Nursery Manager Operational Lead

Castle Employment Group; York; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established early years provider in York is seeking a driven Nursery Manager & Operations Lead. This full-time role focuses on managing a nursery and transitioning into an operational leadership position, ensuring excellence in early years provision while fostering growth across multiple settings. Ideal candidates should possess significant management experience, leadership capabilities, and a strong knowledge of regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Significant nursery management experience ideally across more than one setting.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements.
• Confident leader with ability to inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of Early Years Practitioners.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS and Ofsted regulations.
• Oversee policy updates and staff development.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem-solving skills

Education

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Level 5 or above desirable

Job description

Job Description

Nursery Manager & Operations Lead
Full-time 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday between 8am6pm
Salary:per annum
Location: York

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager to join a well-established early years provider in York. This is a unique dual-role position that will initially focus on managing one nursery setting before transitioning into a broader operational leadership role across multiple settings.

This is a fantastic step for someone looking to build on their leadership experience within a supportive and progressive early years environment.

About the Role

The successful candidate will begin with full management responsibility for a single nursery setting leading on all aspects of day-to-day operations. This includes team leadership curriculum delivery safeguarding health and safety compliance and maintaining a high standard of care and education.

After the first year the role will evolve into an Operations Lead position supporting the wider leadership team to maintain consistency drive quality and embed best practice across three nursery settings.

Key Responsibilities

Nursery Manager (initial focus):

• Lead develop and support a team of Early Years Practitioners

• Maintain full compliance with EYFS Ofsted and internal policies

• Foster strong relationships with parents carers and staff

• Promote high occupancy levels and a positive nursery reputation

• Ensure the delivery of an inclusive safe and stimulating learning environment

Operations Lead (progressive focus):

• Support and mentor Nursery Managers across multiple settings

• Drive continuous improvement and implement strategic development plans

• Provide operational guidance staff development and leadership support

• Oversee policy updates training initiatives and compliance monitoring

• Support with recruitment retention and HR processes in collaboration with senior management

Person Specification

• Significant nursery management experience ideally across more than one setting

• Strong knowledge of EYFS and safeguarding requirements

• Confident leader with the ability to inspire and support others

• Excellent organisational communication and problem-solving skills

• A collaborative professional and proactive approach

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years (Level 5 or above desirable)

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Thursday 5th June

• Shortlisting: Friday 6th June

• Initial interviews (via Teams): Friday 13th June

• Final stage interviews and assessments: Week commencing 16th June

This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident and capable Nursery Manager ready to step into a broader leadership role and help shape the future of early years provision. If youre motivated by quality consistency and making a difference wed love to hear from you.

To apply or find out more please get in touch today.

Required Experience:

Manager

Key Skills
Computer Science,Operational Risk Management,Risk Management,Six Sigma,Continuous Improvement,Lean,Process Improvement,Pricing,Customer Support,Alteryx,Kaizen,Project Management Lifecycle
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1