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- Tasks: Lead and mentor nursery managers to ensure exceptional care and education across four locations.
- Company: Join a family-founded nursery group in London known for its supportive culture and high educational standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy over 40 days of paid holiday, travel allowance, and a focus on staff well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven team that prioritises children's emotional well-being and multicultural practices.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in senior leadership within nurseries, Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher required.
- Other info: Full-time role with no sponsorship available; ideal for passionate leaders in early years education.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are helping our client, a well-established, family-founded private nursery group in London, recruit a new senior leader 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 nursery managers and their 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. This role requires both leadership maturity and a genuine passion for early years education within a high-standard environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop nursery managers and their teams to deliver high-quality education and care (~20 people)
- 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
- Act as the senior point of contact representing the group internally and externally
- Foster strong relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community, promoting each nursery as a centre of excellence
Requirements
- 4+ years of experience in a senior multi-site leadership role within private day nurseries
- Based in or near London, with flexibility to travel regularly across four nursery locations
- Level 3 Early Years qualification or higher (EYPS, EYT, Early Years Degree, or NNEB)
- Deep understanding of Ofsted inspections, EYFS framework, safeguarding standards, and early childhood development
- Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, training, 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
What the Company Offers
- A competitive salary
- 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.
Executive Manager (Early Years) 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 Executive Manager (Early Years)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and culture of the nursery group. Since they pride themselves on a warm, supportive environment, be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their ethos during any conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the early years education community in London. Attend local events or workshops related to early childhood education to meet potential colleagues and gain insights into the nursery's reputation and practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your hands-on leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams in multi-site settings, particularly in boutique or independent nurseries, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends and best practices in early years education, especially regarding Ofsted standards and EYFS requirements. Being knowledgeable about current developments will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Manager (Early Years)
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 hands-on leadership style and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for early years education and your understanding of the company's values. Mention how your experience aligns with their focus on high educational standards and emotional well-being for children.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you have successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your strategic planning abilities and any initiatives you've implemented that improved nursery performance.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Research the nursery group's culture and values. In your application, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding multicultural practices and community engagement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global)
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for early years education during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles, as this will resonate with the nursery group's values.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams, especially in multi-site settings. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you have successfully guided nursery managers and their teams to achieve high-quality care and education.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ofsted Standards
Since compliance with Ofsted standards is crucial for this role, ensure you are well-versed in these requirements. Discuss your understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding policies, and be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured compliance in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in a nursery setting. Think about past experiences where you've had to make tough decisions or implement changes, and be ready to share those stories.