At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support nursery teams, ensuring operational excellence and compliance across multiple sites.
- Company: A passionate organisation dedicated to early years education and child wellbeing.
- Benefits: Medical cover, gym discounts, shopping perks, training programmes, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing childcare operations and strong knowledge of EYFS and compliance standards.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on professional growth and quality improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a dedicated Operations Manager to lead and support our growing team across multiple sites in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
The Role
As our Nursery Operations Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring every setting runs smoothly, safely, and in line with our high standards. You’ll oversee the day-to-day operational excellence of our nurseries, mentor managers, and drive quality improvements that enrich the experiences of children, families, and staff alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the operational performance of multiple nursery settings, ensuring compliance with Ofsted, EYFS, and all regulatory requirements.
- Lead, coach, and inspire Nursery Managers to achieve excellence in childcare, team development, and parent engagement.
- Monitor occupancy, staffing, budgets, and resources to meet business goals and maintain outstanding quality.
- Implement consistent policies and best practices across the group.
- Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic growth, quality audits, and continuous improvement plans.
- Foster a culture of care, professionalism, and positivity throughout the organisation.
About You
You’re an experienced, hands‑on leader with a passion for early years education and operational excellence. You thrive in a people‑focused environment and can balance business performance with a genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing.
- Proven experience managing or overseeing multiple nursery settings or large‑scale childcare operations.
- Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and compliance standards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- A collaborative, solution‑focused mindset with an eye for quality and detail.
What We Offer
- Paycare Medical Cover – contributions towards dental, optical, GP appointments, and lifestyle assessment.
- MyGym/MyActive discounts – up to 25% off gym fees and equipment at a range of fitness clubs.
- Paycare Perks – shopping discounts from over 300 high‑street stores.
- Recommend a Friend – earn up to £1,500 for each recruit you refer.
- Training and Development – sector‑leading programmes to support child learning.
- Plus 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
How to Apply
We’d love to hear from you if you’re a motivated, passionate professional ready to take the next step in your childcare leadership career.
Operations Manager 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the lookout 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. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around operational excellence and child wellbeing. We want to see that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've mentored teams or improved operational performance in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can inspire others and drive quality improvements.
✨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 proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in childcare settings and any relevant compliance knowledge to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for early years education and how your hands-on leadership style can drive operational excellence in our nurseries. Let us see your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; tell us about your successes! Whether it’s improving occupancy rates or leading a team to achieve outstanding Ofsted ratings, we want to hear about the impact you’ve made.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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, Ofsted regulations, and compliance standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also committed to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored others or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and coach Nursery Managers effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges in a nursery setting. Practice responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and your approach to maintaining high standards while ensuring children's wellbeing.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company culture and values before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding care, professionalism, and positivity. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.