At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire nursery teams while ensuring high-quality service across multiple settings.
- Company: Join Bright Stars, a leader in early years education with a commitment to safeguarding.
- Benefits: Enjoy 75% childcare discount, medical cover, and discounts at over 300 retailers.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and up to 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape the future of early years education and make a real impact in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams in childcare or education, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager to oversee operations across multiple nursery settings within the North region. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving performance, supporting nursery teams, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across all sites. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and dynamic leader to play a key role in shaping regional success while fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve regional goals and performance targets.
- Lead, support, and coach Nursery Managers and their teams, providing clear guidance and constructive feedback.
- Monitor and analyse nursery performance, identifying trends and producing detailed reports for senior leadership.
- Ensure all settings remain fully compliant with EYFS requirements, safeguarding procedures, health and safety standards, and company policies.
- Build strong and professional relationships with parents, external agencies, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
- Oversee regional budgets, staffing levels, occupancy targets, and resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency.
- Support recruitment, retention, and succession planning across the region.
- Lead initiatives to improve quality, operational performance, customer experience, and team development.
- Coordinate training and professional development opportunities to strengthen leadership capability across nursery teams.
- Support nurseries in preparing for Ofsted inspections and maintaining high standards of care and education.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience managing multiple sites or teams within the childcare, education, or early years sector.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
- Excellent knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements.
- Outstanding organisational and prioritisation abilities, with experience working in fast-paced environments.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Analytical and commercially aware, with experience using data to support operational decision-making.
- Flexible, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the North region.
What We Offer
- Paycare Medical Cover – contributions towards dental and optical care, same-day GP appointments, and lifestyle assessments.
- 75% childcare discount to support working families.
- MyGym / MyActive discounts – save up to 25% on gym memberships, fitness clothing, and equipment.
- Paycare Perks – discounts at over 300 high street retailers including Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, H&M, Boots, and New Look.
- Recommend a Friend Scheme – earn up to £1,500 for successful referrals.
- Ongoing training and professional development through sector-leading programmes.
- Up to 33 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Car allowance and business mileage contribution.
Safeguarding Commitment
At Bright Stars, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo comprehensive suitability checks, including: Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, Appropriate employment references, Verification of qualifications, Right to work checks, Completion of all safer recruitment requirements. All appointments are subject to satisfactory clearance of these checks in line with our Safeguarding Policy.
Early Years Operations Manager employer: Bright Stars Nursery Group
At Bright Stars, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Early Years Operations Manager. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities, alongside generous benefits such as a 75% childcare discount and comprehensive medical cover. Our commitment to fostering a positive culture ensures that you will thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children across the North region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Familiarise yourself with their nursery settings and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, improved performance, or handled challenges in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re the proactive and dynamic leader they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the early years sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Early Years Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multiple sites and your knowledge of EYFS requirements, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led and motivated teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve supported nursery managers and improved performance, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive success across our settings.
Be Data Savvy:Since monitoring and analysing nursery performance is key, include any experience you have with data analysis in your application. Show us how you’ve used data to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Stars Nursery Group
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance across multiple nursery settings and share examples of how you've successfully implemented these standards in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership approach and be ready to explain how you motivate and inspire teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported Nursery Managers and improved team performance, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves monitoring and analysing nursery performance, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to drive operational decisions. Discuss any trends you've identified and how you've acted on them to improve service delivery.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
This position requires strong relationship-building skills. Think of instances where you've successfully engaged with parents, external agencies, or stakeholders. Be ready to share how you fostered these relationships and the positive outcomes that resulted.
