Area Manager

Ark; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early years provider in London is seeking an Area Manager to foster excellence across nurseries. You will drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and support nursery managers in their professional growth. Ideal candidates possess strong leadership and coaching skills. This full-time role emphasizes operational excellence and quality assurance.

Benefits

Minimum salary of £13.85/hr for all roles in London

25 days of annual leave

11% pension contributions

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in early years education or related field.
• Strong understanding of early years regulatory frameworks and compliance.
• Experience in coaching and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead area managers to ensure operational excellence across nurseries.
• Ensure all nurseries meet Ofsted inspection readiness.
• Coach staff for professional growth and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Regulatory compliance

Relationship building

Operational management

Job description

About The Role

Area Manager – Ark Start

Reporting to: Director of Early Years

Location: Various locations across London

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time

Interviews: Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified

Salary: Competitive

About the role

The area manager role at Ark Start is a leadership position focused on fostering excellence across a group of nurseries. This individual will play a crucial role in driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and enhancing the quality of early years education. Leading one specialised area of expertise—such as assessment or staff training and development—the area manager will shape a positive culture that embodies Ark Start’s values. They will build strong relationships with nursery managers, supporting their professional growth and tailoring Ark Start’s approach to meet the unique needs of each nursery. Responsible for both operational excellence and quality assurance, this role includes overseeing Ofsted readiness, leading safeguarding as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and acting as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to ensure inclusive practices. Additionally, the area manager will coach and develop staff and build partnerships within the community to drive the success of the nurseries.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

• Lead and develop one area of expertise (e.g. assessment, staff training and development), driving continuous improvement across your region
• Establish a strong and positive culture, setting consistent expectations and embodying Ark Start’s values in all interactions

Operational Excellence

• Line manage a region of nurseries, building a trusting relationship with nursery managers to support their development and ensure continuous improvement
• Tailor the Ark Start approach to suit the unique context and developmental needs of each nursery, ensuring flexibility and adaptability
• Oversee the implementation of Ark Start and statutory policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, and risk assessments
• Identify and address strengths and weaknesses within the nurseries, implementing plans for improvement where necessary

Quality Assurance

• Ensure nurseries are Ofsted-ready, leading inspections and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the region, managing safeguarding cases and ensuring adherence to Ark Start’s safeguarding policy
• Act as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for the region, ensuring all necessary paperwork and provision are in place for children with additional needs
• Oversee planning meetings and monitor curriculum implementation, supporting staff to deliver consistently excellent educational provision

Staff Development & Training

• Coach and mentor nursery managers and staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learning
• Support managers in identifying training needs and facilitating ongoing professional development for all staff members
• Ensure effective deployment of staff, meeting the needs of each nursery while considering staff skills and strengths
• Assist apprentices in achieving their qualifications and provide support throughout their development

Financial & HR Management

• Meet financial targets for the nurseries in your region, monitoring budgets and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations
• Identify staffing needs and gaps, working with the Headteacher of Ark Start, and wider team, to ensure effective workforce planning

Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with partner schools, local authorities, and external agencies to support the development and success of Ark Start nurseries
• Lead the implementation and continuous development of the family programme, enhancing parent engagement and support

Benefits

• A Real Living Wage Employer: We are a Real Living Wage employer with a minimum salary of £13.85 per hour for all roles in London. We also pay 11% pension contributions
• Ongoing Learning: We are committed to providing the best development for all our staff and we work hard to ensure there are clear career progression routes
• Annual leave: Staff receive 25 days holiday each year, excluding bank holidays
• Wellbeing: Staff wellbeing is incredibly important. We know that while incredibly rewarding, working in a nursery can be challenging. We therefore work hard to ensure all staff have the support and infrastructure they need to take care of their wellbeing
• Part of a Network: Ark Start is part of Ark, a charity that aims to transform children’s lives through education. Ark operates a network of 39 schools across London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Hastings as well as a number of charitable ventures. Being part of a network means our staff get access to the opportunities, infrastructure, and support of a large organisation.

About Us

Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. We are driven by our values in everything we do: Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning.

Ark Start is at an exciting time in its evolution. We have six nurseries in and aim to expand our reach over the coming years. As we expand, we are looking for staff to join our founding team. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for young children and with the skill, creativity, commitment and energy to deliver excellent provision at Ark Start.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please note the following:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].

Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for all employees.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage submitting your application at your earliest convenience.

If you would like to hear more about this role or about Ark Start, please contact [e-mail].