Area Manager - Early Years Childcare

MaxAd Fixed Fee Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks an experienced Area Manager to oversee operations and lead multiple nurseries. You will ensure compliance, drive performance, and support new site openings while working hybrid. Candidates must have strong Early Years leadership experience and knowledge of EYFS standards. This role offers a salary between £40,000 - £50,000 plus performance-related bonuses and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Hybrid work flexibility

Opportunity to shape future growth

Qualifications

• Experience managing large or multi-site Early Years settings.
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding standards.
• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor Nursery Managers and Deputies.
• Oversee recruitment and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and EYFS standards.
• Produce reports on staffing and operational KPIs.
• Act as escalation point for concerns.
• Lead on the opening of new nursery sites.

Skills

Managing large or multi-site Early Years settings

Knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding standards

Organisational skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Diplomatic leadership style

Influencing and inspiring teams

Education

Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 qualification (desirable)

Job description

£40,000 - £50,000 + Bonus + Hybrid + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced Early Years professional with a passion for people, quality, and operational excellence? This is a rare opportunity to join a progressive, values‑led nursery group at a pivotal time of growth.

We're working with a thriving, purpose‑driven childcare provider, founded on a belief in nature, nutrition, and nurture. The business has grown rapidly, opening its second UK site in late 2024, and now seeks an experienced Area Manager to lead and support its expanding team of Nursery Managers and Deputies.

Reporting directly to the Owner/Managing Director, you'll have the autonomy to shape operational standards, drive performance across multiple sites, and play a key role in the launch of a brand‑new nursery.

As Area Manager, you'll lead by example, combining strategic oversight with hands‑on involvement to ensure every nursery maintains outstanding levels of care, compliance, and culture. You'll guide managers, oversee recruitment and retention and support continuous improvement across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching and mentoring Nursery Managers and Deputies to deliver excellence across multiple settings
• Overseeing recruitment, retention and professional development in partnership with the EYFS Manager
• Ensuring full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS and safeguarding standards
• Producing reports and forecasts on staffing, occupancy, and operational KPIs
• Acting as escalation point for parent or staff concerns
• Leading on the opening of a new nursery site - from planning and staffing through to operational readiness
• Championing a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing large or multi‑site Early Years settings
• Excellent working knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding standards
• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable)
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills
• A calm, diplomatic and resilient leadership style
• Experience opening a new nursery or site (highly desirable but not essential)
• The ability to influence and inspire without ego – building trust and accountability across teams

The Offer

• Salary from £40,000 – £50,000, depending on experience
• Performance‑based bonus linked to recruitment, retention and operational KPIs
• Hybrid flexibility. Primarily site‑based with up to 1 day per week working from home
• Supportive owner and leadership team with clear vision and purpose
• Genuine opportunity to shape future growth and open new sites
• Occasional travel to Lithuania (1‑3 times per year) to share best practice

You’ll be a confident leader with strong Early Years experience and a genuine enthusiasm for developing people and systems. You may already be managing multiple settings, or running a large, complex single site with ambitions to step up.

This is an exciting, long‑term opportunity for an ambitious Early Years leader who enjoys scaling operations, developing people and making a lasting impact. Apply now!