Area Manager (Sevenoaks Area)

Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd.; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Health plan

Free meals (breakfast/lunch)

KP Academy training

Enhanced leave (family)

Wellbeing rewards

Birthday day off

Pension plan

Central support team

Job summary

Kids Planet Day Nurseries Ltd. in Sevenoaks is seeking an Area Manager to oversee a group of nurseries, ensuring the highest standards of childcare and EYFS delivery.

You will lead Nursery Managers, develop the management team, drive performance against Ofsted requirements, budgets and growth, and champion safeguarding and partnerships with families.

Qualifications

• Senior level experience in childcare leadership and running multiple settings.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted requirements and safeguarding practices.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and drive commercial performance.
• Excellent people management and leadership skills with a focus on development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a group of nursery settings to maintain high childcare standards.
• Collaborate with Nursery Managers to meet EYFS standards and support children's potential.
• Develop and mentor the management team to reach full potential across settings.
• Drive marketing, growth, and achievement of FTE targets for the group.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support staff recruitment and partner withParents and external agencies.

Skills

Senior leadership

Budget management

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Area Manager to join our fantastic team covering the Sevenoaks Area.

We are looking for a highly dedicated individual who is passionate about delivering the highest quality of childcare and is looking for the opportunity to grow and maintain our outstanding nursery settings. This role would suit a highly motivated and professional individual with excellent people skills. A person who is enthusiastic, creative and has excellent time management and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing a group of nursery settings to ensure the highest standards of childcare is provided
• Working with Nursery Managers to ensure that each setting provides the standards set out by the EYFS and that children reach their full potential in our care
• Maintaining and developing the settings to ensure our reputation as "Outstanding" remains
• Developing the management team to ensure each and every nursery manager reaches their full potential
• Ensuring nurseries are supported in marketing and achieve FTE targets
• Managing issues that arise within the nursery to ensure a successful resolution
• Ensuring that all legislation in relation to Ofsted registration, special needs, safeguarding and Health and Safety is complied with and that company policies and procedures are adhered to
• Working alongside the management team to ensure a successful talent pathway for existing staff and new recruits is managed effectively

Requirements:

• Must have experience working at Senior Level
• Must be at least Level 3 qualified or have equivalent qualifications
• Have a detailed understanding of the requirements set by Ofsted
• Experience of managing budgets and awareness of commercial profitability
• An excellent knowledge of the EYFS and experience of working with children and families
• Experience of managing with excellent leadership skills
• Extensive knowledge of Safeguarding, recruitment, and employment practices
• Experience of working in partnership with parents and outside agencies
• Must have a valid driving licence and be able to travel

Why Kids Planet?

• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women, for the second year running
• Crowned NMT's Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• Awarded one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Education & Training by Great Place to Work 2026
• 80% Childcare Discount - T&Cs apply

What we'll offer our Area Managers:

• Life Insurance cover and access to a health plan.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it's all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships