Nursery Manager

SRM Recruitment; Eling; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager based in Totton, Southampton. The role offers a salary of up to £50,000 with an annual bonus, industry-leading training, and exceptional benefits. Candidates are expected to have management experience in early years, a strong grasp of EYFS and Ofsted guidelines, and a passion for operational excellence. This is an opportunity for career progression in a rewarding environment.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

75% childcare discount

Retail, travel, and lifestyle savings

Confidential wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Management experience in an Early Years setting.
• Passion for leadership and operational excellence.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the nursery team.
• Drive quality in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Build relationships with parents and carers.
• Oversee operations, staffing, and budgets.
• Promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Knowledge of EYFS

Knowledge of Ofsted requirements

Staff development

Relationship building

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Level 5 qualification

Job description

Overview

Nursery Manager – Up to £53,000 with Bonus & Exceptional Benefits
Location: Totton, Southampton
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum performance bonus up to £3,000 (OTE £53,000)
Hours: 40 per week
Contract: Permanent

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager, or a Deputy looking to step up into a management role? We’re working with a highly reputable nursery group who are committed to rewarding their managers with an outstanding benefits package, clear career progression, and industry-leading training.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to combine financial reward with long-term personal development.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of up to £50,000

• Annual performance bonus up to £3,000 – total earnings over £53,000

• Industry-leading training & development: funded qualifications, paid apprenticeships, and clear pathways for progression

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays and your birthday off

• 75% childcare discount

• Retail, travel, and lifestyle savings

• Confidential wellbeing support

The Role

As Nursery Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading the team, ensuring high-quality early years care, and maintaining outstanding standards across the setting. Key areas include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing staff

• Driving quality in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements

• Building trusted relationships with parents and carers

• Overseeing day-to-day operations, staffing, and budgets

• Promoting continuous improvement and reflective practice

About You

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Childcare qualification (minimum)

• At least 1 year of management experience in an Early Years setting

• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements

• A genuine passion for leadership and operational excellence

(Level 5 qualification and experience achieving Good or Outstanding at Ofsted are desirable.)

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values and invests in its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.