Area Manager

Work With Kids; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An Early Years Provider based in Wimbledon is seeking an Operations Manager for a maternity cover role that may become permanent. The successful candidate will provide operational leadership across three nurseries, ensuring high standards of care and compliance. Key responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, mentoring staff, and supporting curriculum planning. This position offers a competitive salary and an opportunity to develop quality early years settings while working in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £50,000

4-day working week

Supportive team culture

Opportunity for long-term progression

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience managing early years settings.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and operational standards.
• Confident leadership skills with a supportive, collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and quality across three nurseries.
• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for all settings.
• Lead, train, and mentor staff teams across the nurseries.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Problem-solving

Job description

Operations Manager - Multi‑Site Early Years Provision (Maternity Contract with Potential to Become Permanent)

Location: Wimbledon (overseeing 3 nurseries)

Hours: 4 days per week, 30‑40 hours

Salary: £45,000‑£50,000 per annum

Contract: Maternity cover, all‑year‑round, with possibility of becoming permanent

About the Role

You will provide hands‑on operational leadership across all three sites, supporting managers, developing staff, and ensuring consistently high standards of care, education, and compliance. This is a varied and rewarding role for a confident leader who enjoys working closely with teams and driving quality across multiple settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and quality across three nurseries
• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for all settings
• Spend time at each site, offering hands‑on support
• Lead, train, and mentor staff teams across the nurseries
• Organise INSET days, staff training, and parent events
• Support curriculum planning
• Ensure compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements
• Contribute to organisational development, including upcoming new settings
• Build strong and positive relationships with parents, staff, and external partners

About You

• Minimum 2 years' experience managing early years settings
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and operational standards
• Confident leadership skills with a supportive, collaborative approach
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skillsAble to work flexibly across three Wimbledon‑based nurseries

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to £50,000
• 4‑day working week, 30‑40 hours per week
• All‑year‑round role with Christmas closure + bank holidays
• Supportive team culture and strong leadership infrastructure
• Opportunity to influence and develop multiple high‑quality early years settings
• Maternity contract with genuine potential to transition to a permanent post

If you're a passionate and experienced early years leader ready for a multi‑site role with room for long‑term progression, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and make a meaningful impact across our nurseries.