Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Ivy Chimneys; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Up to £50,000 p.a.

Brand-new nursery opening

Ongoing training & leadership developm

Life assurance

Company events

Long service rewards

Enhanced maternity leave

Build your own nursery team

Support from established organisation

Job summary

Willingcare, a growing early years group, is launching a brand‑new nursery and seeks an experienced Nursery Manager to lead from day one. You will recruit, develop and empower a high‑performing team while establishing safeguarding, occupancy plans and robust Ofsted readiness.

You’ll drive outstanding teaching and care, manage budgets and engage with families and the local community to build a thriving setting aligned with Willingcare’s ethos.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Experience as Nursery Manager or deputy in a large busy nursery.
• Strong track record of Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Safeguarding knowledge; Designated Safeguarding Lead training desirable.
• Experience managing nursery budgets and monitoring financial performance.
• Understanding occupancy planning and growing a successful nursery.
• Proven ability to recruit, lead, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
• Ability to create a positive nursery culture that reflects the company's values and ethos.

Responsibilities

• Lead the opening and setup of the brand‑new nursery with robust operational foundations.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a passionate early years team.
• Create a high‑performing culture where excellent practice is recognised and encouraged.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded throughout the nursery and maintained.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning and care across the setting.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, occupancy and overall nursery performance.
• Build strong relationships with families and establish the nursery in the local community.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS and wider regulatory requirements.
• Lead ongoing quality improvement and prepare for future Ofsted inspections.
• Work with senior leadership to reflect the company’s ethos and long‑term vision.

Skills

Early years leadership

Ofsted readiness

Team leadership

Budget management

Occupancy planning

Safeguarding knowledge

Recruitment & development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

Job description

Job Description

Nursery Manager – Brand-New Nursery Opening

Up to £50,000 per year | All Year Round

Opening a new nursery is a rare opportunity to do more than manage an established setting. You'll have the chance to build the culture, develop your team and shape the standards from day one.

Opening this autumn, this brand-new nursery is looking for an experienced and ambitious Nursery Manager to lead the setting through its launch and beyond. From recruiting and developing a high-performing team to establishing excellent safeguarding practice, growing occupancy and creating an environment that reflects the company's ethos, you'll be instrumental in making the nursery a success.

We're looking for someone who understands what excellent early years provision looks like in a large, busy nursery and has the leadership skills to bring it to life. You'll need to be commercially aware, confident with Ofsted and passionate about creating a nursery where children, families and practitioners genuinely thrive.

What We're Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager or experienced Deputy Nursery Manager within a large and busy nursery.
• Strong track record of supporting or achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
• Excellent understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge, with Designated Safeguarding Lead training desirable.
• Experience managing nursery budgets and monitoring financial performance.
• Good understanding of occupancy planning and growing a successful nursery.
• Proven ability to recruit, lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to create a positive nursery culture that reflects the wider company's values and ethos.

What You'll Receive

• Up to £50,000 per year
• Opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery from opening
• Ongoing training and leadership development
• Life assurance
• Company events
• Long service rewards
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Opportunity to build and develop your own nursery team
• Support from an established wider organisation

What You'll Be Doing

• Take the lead in preparing the nursery for its opening and establishing strong operational foundations.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a passionate early years team.
• Create a positive, high-performing culture where excellent practice is recognised and encouraged.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded throughout the nursery and consistently maintained.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning and care across the setting.
• Oversee budgets, staffing, occupancy and overall nursery performance.
• Build strong relationships with families and establish the nursery within the local community.
• Ensure full compliance with Ofsted, EYFS and wider regulatory requirements.
• Lead continuous quality improvement and prepare the setting for future Ofsted inspections.
• Work closely with senior leadership to ensure the nursery reflects the company's ethos and long-term vision.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL251752/ST