At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire nursery teams to deliver exceptional early years education.
- Company: Join Bright Stars Nursery Group, a supportive community dedicated to children's growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 75% childcare discount, health cover, discounts, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and a Level 3 childcare qualification required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are pleased to now offer a 75% childcare discount to our staff, supporting working parents in balancing their careers and family life. Are you a confident, inspiring leader with a passion for early years education? We're seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to oversee a group of high-quality nursery settings across Norwich and the surrounding areas. Bright Stars Nursery Group is more than just a group of individual nurseries; we are a close-knit community of passionate professionals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Our ethos drives us to provide exceptional care, education, and support, ensuring that every child's journey with us is filled with love, joy, and unlimited opportunities.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for the operational leadership of multiple nurseries. You'll work closely with Nursery Managers and their teams to uphold outstanding standards of care, compliance, and education. From leading quality audits to supporting occupancy growth and team development, this is a fast‐paced, hands‐on role ideal for someone who thrives in a leadership position and is passionate about high standards in early years.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and support Nursery Managers across the region
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, and company policies
- Monitor occupancy and financial performance
- Support recruitment, retention, and staff training
- Act as a key link between settings and senior leadership
- Champion safeguarding, inclusion, and health & safety
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a senior or multi‐site early years leadership role
- Full and relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare (Level 5+ desirable)
- Deep understanding of EYFS, Ofsted standards, and nursery operations
- Inspirational leadership and strong communication skills
- Approachable, organised, and solutions‐focused
- Able to travel between settings across Poole and surrounding areas
What We Offer
- 75% childcare discount for staff
- Paycare Medical Cover – contributions towards dental, optical cover, free same‐day GP appointments and lifestyle assessment
- MyGym / MyActive discounts – up to 25% off gym fees and clothing, gym equipment, and all types of gyms including council‐run leisure centres
- Paycare Perks – shopping discounts from over 300 high‐street stores such as Sainsbury's, John Lewis, H&M, Boots and New Look
- Recommend a Friend – earn up to £1,500 for each recruit you refer
- Training and development – sector‐leading, regular programmes to support continuous learning for staff and children
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), employer pension contributions, car allowance, and business miles contribution
If you're a passionate, values‐driven leader who wants to shape the future of early years education, we'd love to hear from you.
Operations Manager in London employer: Bright Stars Nursery Group
Contact Detail:
Bright Stars Nursery Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years education sector. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bright Stars Nursery Group thoroughly. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved operations, or enhanced compliance in previous roles. We want to see that you can inspire and drive a culture of excellence!
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can inspire others in this field.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in early years leadership. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams and improved nursery operations, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’re one step closer to joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Stars Nursery Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand what it takes to maintain high-quality nursery operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team or improved performance. This will help demonstrate your leadership skills and how you can bring that to the role of Operations Manager.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since compliance is a big part of the role, be prepared to talk about how you've ensured adherence to regulations in previous positions. Highlight any audits you've led or compliance challenges you've overcome to show that you can handle this aspect of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery group’s vision for the future or how they support their managers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.