Senior Nursery Manager

Senior Nursery Manager

Location

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Reporting to

Regional Director

Job type

Full Time, Permanent

Salary

£38,000 to £42,500 per annum

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role within a large, established nursery where you will take full ownership of standards, team performance, and the overall direction of the setting.

You will lead a sizeable team and a high-capacity nursery, with the autonomy to make decisions and the support of an experienced operations structure behind you.

We are an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). That means the business is owned for the benefit of the people who work within it. Profit is reinvested into our nurseries, our teams, and the quality of what we deliver. For you, this means you are not working to drive short-term returns, but to build something sustainable, high quality, and consistent.

Why Join Us

We know what it takes to run large, complex nurseries and have built the structure to support you to do it well

Employee-owned business focused on long-term quality and sustainability

Genuine autonomy to lead your setting with trust and accountability

Strong regional leadership and central support (HR, finance, recruitment, quality)

A business that prioritises safeguarding and standards, not just occupancy

Opportunity to lead improvement and shape team performance

Progression into regional leadership and wider projects

Investment in professional development and higher qualifications

Wellbeing support and a realistic approach to flexibility

The Role

You will lead the full nursery operation, ensuring high standards across care, education, safeguarding, and team performance in line with EYFS and Ofsted expectations.

You will

Lead, coach, and develop a large team, including future leaders

Set and maintain clear operational and practice standards

Drive improvements in quality, occupancy, and performance

Oversee budgets, staffing, and operational efficiency

Lead safeguarding practice and ensure full compliance

Build strong relationships with parents and partners

Prepare for and lead inspections confidently

Work closely with regional and central teams

What Success Looks Like

A well-led nursery with clear expectations and consistent delivery

A confident leadership team taking ownership

High-quality practice embedded across all rooms

Strong safeguarding culture understood at every level

Stable, accountable team performance

Positive inspection outcomes with clear evidence of impact

About You

You are an experienced nursery leader who has managed large, complex settings and understands the demands that come with them.

You are confident, consistent, and able to balance supportive leadership with clear accountability.

You will have

Experience managing a large nursery (ideally 100+ places)

Strong knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements

Experience improving or raising standards in a setting

Strong safeguarding knowledge & leadership experience

Ability to coach and develop senior staff

Confidence managing performance and difficult conversations

Level 5 Early Years qualification (or working towards)

You are committed, visible in your leadership, and understand the importance of consistency and presence in role.

Our Commitment to You

As an employee-owned business, we take responsibility for creating the right environment for you to succeed.

We will

Be clear on expectations and consistent across the business

Provide the structure and support needed to run your setting effectively

Listen and respond to feedback from our leaders

Back your decisions when aligned with standards and values

Invest in your development and progression

Key Responsibilities

Lead nursery operations, ensuring compliance, safety, and quality

Manage and develop your team through coaching and supervision

Maintain strong safeguarding systems and reporting

Drive occupancy and parent engagement through quality provision

Manage financial performance and staffing efficiency

Work in partnership with regional and central teams

Support internal and external inspections and action planning

Contribute to wider business initiatives and leadership support

Safeguarding

This role involves regulated activity with children.

All candidates must

Hold or obtain an enhanced DBS on the Update Service (cost may apply)

Be eligible to work in regulated roles (not on the barred list)

Complete full background and reference checks

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to an inclusive workplace.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

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