Area Manager

GMD|Management; Forest of Dean; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Area Manager for Early Years in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. This dynamic role involves overseeing high-quality nurseries, ensuring compliance, and fostering staff development. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a proven track record in early years education. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered.

Benefits

5% employer pension contribution

50% staff childcare discount

Electric vehicle scheme

Cycle to Work & high street discounts

3 paid CPD/training days per year

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Access to fully funded apprenticeships

Counselling and wellbeing support

Personal accident at work cover

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing or leading Early Years settings.
• Recent successful track record in leading nurseries through Ofsted inspections.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support nursery managers across multiple sites.
• Oversee operational performance and compliance.
• Drive quality improvement and Ofsted readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Business Planning

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years education

Degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Area Manager Early Years (Wiltshire & Gloucestershire)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 (DOE)

Contract: Full-time, year-round

Location: Wiltshire & Gloucestershire (multi-site + Corsham office)

Start Date: ASAP (Interviews from early June)

About The Role

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and ambitious Area Manager to oversee the development and daily leadership of a small but growing group of high-quality day nurseries in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of nurturing, enriching, and imaginative environments, supporting nursery managers, leading Ofsted readiness, embedding high standards, and overseeing new setting integrations.

You will play a pivotal role in developing provisions where children thrive, staff are inspired, and parents receive outstanding service. This role is hands-on, impactful, and full of potential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and support nursery managers across multiple sites to ensure excellence in provision.
2. Oversee operational performance, safeguarding, compliance, and staffing.
3. Drive quality improvement and Ofsted readiness across all settings.
4. Support the integration and development of new nurseries into the group.
5. Build strong, collaborative relationships with staff, families, and external stakeholders.
6. Monitor financial performance and collaborate with the support office team in Corsham.
7. Conduct regular quality audits, observations, and staff development planning.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years education.
• Full UK driving license and access to own transport.
• Extensive experience managing or leading Early Years settings.
• Recent successful track record in leading nurseries through Ofsted inspections.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Confidence with business planning, budgeting, and compliance.

Desirable

• Degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent).
• Experience in a multi-site management role.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in nursery growth, transitions, or acquisitions.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary £45,000 - £50,000 (based on experience).
• 5% employer pension contribution.
• 50% staff childcare discount.
• Electric vehicle scheme.
• Cycle to Work & high street discounts.
• 3 paid CPD/training days per year.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships.
• Counselling and wellbeing support.
• Personal accident at work cover.

Next Steps

• Application Deadline: Friday 30th May, 4 PM.
• Screening calls: Week commencing 2nd June.
• In-person interviews: Week commencing 9th June.

This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, shape with imagination, and build something truly special in early years education. If you're ready to take your next step in multi-site leadership, we'd love to hear from you.