Nursery Manager | Premium Early Years Setting

Compass Associates; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Generous annual leave

Learning and development support

Funded professional development

Job summary

Compass Associates seeks an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a premium early years setting in Leatherhead, Surrey. You will take full responsibility for daily operations, drive high standards of care and education, and empower a dedicated team within an established support structure.

The role requires strong EYFS knowledge, safeguarding expertise, and a proven track record of nurturing staff and delivering exceptional outcomes for children.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience as a Nursery Manager or in a similar leadership position.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven experience leading, developing and retaining an early years team.
• Experience managing staffing, ratios, rotas and the operational running of a nursery.
• Experience across recruitment, induction, supervision and performance management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with parents and colleagues.
• Experience managing nursery resources and budgets.
• A genuine passion for early years and delivering high-quality outcomes for children.
• Current Paediatric First Aid and relevant safeguarding training.
• A confident, hands-on and approachable leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of early years professionals.
• Maintain consistently high standards of care, education and practice.
• Ensure the setting operates in line with the EYFS framework, safeguarding requirements and relevant regulatory standards.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, acting as DSL where required.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, ratios, attendance and deployment.
• Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and ongoing development of the team.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring a high level of customer service.
• Monitor occupancy and contribute to the nursery's operational and commercial performance.
• Oversee health and safety, risk assessments, incidents and compliance.
• Manage resources and expenditure effectively within agreed budgets.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and drive high standards across the setting.
• Work closely with the wider operational and early years teams to ensure the nursery is well supported.
• Provide visible, approachable and positive leadership to the nursery team.

Skills

Nursery leadership

EYFS knowledge

Staff management

Recruitment & induction

Communication

Budget management

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery Manager | Premium Early Years Setting

Salalry - Up to £65k + Up to 25% of base salary, plus an additional £1,000

Leatherhead, Surrey

A well-established early years organisation is looking to appoint an experienced Nursery Manager to lead one of its high-quality settings in Leatherhead.

This is an opportunity for an experienced nursery leader to take full ownership of the day-to-day operation of the setting, leading the team, maintaining high standards of care and education, and creating an environment where children, families and staff can thrive.

The successful candidate will have the autonomy to lead their nursery effectively, supported by an established operational and early years structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of early years professionals.
• Maintain consistently high standards of care, education and practice.
• Ensure the setting operates in line with the EYFS framework, safeguarding requirements and relevant regulatory standards.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, acting as DSL where required.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, ratios, attendance and deployment.
• Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and ongoing development of the team.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring a high level of customer service.
• Monitor occupancy and contribute to the nursery's operational and commercial performance.
• Oversee health and safety, risk assessments, incidents and compliance.
• Manage resources and expenditure effectively within agreed budgets.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and drive high standards across the setting.
• Work closely with the wider operational and early years teams to ensure the nursery is well supported.
• Provide visible, approachable and positive leadership to the nursery team.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least two years' experience as a Nursery Manager or in a similar nursery leadership position.
• A strong understanding of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
• Proven experience leading, developing and retaining an early years team.
• Experience managing staffing, ratios, rotas and the operational running of a nursery.
• Experience across recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and performance management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with parents and colleagues.
• Experience managing nursery resources and budgets.
• A genuine passion for early years and delivering high-quality outcomes for children.
• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Current Paediatric First Aid and relevant safeguarding training.
• A confident, hands-on and approachable leadership style.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Additional bonus opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Learning and development support.
• Funded professional development and training opportunities.
• Enhanced parental and family leave provisions.
• Employee childcare benefits.
• Long-service rewards.
• Coaching and mentoring opportunities.
• Discounts across retail, fitness, travel and other services.
• Cycle-to-work and season ticket schemes.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing early years organisation.

The Opportunity

The nursery is a well-established, high-quality setting offering a stimulating environment for children and a strong platform for an experienced Nursery Manager to make their mark.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for the overall performance and culture of the setting, with support from a wider operational and early years team.

This could suit an experienced Nursery Manager who is looking for a well-supported environment, a strong package and the opportunity to lead a high-quality setting with genuine ownership.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and follows all relevant legislation, regulatory guidance and safer recruitment practices.

The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate Enhanced DBS and barred-list checks, alongside relevant references and other pre-employment checks.

Employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all required checks and clearances.

Location

Leatherhead, Surrey

Commutable from Leatherhead, Epsom, Esher, Cobham, Weybridge, Kingston upon Thames, Sutton, Ewell, Surbiton, Woking and surrounding areas.