Early Years Operations Director

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global); London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Over 40 days of paid holiday

Travel allowance

Supportive leadership team

Growth potential

Job summary

A well-established family-founded nursery group in London is seeking a Senior Director to lead operational excellence across four nursery locations. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of multi-site leadership experience in private nurseries, expertise in Ofsted standards and the EYFS framework, and a hands-on leadership style. This full-time role offers a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and over 40 days of paid holiday annually.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries.
• Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams with strong strategic and operational skills.
• Hands-on leadership style with a background in boutique or independent nursery groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support nursery managers to ensure outstanding care and business performance.
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement across all nursery settings.
• Foster strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community.

Skills

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Financial management

Compliance with Ofsted standards

Knowledge of EYFS framework

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher

Job description

Overview

We are helping our client, a well-established, family-founded private nursery group in London, recruit a top senior Director to join their organisation. The group operates four boutique nurseries across London and is known for its warm, supportive culture, high educational standards, and long-serving, hands-on team. Since its founding in 2004, the group has grown steadily while maintaining a close-knit, values-driven approach that integrates multicultural practices. Their settings are play-based, bilingual, and enriched with Forest School activities, specialist classes, and a strong focus on children’s emotional well-being.

In this role, you will act as the senior operational and strategic leader across four nursery locations in London, guiding teams in delivering exceptional care and education. You will have full responsibility for operational excellence and will be expected to lead by example, providing hands-on support while also driving high-level initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage, guide, motivate, and support nursery managers to ensure outstanding care, education and business performance of the chain
• Manage the head office (Admin, Marketing, Recruitment departments)
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement across all nursery settings
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted standards, EYFS requirements, and safeguarding policies
• Monitor nursery performance, analyse KPIs, and implement best practices
• Manage financial performance, occupancy levels, and resource allocation
• Foster strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community, promoting each nursery as a centre of excellence

Requirements

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher (EYPS, EYT, Early Years Degree, or NNEB)
• 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries
• Deep understanding of Ofsted inspections, EYFS framework, safeguarding standards, and early childhood development
• Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams, with strong strategic and operational skills
• Hands-on leadership style with a background in boutique or independent nursery groups
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse communities and staff
• Flexibility to travel regularly across four nursery locations in London (mostly West London)

What the Company Offers

• A competitive salary with annual bonus potential and possible future profit share
• Over 40 days of paid holiday annually
• Travel allowance between nursery locations
• A supportive, close-knit leadership team with coaching and development opportunities
• A high-standard, upbeat work environment where staff well-being is genuinely valued
• Long-term growth potential within a respected, stable nursery group

Full-time role. No sponsorship at the moment.