Nursery Manager

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager or accomplished Deputy Manager who would relish the opportunity to open and shape a brand-new setting? Would you enjoy building a team, establishing a positive culture and creating an outstanding environment for children and families from the very beginning?

Our client is a warm, ambitious and values-led nursery group with established settings in West Yorkshire. It provides high-quality, inclusive and child-led early years education, with a strong focus on nutritious food, natural environments, outdoor learning and multicultural education.

As part of its continued growth, the group is preparing to open a new nursery in Meanwood in spring 2027. It is now seeking an ambitious Nursery Manager to lead the setting from pre-opening preparations through to successful day-to-day operation. This is more than a conventional management role: you will have genuine influence over the nursery environment, team, routines and culture, supported by an experienced and approachable wider leadership team.

The ideal start date is January 2027, with the possibility of working one day per week during November and December 2026 to support planning and set-up ahead of opening.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the successful pre-opening programme and subsequent day-to-day running of the new nursery.
• Help create a warm, welcoming, inclusive and high-quality learning environment in which children can thrive.
• Support the recruitment, induction, development and retention of a strong early years team.
• Build a positive staff culture based on trust, respect, accountability and consistently high expectations.
• Lead and support Deputies, Room Leaders and practitioners to deliver excellent care and education.
• Ensure robust safeguarding, EYFS practice, health and safety, compliance and ongoing Ofsted readiness.
• Establish effective routines, systems and standards from the outset, identifying risks early and implementing clear action plans.
• Develop trusted relationships with parents, carers, external partners and the local community.
• Monitor and improve key performance measures including occupancy, registrations, staffing, sickness, agency use, parent satisfaction and quality.
• Work within agreed budgets and follow effective funding, payroll, administration and operational processes.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider group, sharing ideas and contributing to continuous improvement as the business grows.

Skills & Experience

• A minimum Level 3 full and relevant Early Years qualification; Level 5 or above in Early Years, Childcare, Leadership or Management would be advantageous.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager, or as a strong Deputy Manager within a high-quality early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding, Ofsted requirements and wider early years compliance.
• A successful record of leading, motivating and developing teams, with evidence of making a positive impact in previous roles.
• Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities, take ownership and make confident decisions.
• A sound understanding of recruitment, retention, staffing, absence management and nursery operations.
• Confidence using systems, data and KPIs to identify priorities and support improvement.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance sustainable performance with exceptional childcare quality.
• A warm, calm, professional and values-led leadership style, together with a proactive approach to innovation and new ways of working.

The position offers a salary of up to £45,000 per year, together with a performance-based bonus scheme. You will have a rare opportunity to lead a brand-new nursery and shape its environment, team and culture, with support from a hands-on, approachable and collaborative senior leadership team. Further benefits include genuine career progression as the nursery group grows, regular CPD and professional development, discounted childcare, subsidised freshly cooked meals, wellbeing support and a helpline, as well as paid staff socials and team events. You will also join a culture in which ideas are welcomed and nurseries support and learn from one another.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early years leader who wants to create something special, establish high standards from day one and grow with a progressive nursery group.

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