Managing Director - Early Years

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global); City Of London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established nursery group in London is seeking a Managing Director to lead four boutique nurseries. The role includes managing operations, guiding nursery managers, and ensuring compliance with educational standards. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher and proven leadership experience in the early years sector. A competitive salary, over 40 days of paid holiday, and travel allowance are offered in this full-time role.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual bonus potential

Over 40 days of paid holiday

Travel allowance between nursery locations

Supportive leadership team with development opportunities

High-standard work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries.
• Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams.
• Flexibility to travel regularly across four nursery locations in London.

Responsibilities

• Manage, guide, motivate, and support nursery managers.
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement across nursery settings.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted standards and EYFS requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Strategic planning

Operational excellence

Understanding of Ofsted inspections

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher

Job description

The company:

We are helping our client, a well‑established, family‑founded private nursery group in London, recruit a Managing Director to lead the 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.

The role:

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

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher (EYPS, EYT, Early Years Degree, or NNEB)
• 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
• 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.