Nursery Operations Manager – up to £65,000 + benefits

We are recruiting for an experienced Nursery Operations Manager to join a growing and ambitious nursery group, overseeing up to 10 nurseries across the South West region.

Covering a geographical patch spanning Bristol, Dorset and potentially West Sussex, this is a field-based role where you will spend 3-4 days per week within your nurseries, building strong relationships with your Nursery Managers and teams, driving operational excellence and ensuring each setting reaches its full potential. This is not a desk-based role.

We’re looking for a visible, hands-on leader who enjoys being in their settings, supporting, coaching and challenging Nursery Managers to achieve outstanding outcomes across occupancy, compliance and commercial performance.

As Nursery Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead and support a portfolio of up to 10 nurseries across the South West
• Drive operational goals and business performance across your region
• Work closely with Nursery Managers to improve quality, occupancy and commercial outcomes
• Prioritise your time and support based on the RAG ratings and needs of your nurseries
• Coach, mentor and develop Nursery Managers to achieve their individual and business goals
• Monitor occupancy, staffing levels and financial performance, implementing strategies for continuous improvement
• Ensure all settings exceed regulatory requirements, including EYFS, Ofsted, safeguarding and health & safety standards
• Contribute to company-wide initiatives, policies and strategic objectives
• Build meaningful relationships with Nursery Managers, staff teams and senior leadership

We are looking for a Nursery Operations Manager who:

• Has significant multi-site experience within the Early Years sector
• Has a proven track record of driving operational goals and improving business performance
• Is commercially minded and confident managing budgets, occupancy and staffing costs
• Has excellent knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted and safeguarding requirements
• Is a natural leader who develops and inspires others
• Is organised, proactive and comfortable managing their own diary and workload
• Enjoys being visible within their nurseries and making a genuine difference to teams and outcomes
• Holds a full and relevant childcare qualification (Level 3 or above)

In return you can expect:

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• Fuel card and additional benefits package
• A high degree of autonomy and ownership within your region
• A passionate and supportive senior leadership team
• The opportunity to join a growing nursery group at an exciting stage of its journey
• The chance to have a real impact on the quality, culture and success of your nurseries

Location: Ideally based around the Basingstoke / Andover area to support travel across the region.

For more information and a confidential conversation, please apply today! All applications and discussions will be treated in the strictest confidence and no details will ever be shared with our client without your prior consent. Choice Recruitment Services will consider every application carefully. We pride ourselves on the service we provide and the depth of recruitment expertise we have within the Early Years sector.