Nursery Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Early Years & Childcare** **Multi-Site Regional Role** --- **Salary:** Competitive + benefits **Location:** UK-wide travel with overnight stays required **Contract:** Full-time, permanent --- **The Role** We are seeking a dynamic, commercially-minded Operations Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of nursery settings across multiple locations. You will be the strategic link between senior leadership and nursery managers, ensuring each site delivers exceptional childcare while operating as a profitable, sustainable business. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines a passion for early years education with sharp business acumen. You will drive quality, compliance, occupancy and financial performance across your region—while building the capability of your nursery management teams. --- **What You'll Do** **Leadership & Quality** - Provide visible, positive leadership to Nursery Managers across your region - Ensure every setting delivers child-centred care with high standards of physical, emotional, social and intellectual development - Embed and model best practice in line with EYFS and statutory frameworks - Support professional development, performance management and succession planning for nursery leadership teams **Business & Commercial Performance** - Drive sustainable profitability through effective occupancy management, cost control and revenue growth - Monitor and improve financial performance across your region; identify opportunities to add value - Develop and execute local marketing plans, open days and engagement activities to attract and retain families - Manage regional budgets, forecasting and resource planning **Compliance & Safeguarding** - Hold ultimate accountability for health & safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance across all sites - Ensure robust child protection procedures, staff vetting and safer recruitment practices - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, GDPR and sector standards **Stakeholder & Partnership Management** - Build effective relationships with external partners, local organisations and service users - Represent the organisation at multi-agency forums and influence service delivery priorities - Ensure seamless "front door" access arrangements and exceptional customer experience --- **What You Bring** **Essential** - Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) - Significant experience managing multiple nursery settings or integrated early years services - Proven track record of leading teams, managing budgets and delivering commercial results - Deep knowledge of EYFS, statutory frameworks, safeguarding and inspection requirements - Excellent communication, influencing and report-writing skills - Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (overnight stays required) **Desirable** - Degree in Early Education, Childcare or Management - Additional professional qualification in children and family services - IOSH Managing Safely (or commitment to obtain) - Experience of TUPE transfers and business change - Knowledge of out-of-school clubs and wraparound care for primary-aged children --- **What We Offer** - Competitive salary and benefits package - Company-branded uniform provided - Enhanced DBS check and update service - Opportunity to shape and grow a respected early years portfolio --- **To Apply** Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your regional management experience and approach to driving quality and commercial performance in early years settings. *This post requires a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion