Details:
- Salary: £55,000 - 65,000 - Annum
- Job Type: Permanent
- Job Status: Full-Time
- Salary Per: Annum
- Location: South East
- Date: 5 days ago
Description:
We’re looking for an inspiring Operational Manager to join our client’s growing Early Years team!
Are you an experienced Early Years leader who thrives on making a positive difference? Do you have the energy, knowledge and can-do, will-do attitude to support multiple nursery settings and help teams deliver exceptional outcomes for children?
Our client is looking for a hands-on, proactive Operational Manager to provide leadership across a group of nurseries, working closely with Nursery Managers, staff, children and families to create outstanding environments where every child can thrive.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the settings, while supporting and developing the people within them. You’ll:
* Provide hands-on operational leadership across multiple nursery settings.
* Support Nursery Managers with staffing, rotas, budgets, occupancy and performance.
* Coach, motivate and develop managers and staff teams to achieve high standards.
* Champion safeguarding, compliance and exceptional Early Years practice.
* Ensure settings meet EYFS, Ofsted and company requirements.
* Lead training and drive meaningful continuous improvement.
* Work alongside the Quality Manager and external agencies where required.
* Support SEND processes, audits, observations and quality assurance.
* Build positive relationships with parents, carers and local communities.
* Step into a leadership role when required, providing practical support within settings.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about Early Years and confident leading people and operations.
You’ll need:
* A Level 3 Early Years Education and Childcare qualification (or equivalent).
* Proven leadership and management experience within an Early Years or multi-site environment.
* Strong knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding legislation.
* Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
* A positive, proactive and hands-on approach.
* The ability to inspire, coach and develop teams.
* A genuine passion for achieving the very best outcomes for children.
Why this role?
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years professional to have a real impact across multiple settings, supporting talented teams and helping to shape high-quality provision.
If you’re a confident leader who brings positivity, integrity and a solution-focused mindset — and you’re passionate about creating exceptional experiences for children and families — we’d love to hear from you