Regional Director (Early Years)

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Hounslow, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Discounted childcare

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Recognition & reward programmes

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool is seeking a Regional Director to lead a portfolio of nurseries, driving outstanding quality, safety, people performance and sustainable growth. You will develop high-performing teams, champion HEART values, and ensure exceptional outcomes for children, families, colleagues and the business.

The role is field-based with travel across the South West and West London areas.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Early Childhood Education or Leadership / Business Management.
• Recognised Leadership & Management qualification.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD and commitment to professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing Nursery Management Teams.
• Drive quality, occupancy, and commercial performance across the region.
• Champion Bright Horizons' culture, values, and educational standards.
• Ensure excellence in safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety.
• Use data and insights to improve performance and decision-making.
• Deliver people, growth, and change initiatives in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with families, clients, and colleagues.
• Support continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for children

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Data-driven decision making

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree in Early Childhood Education or Leadership / Business Management.

Recognised Leadership & Management qualification.

Evidence of ongoing CPD and commitment to professional development.

Job description

Hours: Full Time / 40 hours per week

Location: Field based with travel to our nurseries in South West and West London areas

Closing Date: 30th September 2026 or until right candidate is offered - please attach an up to date and relevant CV to be considered

Purpose of the Role

As a Regional Director, you will provide inspirational leadership across a portfolio of nursery settings, driving outstanding quality, safety, people performance, and sustainable growth. Working closely with nursery leaders and support functions, you will champion the Bright Horizons HEART values, develop high-performing teams, and ensure exceptional outcomes for children, families, colleagues, and the business. Through a strong focus on operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement, you will play a key role in delivering our mission and shaping the future of early years education across your region.

Salary: From £60k plus car allowance

What We Can Offer You

• Flexible working
• Discounted childcare
• Wellbeing support
• Employee discounts
• Recognition & reward programmes
• Career development opportunities

Why Bright Horizons

Join a Great Place to Work for 20 years, where people, wellbeing, and development come first. We're proud to support over 10,000 children across the UK, with 98% of our nurseries rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and develop high-performing Nursery Management Teams.
• Drive quality, occupancy, and commercial performance across the region.
• Champion Bright Horizons' culture, values, and educational standards.
• Ensure excellence in safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety.
• Use data and insights to improve performance and decision-making.
• Deliver people, growth, and change initiatives in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with families, clients, and colleagues.
• Support continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for children

Essential / Desired Experience

• Multi-site leadership experience within a regulated environment (Essential)
• Knowledge of the early years sector (Essential)
• Proven track record of driving growth and operational performance (Essential)
• Experience developing high-performing teams and leaders (Essential)Strong change management and continuous improvement experience (Essential)
• Experience driving quality, compliance, and customer excellence (Essential)
• Data-driven approach with strong commercial awareness (Essential)
• Experience leading large portfolios (15+ sites) (Desirable)
• Relevant experience in childcare, education, or a similar people-focused sector (Desirable)

Qualifications Essential Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Early Childhood Education or Leadership / Business Management.
• Recognised Leadership & Management qualification.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD and commitment to professional development.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply.

We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years.