Branch Manager/senior Manager

Ark Start is seeking an Area Manager to lead a group of nurseries, champion high-quality early years practice, and help shape the future of our growing nursery network. This is a rewarding leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on support and is committed to achieving outstanding outcomes for children, families, and staff.

As an Area Manager, you will provide leadership and operational oversight across a region of Ark Start nurseries, supporting Nursery Managers to deliver exceptional care and education. You will build strong relationships with leaders and teams, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement while ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, compliance, and educational provision.

You will also take ownership of a specialist area of expertise, such as assessment, curriculum, or staff training and development, leading innovation and continuous improvement across the wider organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in creating a culture where colleagues thrive, children flourish, and families feel valued and supported.

• Lead and develop one area of expertise (e.g. assessment, curriculum, or staff training and development), driving continuous improvement across your region.
• Line manage and coach Nursery Managers to drive performance, development, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Ark Start policies and statutory requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, and risk management.
• Monitor nursery performance, identifying strengths and areas for development, and implement effective improvement plans.
• Ensure all nurseries are Ofsted-ready and compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee SEND provision in region, ensuring appropriate support, processes, and documentation are in place for children with additional needs.
• Monitor planning and curriculum delivery, supporting teams to provide high-quality early years education.
• Coach and mentor nursery managers and staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learning.
• Support managers in identifying training needs and facilitating ongoing professional development for all staff members.
• Ensure effective deployment of staff, meeting the needs of each nursery while considering staff skills and strengths.
• Meet financial targets for the nurseries in your region, monitoring budgets and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.
• Identify staffing needs and gaps, working with the Director of Ark Start, and wider team, to ensure effective workforce planning.
• Build strong relationships with partner schools, local authorities, and external agencies to support the development and success of Ark Start nurseries.
• Lead the implementation and continuous development of the family programme, enhancing parent engagement and support.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified at Level 3 or above, Level 6 desirable.
• Strong understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), including curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding, child welfare, and relevant statutory requirements.
• Experience supporting quality improvement and operational excellence within nursery environments.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop leaders and staff to achieve high performance.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, planning, and organisational skills.
• A passion for improving outcomes for children and a commitment to Ark Start’s vision and values.
• Resilient, reflective, and proactive, with a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Confidence engaging with families and building positive partnerships with stakeholders.

You will predominantly be based across our North London nurseries but will need to visit other London nurseries and attend meetings at our office in White City from time to time.

~27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.

~ Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.

~ As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.

~ Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye test.

Apply with a CV and cover letter on our online recruitment portal. This ATS application form should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. Our dedicated team work together to ensure that every child has a joyful, engaging, and secure nursery experience and leaves us ready to start school happily and confidently. With 7 nurseries across London and ambitious plans for growth, we are expanding our team and looking for a passionate Area Manager to help shape the future of our organisation. You will have the opportunity to make a real impact, working in a supportive and ambitious environment where children, families, and colleagues can flourish.

Diversity and inclusion: To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check.