Regional Area Manager, Early Years Nurseries

Ark; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Christmas–New Year office closure

Staff pension scheme (11% contribution

Professional learning platform

Ark Rewards discounts

Job summary

Ark Start is recruiting an Area Manager to lead a group of nurseries across Greater London, delivering outstanding early years provision. You will support Nursery Managers, drive improvement, and own a specialist area such as assessment, curriculum, or staff development. The role emphasises safeguarding, compliance and strong stakeholder relationships.

You will champion continuous improvement, culture, and family engagement while ensuring high-quality education and safeguarding across the region.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within an early years setting.
• Strong understanding of EYFS, curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Experience safeguarding and meeting statutory requirements.
• Experience driving quality improvement and operational excellence in nurseries.
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop leaders and staff.
• Excellent communication, planning and organisational skills.
• Commitment to Ark Start’s vision and values.
• Experience across multiple sites and engaging with families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Nursery Managers to drive performance and improvement.
• Develop one area of expertise (assessment, curriculum, or staff training) across the region.
• Ensure safeguarding, compliance and Ofsted readiness.
• Oversee SEND provision and curriculum delivery in region.
• Build partnerships with schools, authorities and external agencies.
• Model Ark Start values and foster a culture where staff and children thrive.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Quality improvement

Coaching & mentoring

Communication

Relationship-building

Planning & organisation

Multisite leadership

Family engagement

Education

Level 3 qualification

Level 6 qualification desirable

Job description

Ark Start is recruiting an Area Manager to lead a group of nurseries across Greater London, delivering outstanding early years provision. You will support Nursery Managers, drive improvement, and own a specialist area such as assessment, curriculum, or staff development. The role emphasises safeguarding, compliance and strong stakeholder relationships.

You will champion continuous improvement, culture, and family engagement while ensuring high-quality education and safeguarding across the region.