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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across four boutique nurseries in London.
- Company: Join a family-founded nursery group known for its supportive culture and high educational standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 40+ days holiday, travel allowance, and a close-knit leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education and well-being in a vibrant, multicultural environment.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 3 Early Years qualification and 4+ years in senior multi-site leadership.
- Other info: Full-time role with no sponsorship available; flexibility to travel across locations is required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
We are helping our client, a well-established, family-founded private nursery group in London, recruit a top senior Director to join their organisation. The group operates four boutique nurseries across London and is known for its warm, supportive culture, high educational standards, and long-serving, hands-on team. Since its founding in 2004, the group has grown steadily while maintaining a close-knit, values-driven approach that integrates multicultural practices. Their settings are play-based, bilingual, and enriched with Forest School activities, specialist classes, and a strong focus on children’s emotional well-being.
In this role, you will act as the senior operational and strategic leader across four nursery locations in London, guiding teams in delivering exceptional care and education. You will have full responsibility for operational excellence and will be expected to lead by example, providing hands-on support while also driving high-level initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Manage, guide, motivate, and support nursery managers to ensure outstanding care, education and business performance of the chain
- Manage the head office (Admin, Marketing, Recruitment departments)
- Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement across all nursery settings
- Ensure full compliance with Ofsted standards, EYFS requirements, and safeguarding policies
- Monitor nursery performance, analyse KPIs, and implement best practices
- Manage financial performance, occupancy levels, and resource allocation
- Foster strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community, promoting each nursery as a centre of excellence
Requirements
- Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher (EYPS, EYT, Early Years Degree, or NNEB)
- 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries
- Deep understanding of Ofsted inspections, EYFS framework, safeguarding standards, and early childhood development
- Demonstrated success in leading and inspiring teams, with strong strategic and operational skills
- Hands-on leadership style with a background in boutique or independent nursery groups
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse communities and staff
- Flexibility to travel regularly across four nursery locations in London (mostly West London)
What the Company Offers
- A competitive salary with annual bonus potential and possible future profit share
- Over 40 days of paid holiday annually
- Travel allowance between nursery locations
- A supportive, close-knit leadership team with coaching and development opportunities
- A high-standard, upbeat work environment where staff well-being is genuinely valued
- Long-term growth potential within a respected, stable nursery group
Full-time role. No sponsorship at the moment.
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Early Years Operations Director employer: Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global)
Contact Detail:
Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and culture of the nursery group. Understanding their warm, supportive environment and commitment to high educational standards will help you align your leadership style with their expectations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the early years sector, especially those who have experience in multi-site leadership roles. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on leadership experiences in detail. Since the role requires a strong operational presence, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved performance in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and changes in the EYFS framework and Ofsted standards. Demonstrating your knowledge of these areas during discussions will show your commitment to compliance and excellence in early childhood education.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in early years education and multi-site leadership. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for early childhood education and your alignment with the nursery group's values. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how it has positively impacted previous teams and settings. Be sure to address how you can contribute to their mission of providing exceptional care and education.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in private day nurseries and your understanding of Ofsted inspections and EYFS requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic planning and operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Given the importance of fostering relationships with staff, parents, and the community, include examples of how you've successfully built strong connections in your past roles. Highlight your ability to work with diverse communities and your commitment to promoting a supportive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global)
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed teams, improved performance, or implemented strategic initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to lead across multiple nursery locations.
✨Understand Ofsted and EYFS Standards
Familiarise yourself with the latest Ofsted inspection frameworks and EYFS requirements. Be ready to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past roles and how you plan to maintain high standards in the nurseries you'll oversee.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
Since the role requires a hands-on leadership style, prepare to share examples of how you've actively engaged with staff and children in previous positions. This will illustrate your commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Skills
Discuss your experience in building relationships with parents and the wider community. Share strategies you've used to promote inclusivity and collaboration, as this is crucial for maintaining the nurseries' reputation as centres of excellence.
