Full job descriptionNursery Manager – Up to £45,000
Location: Wickford, Essex
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum
Hours: 42 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Setting opening hours: 7:30am–6:30pm
Contract: Permanent, full-time, all year round
Are you an experienced Nursery Manager ready to lead a large and growing early-years setting?
Great Starts Recruitment is looking for an ambitious, experienced and inspirational Nursery Manager to lead an established 100-place nursery in Wickford, which is expanding to accommodate up to 130 children.
This is an exciting opportunity to manage a thriving nursery through its next stage of growth. You’ll lead a large team, maintain exceptional standards of care and education, and play a key role in developing the expanded setting.
Nursery Manager responsibilities
*
Oversee the nursery’s day-to-day operation

*
Lead, motivate and develop a large early-years team

*
Support the nursery’s growth from 100 to 130 places

*
Maintain outstanding standards of childcare, education and safeguarding

*
Ensure compliance with the EYFS, Ofsted and all relevant legislation

*
Manage recruitment, staff deployment, supervision and performance

*
Oversee occupancy, enrolment and parent engagement

*
Manage budgets, resources and operational targets

*
Maintain accurate records, policies and procedures

*
Build strong relationships with families and external professionals

*
Create a positive environment where children and staff can thrive
Nursery Manager requirements
*
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above

*
Significant Nursery Manager or senior early-years leadership experience

*
Experience managing a large or busy nursery setting

*
Strong knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements

*
Proven experience leading, developing and retaining a successful team

*
Commercial awareness and experience supporting nursery occupancy

*
Confident operational, organisational and people-management skills

*
An enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one

*
A genuine passion for delivering outstanding early-years education

Applications may also be considered from highly experienced Deputy Nursery Managers who can demonstrate that they are ready to manage a large and growing setting.
Benefits
*
50% nursery fee discount

*
Free nutritious lunch every working day

*
Free on-site parking

*
Birthday day off

*
Christmas bonus

*
Paid sick leave based on length of service after two years, up to five days

*
Loyalty leave, providing an additional day for each year of service up to five days

*
Team celebrations, including an annual awards night, summer BBQs and team dinners

*
Continuous training and professional development

If you’re an experienced Nursery Manager looking for the opportunity to lead and grow a major early-years setting in Wickford, apply today for immediate consideration.
Great Starts Recruitment – Small enough to care; big enough to help.