Nursery Manager

Hopes & Dreams Childcare Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent childcare organization in the Isle of Man is seeking a Nursery Manager for Woodbourne Road Nursery. The ideal candidate will lead a dedicated team, ensuring high-quality childcare while prioritizing emotional connection and team support. Offering a values-led culture, ongoing development, and enhanced holidays, this is a perfect opportunity for a passionate leader ready to make a difference.

Benefits

Ongoing CPD & leadership development

Enhanced holidays

Generous childcare discounts

Staff perks and wellbeing initiatives

Regular appreciation events

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ post-qualification experience.
• Previous experience in nursery management or leadership.
• Commitment to emotionally responsive, child-led practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose and ensure decisions align with values.
• Partner with families and support your team.
• Focus on emotional connection, curiosity, and excellence.

Skills

Strong team leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

Nursery Manager - Woodbourne Road Nursery, Douglas, Isle of Man

Full-Time | Permanent | Start October 2025

A unique leadership opportunity in a place where you can truly flourish

About Us

Hopes & Dreams Childcare Group is a well-established, family-run organisation on the beautiful Isle of Man, dedicated to creating Happy Children Positive Futures. With six settings and over 25 years of experience, we’ve supported more than 4500 families through our values-led, emotionally warm, child-centred approach.

We’re proud to be Curiosity Approach-accredited and to nurture environments where children, staff, and families thrive together. Our team of over 60 passionate educators is united by a shared vision - and we’re now looking for the next inspirational leader to join us.

The Role

We’re recruiting a Nursery Manager for our flagship setting at Woodbourne Road Nursery in Douglas. This vibrant nursery welcomes up to 77 children daily and is supported by a strong team of 21 staff.

You'll lead with purpose, partnering with families, supporting your team, and ensuring every decision aligns with our values of emotional connection, curiosity, and excellence.

You’ll be backed every step of the way, not just by your on-site team, but by:

• A warm, collaborative network of experienced managers across the group
• A central leadership team that genuinely cares about your wellbeing
• A centralised admin teamthattakescare of the paperwork, so you can focus on leading

Why the Isle of Man?

If you’re seeking a setting where high-quality childcare isn’t constrained by paperwork, targets, and tick-boxes, this is it.

The Isle of Man is a self-governing, supportive environment with no Ofsted, allowing you to focus on what matters most: children, families, and your team.

And with stunning beaches, rolling hills, low crime, and a thriving community feel, it’s not just a great place to work, but an amazing place to live.

What We’re Looking For

• A Level 3 or higher qualification in Early Years
• At least 2 years’ post-qualification experience
• Previous experience in nursery management or leadership
• Strong team leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• A commitment to emotionally responsive, child-led practice

Why Join Hopes & Dreams?

• You’ll be supported, trusted, and celebrated
• You’ll be part of a strong peer network of managers who always have your back
• You’ll be backed by a centralised admin team
• You’ll be free to focus on real impact, not red tape
• You’ll be joining a group that genuinely puts people first

We offer:

Ongoing CPD & leadership development

A warm, values-led team culture

Enhanced holidays & generous childcare discounts

Staff perks, wellbeing initiatives & regular appreciation events

The chance to shape a growing, forward-thinking nursery group

Ready to lead somewhere different? Come and make a genuine difference at Hopes & Dreams in the Isle of Man.

Visit www.hopesanddreams.co.im/careers to learn more