Nursery Manager

ACR Recruitment & Training Limited; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 40,042 - 48,940; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual leave (increasing with service)

Childcare discount

Employee discounts

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Family-friendly policies

Flexible working

Four-day week option

Job summary

ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd is recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager for a high-quality setting in Exeter. The role oversees daily nursery operations, drives quality in line with EYFS, and leads a team to deliver outstanding care and education.

The successful candidate will guide safeguarding compliance, Ofsted readiness, and continuous improvement, while building strong relationships with families and external professionals.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Minimum 5 years' experience within an Early Years setting.
• Previous Nursery Manager or senior leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the nursery.
• Ensure outstanding care and education is delivered in line with the EYFS framework.
• Inspire, support, and develop staff to achieve excellent outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and statutory requirements.
• Monitor quality standards and drive continuous improvement throughout the setting.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external professionals.
• Support occupancy growth and the overall success of the nursery.
• Oversee recruitment, inductions, supervision, and staff development.
• Ensure health & safety policies and procedures are implemented effectively.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and child-centred culture throughout the nursery.
• Work closely with senior management to achieve operational and quality objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

EYFS framework

Safeguarding

Staff development

Staff motivation

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Nursery Manager

Location: Exeter
Contract: Permanent Full-Time
Position: Management
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £44,491.20 per annum
Job Grade: Career Framework Level 6

About the Role

ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd are proud to be supporting a high-quality nursery setting in the recruitment of an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established Early Years leader to oversee the day-to-day operation of a thriving nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care, education, safeguarding and compliance are maintained.

You will lead, motivate and develop your team while creating a positive environment where children, families and staff can flourish. Working closely with senior leadership, you will drive quality, support continuous improvement and contribute to the ongoing success of the setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the nursery
• Ensure outstanding care and education is delivered in line with the EYFS framework
• Inspire, support, and develop staff to achieve excellent outcomes
• Maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, and statutory requirements
• Monitor quality standards and drive continuous improvement throughout the setting
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external professionals
• Support occupancy growth and the overall success of the nursery
• Oversee recruitment, inductions, supervision, and staff development
• Ensure health & safety policies and procedures are implemented effectively
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and child-centred culture throughout the nursery
• Work closely with senior management to achieve operational and quality objectives

What We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
• Minimum 5 years' experience within an Early Years setting
• Previous Nursery Manager or senior leadership experience
• Strong understanding of the EYFS framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Passion for delivering exceptional experiences for children, families, and staff
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £44,491.20 per annum
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with length of service
• Significant childcare discount scheme available
• Employee discount programme offering savings on shopping, travel, leisure and lifestyle purchases
• Access to wellbeing support services, including mental health and financial wellbeing resources
• Ongoing professional development, training, and leadership development opportunities
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and parental leave benefits
• Flexible working options available, including the opportunity for a four-day working week, where operationally suitable
• Clear progression opportunities within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation

Why Apply?

Join a nursery that values quality, staff wellbeing and professional growth

Lead and inspire a dedicated team while making a genuine impact on children's outcomes

Continue developing your leadership career within a supportive environment

Be part of a setting committed to delivering exceptional Early Years education and care

Ready to Apply?

If you're an experienced Nursery Manager looking for your next leadership opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.