Area Manager

Area Manager

Field Based – Berkshire & South Bucks

£60,000 per annum plus £6,000 car allowance

37.5 hours per week

At Partou, childcare is more than a career—it’s a journey of impact, growth, and purpose. As one of the largest and fastest-growing childcare providers in the UK and part of a global network spanning over 1,000 nurseries, we’re shaping the future of early years education for over 75,000 children worldwide.

We’re now looking for an exceptional Area Manager - a confident, commercially aware leader who can inspire excellence across a portfolio of nurseries and play a pivotal role in our next phase of growth.

As an Area Manager, you’ll take ownership of 8–10 nurseries around Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire, ensuring they deliver exceptional childcare, strong commercial performance, and exceptional experiences for children, families, and teams.

You’ll be the critical link between strategy and delivery—translating regional priorities into meaningful, measurable impact on the ground.

What you will be doing:

Leadership & Operations

• Lead, coach, and develop Nursery Managers to deliver consistently high standards
• Drive accountability through clear expectations, performance reviews, and action planning
• Stay visible and connected through regular site visits and engagement

Quality & Safeguarding

• Champion exceptional early years practice and child outcomes
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding standards
• Partner with quality and safeguarding specialists to raise standards and manage risk

Commercial Performance

• Deliver on occupancy, revenue, and cost targets across your portfolio
• Use data and insight to drive performance improvements
• Support local initiatives to enhance parent experience and retention

People & Culture

• Build strong, capable leadership teams
• Support talent development, succession planning, and retention
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with Partou’s values

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality
• Lead and embed change initiatives across your nurseries
• Share best practice and encourage innovation

Who we’re looking for:

You’re a visible, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment. You know how to balance quality, people, and commercial priorities—and you bring others with you on the journey.

You’ll bring:

• Proven multi-site leadership experience (early years or a regulated care environment)
• A Level 3 childcare qualification (Level 5+ preferred)
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted, and safeguarding
• A track record of improving performance across multiple settings
• Commercial acumen—confident managing budgets, occupancy, and costs
• A coaching leadership style that builds confident, accountable teams
• Excellent data analysis and decision-making skills
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

What you’ll get in return:

• The opportunity to lead within a growing, values-driven organisation
• Access to global expertise and best practice in early years
• A role with real influence—where your leadership directly impacts outcomes
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
• Competitive salary of £60,000 plus car allowance of £6,000 per annum
• Annual bonus potential of up to £8,000 per annum
• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Access to our Employee Assistant Programme and healthcare schemes

Why Partou?

Become a Partou team member and join a supportive, caring community where you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career. With access to world-class childcare research, resources, and expertise, we help you develop skills, and empower you to create a positive impact on the development of the next generation, as they lead us into a better future.

Safer Recruitment: All applicants will undergo EnhancedDBS checks and thorough vetting. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Partou is proud be a part of the National Partnership in Early Learning and Childcare (NPELC) - a group of 10 of the largest childcare providers across England. Together, we operate over 1,300 childcare settings, employ more than 38,000 people, and take care of over 160,000 children.