks).

Person Specification:

Qualifications

• Level 3, 4, or 5 qualification in Early Years (e.g., CACHE, NVQ).
• Experience in nursery management is desirable but not essential, or leadership experience in a large setting (90+ occupancy).
• Proven track record of delivering high standards in early years education and care.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Safeguarding
• Nursery Profitability
• Management and Leadership
• Teaching & Learning
• Parent & Community Engagement
• Knowledge & Skills

Personal Qualities

• A warm, approachable, and child-centred leader.
• Willingness to work flexibly as required around the needs of the nursery.
• Passionate about creating a homely, happy, and high-achieving environment.
• Resilient, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• A team player with a sense of humour and a “can-do” attitude.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement.