At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop nursery settings while ensuring exceptional childcare and business sustainability.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on early years education and childcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company uniform, and enhanced DBS check.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape a respected early years portfolio with extensive travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early years education while driving business success.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience managing multiple nurseries.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are seeking a dynamic, commercially-minded Operations Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of nursery settings across multiple locations. You will be the strategic link between senior leadership and nursery managers, ensuring each site delivers exceptional childcare while operating as a profitable, sustainable business. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines a passion for early years education with sharp business acumen. You will drive quality, compliance, occupancy and financial performance across your region—while building the capability of your nursery management teams.
What You'll Do
- Leadership & Quality
- Provide visible, positive leadership to Nursery Managers across your region
- Ensure every setting delivers child-centred care with high standards of physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
- Embed and model best practice in line with EYFS and statutory frameworks
- Support professional development, performance management and succession planning for nursery leadership teams
- Business & Commercial Performance
- Drive sustainable profitability through effective occupancy management, cost control and revenue growth
- Monitor and improve financial performance across your region; identify opportunities to add value
- Develop and execute local marketing plans, open days and engagement activities to attract and retain families
- Manage regional budgets, forecasting and resource planning
- Compliance & Safeguarding
- Hold ultimate accountability for health & safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance across all sites
- Ensure robust child protection procedures, staff vetting and safer recruitment practices
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, GDPR and sector standards
- Stakeholder & Partnership Management
- Build effective relationships with external partners, local organisations and service users
- Represent the organisation at multi-agency forums and influence service delivery priorities
- Ensure seamless front door access arrangements and exceptional customer experience
What You Bring
- Essential
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent)
- Significant experience managing multiple nursery settings or integrated early years services
- Proven track record of leading teams, managing budgets and delivering commercial results
- Deep knowledge of EYFS, statutory frameworks, safeguarding and inspection requirements
- Excellent communication, influencing and report-writing skills
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (overnight stays required)
- Desirable
- Degree in Early Education, Childcare or Management
- Additional professional qualification in children and family services
- IOSH Managing Safely (or commitment to obtain)
- Experience of TUPE transfers and business change
- Knowledge of out-of-school clubs and wraparound care for primary-aged children
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Company-branded uniform provided
- Enhanced DBS check and update service
- Opportunity to shape and grow a respected early years portfolio
*This post requires a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.*
Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds employer: Energy Jobline ZR
As a Nursery Operations Manager with us, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises both exceptional childcare and sustainable business practices. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities for leadership development and collaboration across multiple nursery settings. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in early years education, we are committed to nurturing your career while ensuring the highest standards of care for children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds
✨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 a Nursery Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some research! Familiarise yourself with the nurseries in Leeds and their management styles. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific challenges in nursery operations, like improving occupancy rates or ensuring compliance. Practising your responses will give you the confidence to shine during the interview.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Nursery Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of EYFS, and any commercial achievements to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about early years education and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this hands-on leadership role.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive quality and financial performance. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved occupancy rates or managed budgets effectively, let us know!
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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and any relevant statutory frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just passionate about early years education, but also knowledgeable about the regulations that govern it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve driven quality and compliance in nursery settings. This is a hands-on leadership role, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and develop others is key.
✨Be Business Savvy
Since this role involves driving profitability and managing budgets, come ready to discuss your experience with financial performance. Have some examples of how you’ve improved occupancy rates or managed costs effectively in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to share experiences where you’ve collaborated with external partners or influenced service delivery priorities. This will highlight your communication skills and your ability to represent the organisation well.
