Nursery Manager

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Southampton is seeking a Nursery Manager to lead their team and ensure high-quality early years care. Offering a competitive salary of up to £50,000, performance bonus, and exceptional benefits including industry-leading training and 75% childcare discount. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 Childcare qualification and management experience in an Early Years setting.

Benefits

Annual performance bonus up to £3,000

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

75% childcare discount

Confidential wellbeing support

Retail, travel, and lifestyle savings

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of management experience in an Early Years setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Genuine passion for leadership and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop staff.
• Drive quality in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Build trusted relationships with parents and carers.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, and budgets.
• Promote continuous improvement and reflective practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Knowledge of EYFS

Management

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

Overview

Nursery Manager – Up to £53,000 with Bonus & Exceptional Benefits
Location: 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.