Senior Nursery Manager

Compass Associates; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus up to 25%

Employee share/partnership scheme

Generous annual leave and wellbeing/PD

Job summary

Compass Associates are seeking a Senior Nursery Manager in South East London to lead a large early-years setting. You will be responsible for day-to-day operations, safeguarding, education quality, and a positive team culture, ensuring high standards of service for children and families.

The role requires a Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 6 desirable) and experience in multi-site or large nurseries, with strong leadership and budget management.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience as a Nursery Manager.
• Experience in a large nursery or multi-site environment is desirable.
• Proven track record in recruiting, developing, and retaining early-years staff.
• Strong knowledge of local authority and regulatory requirements, including inspection processes.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing levels, capacity, and operational reporting.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for children, families and colleagues.
• Lead and inspire the team to deliver high-quality education aligned with pedagogy and curriculum.
• Recruit, develop, support and retain a talented team.
• Safeguarding and child protection responsibilities, Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
• Oversee nursery performance, balancing commercial objectives with quality and educational outcomes.
• Ensure health and safety, risk assessments, regulatory compliance and EYFS requirements.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers and local partners.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain exceptionally high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Safeguarding

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Level 6 qualification desirable

Tools

DBS & safeguarding checks

Job description

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re an innovative early-years education provider committed to transforming the way children learn, grow, and develop.

Our vision is to create inspiring environments that foster creativity, embrace a curriculum-led approach, and prepare children for the modern world. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Nursery Manager to join our leadership team and help bring this vision to life.

As a Senior Nursery Manager, you will lead a dedicated team of early-years professionals to deliver exceptional learning experiences, outstanding customer service, and a positive team culture. You will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the nursery, ensuring high standards of education, safeguarding, compliance, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where children, families, and colleagues can thrive.
• Lead and inspire your team to deliver high-quality education in line with the organisation’s pedagogy and curriculum.
• Recruit, develop, support, and retain a talented and motivated team.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.
• Take ownership of nursery performance, balancing commercial objectives with quality and educational outcomes.
• Oversee health and safety, risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and EYFS requirements.
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, local organisations, and other key partners.
• Represent the nursery positively within the local community.
• Drive continuous improvement, ensuring practice remains innovative, engaging, and of an exceptionally high standard.
• Lead with positivity, flexibility, and enthusiasm while supporting the wider organisation’s strategic objectives.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• At least two years’ experience as a Nursery Manager.
• Experience working within a large nursery or multi-site environment is desirable.
• Proven experience recruiting, developing, and retaining early-years staff.
• Strong knowledge of local authority and regulatory requirements, including inspection processes.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing levels, capacity, team deployment, performance, and operational reporting.
• A strong track record of delivering excellent customer service and building positive parent relationships.
• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above. A Level 6 qualification would be desirable.
• Current Paediatric First Aid and/or First Aid at Work certification, with a commitment to maintaining compliance.
• Relevant safeguarding and child protection training, with a willingness to undertake regular updates.
• A genuine passion for early-years education and improving outcomes for children.
• Excellent decision-making, leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• The ability to set and achieve ambitious operational and strategic goals.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of approximately £55,000–£65,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus of up to 25% of base salary, plus an additional potential bonus.
• Employee share or partnership scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, including additional wellbeing/personal days and a company Christmas closure.
• Annual learning and development allowance.
• Access to funded professional development and training programmes.
• Enhanced parental, fostering, and neonatal leave following qualifying service.
• Employee childcare discount and emergency childcare support.
• Long-service rewards and additional paid leave.
• Leadership conferences and professional networking opportunities.
• Coaching and mentoring programmes.
• Discounts across retail, groceries, fitness, travel, and other services.
• Season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Team events, wellbeing initiatives, and fitness benefits.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing early-years organisation.

About the Nursery

The nursery is a large, purposefully designed early-years setting offering an inspiring environment for learning, creativity, and exploration.

The setting is well connected by local public transport and provides a welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.

About the Organisation

We are an established and growing early-years education provider with a strong focus on innovation, high-quality teaching, employee development, and positive outcomes for children.

We are committed to creating an outstanding workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to progress their careers.

If you are an experienced Nursery Manager who is passionate about early-years education, leadership, safeguarding, and creating exceptional experiences for children and families, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable individuals. We follow all relevant legislation, regulatory guidance, and safer recruitment practices.

As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be subject to appropriate online and social media checks. Any relevant information identified may be discussed during the interview process.

Because the role involves regulated activity with children, the successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate Enhanced DBS and barred-list checks, alongside other relevant pre-employment and safer recruitment checks.

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

Location

This role is based in South East London, with excellent transport links across London.

Commutable from Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Bexley, Eltham, Woolwich, Sidcup, Dartford, Croydon, Peckham & Dulwich.