Area Manager - Early Years Childcare

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

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee multiple nursery sites. This pivotal role requires strong leadership, a proven track record in Early Years, and the ability to drive operational standards across the network. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted compliance, with an enthusiasm for developing people and systems. Competitive salary offering up to £50,000 plus bonus, with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Hybrid working flexibility

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large or multi-site Early Years settings.
• Excellent working knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding standards.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor Nursery Managers and Deputies.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, EYFS and safeguarding standards.
• Act as escalation point for parent or staff concerns.

Skills

Experience managing large or multi-site Early Years settings

Knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding standards

Organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Diplomatic and resilient leadership style

Ability to influence and inspire teams

Education

Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 5 Early Years 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!