Nursery Manager - #2169784

Are you an experienced Early Years leader ready to put your stamp on something special? We're a Croydon nursery group on an exciting growth journey, opening our fourth setting soon, and we're looking for a passionate Nursery Manager to lead our team, shape our future, and build a career here, not just a job.

If you want autonomy, genuine progression, and a leadership team that backs you — read on.

Why you'll love working with us:

• £45,000 salary + £500 welcome bonus (paid on successful completion of probation)
• Be part of our growth story — we're opening a fourth setting, with real progression opportunities into Area or Operations roles for the right person
• Currently Good-rated with strong foundations — we're aiming high under Ofsted's new framework, and you'll be central to that journey.
• Generous childcare discount for your own family
• Company pension, sick pay, and bereavement leave — we look after our team
• Health & wellbeing programme plus Cycle to Work scheme
• On-site parking and excellent transport links in Croydon
• Investment in your development — we support relevant CPD and qualifications
• A leadership team that listens — your ideas shape how we run

What you'll do:

As our Nursery Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day running of the setting and play a key role in our wider growth. You'll:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 20+ practitioners
• Champion the EYFS and drive quality of care and learning
• Build warm, trusted relationships with parents and families
• Maintain Ofsted-ready standards across safeguarding, safety, and compliance
• Oversee occupancy, budgets, and operational performance
• Help shape the culture and systems we'll carry into our new setting

What you'll bring:

• Level 3 qualification minimum (CACHE, NNEB, NVQ or equivalent) — Level 6/EYTS/QTS an advantage
• Proven leadership experience — ideally as a Nursery Manager or strong Deputy ready to step up
• Confident managing a team of 20+ and delivering against Ofsted standards
• Solid working knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and health & safety
• Commercial awareness — comfortable with occupancy, budgets, and basic financial oversight, funding, invoices and payroll.

The details:

• Location: Croydon (in-person)
• Hours: Full-time, permanent (40-45 hours)
• Pay: £45,000 per annum + £500 welcome bonus
• Start date: As soon as possible — we're moving quickly for the right person

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Childcare
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Transport links