Nursery Manager

Willing Care Recruitment Limited; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Discounted childcare

Annual leave increasing with length of

Christmas closure

Company pension scheme

Employee benefits portal

Life assurance

Health and wellbeing programme

Job summary

Willing Care Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager for a recently renovated nursery in Portsmouth. The role delivers leadership in Early Years, ensuring high standards of care and learning, with responsibility for day-to-day operations, staffing and budgets.

You will hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification, have previous nursery management experience, and a passion for EYFS. The position offers a £41,000 salary plus a bonus scheme and a competitive benefits package, with

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above is essential.
• Previous nursery management experience is essential.
• Proven commitment and longevity in roles.
• Strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the nursery and ensure high standards.
• Lead and develop the nursery team to create a positive environment.
• Ensure learning experiences align with EYFS.
• Maintain safeguarding, health and safety and Ofsted compliance.
• Manage staffing, occupancy, budgets and operations.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and the community.
• Support staff development through mentoring and training.
• Drive continuous improvement while maintaining quality.
• Establish a strong team culture and contribute to long-term nursery success.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

EYFS knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager – Level 3+

£41,000 per Annum + Bonus Scheme | Recently Renovated Nursery | Excellent Benefits

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager looking for a long-term leadership position within a beautiful Early Years setting.

This recently renovated nursery has been thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, encourage independence and support children's learning and development. With bright, welcoming rooms and free-flow play opportunities, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, follow their interests and learn through meaningful experiences.

The nursery also benefits from a beautiful garden filled with greenery, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, messy play and getting muddy!

We're looking for an experienced, committed Nursery Manager who is passionate about Early Years education and wants to make a lasting impact. The nursery is particularly keen to welcome someone who values stability, consistency and long-term commitment, with the ambition to build a successful team and become an established part of the nursery's future.

What We're Looking For

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above – essential
• Previous nursery management experience – essential
• A stable career background demonstrating commitment and longevity in previous positions
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing nursery teams
• Confidence managing staffing, occupancy, budgets and daily nursery operations
• A passion for creating inspiring, child-led learning environments
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with a genuine desire to develop and grow with the nursery long term

What's On Offer

• Bonus scheme
• Discounted childcare
• Annual leave increasing with length of service
• Christmas closure
• Company pension scheme
• Employee benefits portal
• Life assurance
• Health and wellbeing programme

Leading the Nursery

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education
• Lead, inspire and develop the nursery team, creating a positive and supportive working environment
• Ensure learning experiences are delivered in line with the EYFS
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and Ofsted compliance
• Manage staffing, recruitment, occupancy, budgets and operational performance
• Build strong, lasting relationships with parents, carers and the wider nursery community
• Support staff development through mentoring, training and performance management
• Drive continuous improvement while maintaining a consistent, high-quality environment for children
• Establish a strong team culture and contribute to the nursery's long-term success and development

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: WILL261210/JG

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