Executive Manager (Early Years). Job in London Education & Training Jobs

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global); London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned private nursery group in London is seeking a Senior Leader to oversee four nursery locations. This role involves guiding teams, ensuring high educational standards, and driving operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have over 4 years of senior leadership experience in early years education, alongside a Level 3 qualification or higher. The position offers competitive salaries, extensive paid holidays, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Over 40 days of paid holiday

Travel allowance

Coaching and development opportunities

High-standard work environment

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role.
• Deep understanding of Ofsted inspections and safeguarding standards.
• Hands-on leadership style with a background in boutique nurseries.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop nursery managers and teams.
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted standards and EYFS requirements.
• Monitor performance, analyze KPIs, and implement best practices.
• Manage financial performance and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

EYFS knowledge

Coaching

Interpersonal skills

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher

Job description

We are helping our client, a well-established, family-founded private nursery group in London, recruit a new senior leader 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 nursery managers and their 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. This role requires both leadership maturity and a genuine passion for early years education within a high-standard environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop nursery managers and their teams to deliver high-quality education and care (~20 people)
• 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
• Act as the senior point of contact representing the group internally and externally
• Foster strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community, promoting each nursery as a centre of excellence

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries
• Based in or near London, with flexibility to travel regularly across four nursery locations
• Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher (EYPS, EYT, Early Years Degree, or NNEB)
• Deep understanding of Ofsted inspections, EYFS framework, safeguarding standards, and early childhood development
• Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, training, 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

What the Company Offers

• A competitive salary
• 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.