Nursery Manager

Compass Associates; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Associates in London is seeking an exceptional Nursery Leader to take full ownership of a large South London nursery setting. You will shape culture, lead a sizeable team and drive high standards across safeguarding, regulatory compliance and educational outcomes.

The role offers genuine autonomy, strategic influence and a platform to deliver meaningful impact over the next 2–3 years, with a salary of up to £100,000 depending on experience and calibre.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a sizeable nursery or early years setting.
• Experience as Registered Manager / Nursery Manager.
• Strong track record of leading large teams.
• Excellent knowledge of Ofsted, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Evidence of improving quality, standards and operational performance.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding.
• Experience across multiple Ofsted inspections, with at least one Outstanding desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across the setting, driving culture, team performance and safeguarding.
• Ensure quality of provision and educational standards.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and safeguarding processes.
• Engage and develop staff, driving retention and professional growth.
• Strengthen parent experience and relationships.
• Manage financial and operational performance and continuous improvement.

Skills

Nursery Leadership

Registered Manager

Ofsted

Team Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Commercial Acumen

Job description

Very competitive salary - £75,000 plus earning potential of up to £100,000

I’m working with a leading early years organisation on an exciting opportunity for an exceptional Nursery Manager / Registered Manager to take full ownership of a significant nursery setting in South London.

This is not a traditional Nursery Manager position.

With approximately70 staff, this is a substantial leadership appointment for someone who wants genuine autonomy, the opportunity to shape culture and standards, and the platform to make a meaningful impact over the next 2–3 years.

The Opportunity

The setting is looking for a fresh approach and stronger leadership, with this appointment being viewed as an investment hire.

You will have full operational responsibility for the setting, leading a large team while driving improvements across:

• Leadership, culture and team performance
• Quality of provision and educational standards
• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Staff engagement, development and retention
• Parent experience and relationships
• Financial and operational performance
• Continuous improvement across the nursery

You will be given the autonomy and support to genuinely make your mark.

What we’re looking for:

We're looking for an experienced Nursery Leader who has the presence, commercial awareness and leadership capability to run a large and complex setting.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience leading a sizeable nursery or early years setting
• Experience as a Registered Manager / Nursery Manager
• A strong track record of leading and developing large teams
• Excellent knowledge of Ofsted, safeguarding and regulatory requirements
• Evidence of improving quality, standards and operational performance
• Strong commercial and financial understanding
• The confidence to challenge, influence and drive change
• Ideally, experience across multiple Ofsted inspections, with at least one Outstanding inspection being highly desirable

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who sees this as more than simply managing a nursery - someone who wants to take ownership, build a high-performing team and leave a lasting legacy within the setting.

Salary: Up to £100,000 for the right individual

The package will be dependent on experience and the calibre of the individual.

If you're an ambitious Nursery Manager, Senior Nursery Manager, Registered Manager or Early Years Leader looking for a genuinely senior opportunity where you can make a significant impact, I'd be keen to speak with you.