Nursery Manager

Nursery 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.