Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager – Leicester Central
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded Nursery Manager to lead a large Early Years setting in the heart of Leicester.

With capacity for up to 150 children, there is huge potential within the nursery, and a key focus will be driving occupancy, strengthening quality and building its presence within the local community.

You’ll inherit a small but incredibly established team, including two members of staff who have been with the nursery for 29 years. The building itself is lovely, with further improvements planned this year.

The long-term vision is to create more than just a nursery – it’s about building a genuine support network and village for local families, developing partnerships with organisations such as hospitals, colleges, community groups and other major local employers.

You’ll have autonomy to lead the setting while being supported by an experienced Senior Nursery Manager across the two local sites.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the day-to-day running and performance of the nursery
• Driving occupancy and sustainable growth across the setting
• Maintaining high standards across EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding and SEND
• Supporting, motivating and developing an established team
• Monitoring and continually improving the quality of care and education
• Building strong relationships with children and families
• Developing partnerships with local employers, colleges, community organisations and other referral partners
• Managing staffing, budgets, resources and operational requirements
• Working closely with the Senior Nursery Manager and wider leadership team
• Supporting the continued development of the nursery as further investment is made

About You

We’re looking for an experienced Early Years leader who can balance exceptional quality with strong commercial awareness.

You’ll ideally have:

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years
• At least 2 years’ experience in a senior Early Years leadership role
• Strong Nursery Manager or senior management experience
• Good commercial awareness and experience supporting or driving occupancy
• Strong Ofsted experience and excellent knowledge of the EYFS
• Strong SEND and safeguarding knowledge and experience
• Confident people-management and team-development skills
• The ability to build relationships with families and the wider community
• A proactive, organised and approachable leadership style

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive Salary
• 40-hour working week, Monday to Friday
• Private gated parking in Leicester city centre
• Support from an experienced Senior Nursery Manager
• Planned investment and improvements to the setting
• Professional development and career progression
• Additional leave
• Childcare benefits
• Company pension
• Store discounts
• The opportunity to shape and grow a nursery with significant potential

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Nursery Manager who is passionate about quality but also understands the commercial side of running a successful nursery, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to grow a large setting, develop an established team and build a nursery that becomes a genuine part of its local community.

Safeguarding Statement

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.