Nursery Manager

Talent Finder; Shanklin; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in England is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead and optimize their North London settings. This role emphasizes autonomy and leadership, with responsibilities that include establishing comprehensive learning journeys and managing a diverse team. Candidates must have at least 6 years of Early Years management experience and a Level 3+ qualification. The position offers a competitive salary up to £44k along with a Partnership Success Bonus and generous benefits including childcare discounts and medical insurance.

Benefits

Base salary £40,000 - £44,000 + Partnership Success Bonus

Free first month of childcare + up to 50% ongoing discount

Vitality medical insurance

31 days holiday + Christmas closure + birthday off

Pension contributions

Company laptop and mobile phone

Free parking on-site

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Early Years management experience is essential.
• Proven track record in building high-performance teams.
• Expertise in safeguarding and child protection compliance.

Responsibilities

• Establish comprehensive child learning journeys.
• Manage a diverse workforce across multiple sites.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and operational excellence.

Skills

Early Years management experience

Child Protection knowledge

Team Development

Compliance awareness

Strategic thinking

Education

Level 3+ Early Years qualification

Management qualifications

Job description

Nursery Manager – Shape the Future of Early Years Excellence

Tottenham | £40-44k + Partnership Success Bonus

Ready to Lead, Not Just Manage?

Our client is seeking an exceptional Early Years professional to join their family as Nursery Manager (with scope to grow across their two thriving North London settings). This isn't your typical manager role – it's a genuine leadership opportunity where your expertise will drive their expansion in 2026.

Why This Role is Different:

• Real Autonomy: Directors seeking a trusted partner, not another employee
• Growth Leadership: Shape expansion strategy and operational excellence
• Immediate Impact: Clear challenges with measurable outcomes and bonus rewards
• Cultural Richness: 10+ languages spoken between staff and children, celebrating diversity daily

About Our Client

Established in 2011, our client has built something special in North London's early years landscape. Over the years, they have nurtured and shaped 1,500+ children in their community. Their settings in Tottenham and Wood Green have a joint capacity of 130+ and are both Ofsted 'Good' rated, with plans to continue growing and improving.

What Makes Us Unique:

• Community Rooted: Deeply embedded in diverse local communities
• Cultural Celebration: Staff and families from 10+ language backgrounds
• Maximum Flexibility: Supporting modern families with adaptable approaches
• No Red Tape: Directors are always accessible – family business agility
• Indoor/Outdoor Excellence: Beautiful learning environments at both sites
• Your Voice Matters: Genuine opportunity to shape organisational direction

The Leadership Challenge

Based primarily at Tottenham HQ (80%) with some oversight in Wood Green (20%). You'll tackle two strategic priorities in your first 6 months:

1. Learning Excellence

• Establish comprehensive child learning journeys from entry to graduation
• Implement robust assessment and observation systems
• Support custom curriculum development

2. Team Optimisation

• Manage our 20+ strong, diverse workforce across both sites
• Streamline rotas and deployment systems
• Drive professional development and retention

The Bigger Picture: Lead our journey to Ofsted 'Exceptional' while preparing operational systems for expansion in 2026 and beyond.

Your Profile: The Leader We're Seeking

Essential Requirements:

• 6+ years Early Years management experience
• Level 3+ Early Years qualification as a minimum
• Regulatory Excellence: Led or participated in inspections, achieving 'Good' or 'Outstanding' outcomes
• Team Development: Proven track record in building high-performance teams with regulatory compliance
• Confident Decision Maker: Navigate complex commercial/service balance in regulated environments
• Safeguarding Expertise: Strong knowledge of Child Protection and legislative requirements
• Administrative Mastery: Full nursery administration, including records, compliance, and personnel management
• Staff Development: Complete recruitment, induction, training, and appraisal cycle experience
• Parent Partnership: Building professional relationships and trust with families

Leadership Qualities:

• Strategic Thinker: Delivers occupancy targets while maintaining quality excellence
• Change Champion: Implements regulatory recommendations and drives continuous improvement
• Compliance Guardian: Ensures staff training, qualifications, and regulatory adherence
• Relationship Builder: Fosters friendly, professional environments for staff and families

Desirable Advantages:

Corporate environment experience, Paediatric First Aid, management qualifications, and government funding experience.

Benefits & Rewards

Financial Rewards:

• Base salary £40,000 - £44,000 + Partnership Success Bonus (up to 20%)
• Referral bonuses for successful recommendations

Family & Wellbeing:

• Free first month of childcare + up to 50% ongoing discount
• Vitality medical insurance
• 31 days holiday + Christmas closure + birthday off
• Bereavement support

Professional & Practical Perks:

• Pension contributions
• Company laptop and mobile phone
• Free parking on-site at both locations
• Opportunity for immediate start
• Work in a diverse, multilingual environment
• Genuine opportunity to shape nursery strategy and growth

Ready to Lead Our Next Chapter? Apply Now