Nursery Manager For New Nursery In Epping

Connaught Resourcing Ltd (Education); Ivy Chimneys; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Connaught Resourcing Ltd (Education) is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large multi-room setting opening in Epping in January 2027. The role combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership and a commitment to exceptional childcare and education.

You will coach Deputy Managers and Room Leaders, drive safeguarding, recruitment, and staff development while fostering an inclusive culture where staff feel supported and children thrive.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large multi-room nursery teams.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and leadership capability.
• Experience with Safer Recruitment and developing staff.
• Ability to coach Deputy Managers and Room Leaders for succession planning.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear direction for a large multi-room team to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Build a positive culture prioritising wellbeing and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor Deputy Managers, Room Leaders and key staff.
• Identify training needs and create development plans for future leaders.
• Recruit, onboard and retain skilled practitioners to meet large-scale needs.
• Conduct meaningful appraisals and supervisions to engage the team.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Safeguarding

Inclusion & diversity

Education

Level 3 Early Years

Level 5+ (desirable)

Job description

Ready to bring your nursery leadership experience to a large, high-performing setting? Lead a multi-room team, develop the next generation of early years leaders and shape a culture where children thrive and colleagues feel supported. We're looking for an experienced Nursery Manager who combines strategic vision with confident, hands-on leadership and a commitment to exceptional childcare and education. The setting will be opening in Epping January 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Set a clear direction for a large multi-room team, inspiring colleagues to deliver consistently excellent care and education.
• Build a positive, collaborative culture where wellbeing matters and continuous improvement is part of everyday practice.
• Coach and mentor Deputy Managers, Room Leaders and key staff, developing confident leaders who take ownership of their teams.
• Champion inclusion and diversity, helping every member of the nursery community feel welcome and valued.

People Management

• Recruit, welcome and retain talented practitioners, ensuring staffing levels meet the needs of a large-scale nursery.
• Make appraisals, supervisions and one-to-ones meaningful opportunities for professional development and team engagement.
• Identify training needs and put focused development plans into action, building a strong pipeline of future nursery leaders.

What We're Looking For

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification; Level 5 or above is desirable.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training, backed by strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Safer Recruitment training and proven experience of managing large teams.
• At least two years' experience as a Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager in a busy nursery or preschool; experience in a setting with 80 or more places is desirable.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer who respect and value cultural diversity.