Field Manager in Rayleigh

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and operational management across assigned nurseries.
• Lead, motivate, and support management teams.
• Mentor leaders and support succession planning.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure compliance with EYFS, Ofsted, statutory requirements, and company policies.
• Lead inspections, audits, and Ofsted readiness.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety.
• Ensure delivery of a broad, balanced curriculum aligned with Kindred pedagogy.
• Oversee observation, assessment, and reporting.
• Promote inclusive practice, including SEND.
• Maintain safe, inspiring learning environments.
• Conduct supervisions and performance reviews.
• Support recruitment, induction, and onboarding.
• Drive engagement, retention, and performance.
• Oversee staffing, ratios, occupancy, and daily operations.
• Manage labour budgets and deployment.
• Work with Area Managers, Finance, HR, and Marketing to meet KPIs.
• Monitor performance metrics including revenue and cost control.
• Support occupancy growth and enquiry conversion.
• Build strong relationships with families, colleagues, and communities.
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers.
• Liaise with Local Authorities.
• Collaborate across the Kindred nursery network.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, parent events, and marketing activities.
• Participate in wider company projects and meetings, including at Head Office.
• Act as a key holder and respond to emergency situations.
• Keep the Area Manager informed of progress, challenges, and key developments.

Additional Responsibilities

• This role requires flexibility to travel between settings and a proactive, resilient approach to driving engagement, performance, and stability across teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience leading teams in a Good or Outstanding early years setting.
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above); Level 2; GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and Ofsted requirements.
• Full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle, and flexibility to travel (including occasional overnight stays).
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

Benefits

• Birthday Off
• 6 fully paid sick days
• Cashback Healthcare Plan
• Retail Discounts
• Recognition & Reward
• 50% Childcare Discount
• 24/7 Virtual GP Access
• 24/7 Counselling Support
• Discounted gym Membership
• Personal Financial Advisor Access
• Pension
• Discovery Learning platform Access

Work Environment & Culture

• Kindred values supportive culture, teamwork, belonging, career development, structured training, mentorship, work-life balance, competitive pay, and recognition.

Recruitment Process

• Interviews are rolling. Expected start date: ASAP.
• The process includes a video interview followed by a face-to-face interview with a stay and play session at the nursery to observe you working with children.
• Background checks, references, DBS, and qualification verification will be carried out in accordance with our Safer Recruitment Policy.

Ready to start? Click the “Quick Apply” button to submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest in the role. We aim to respond to all applicants within 2–5 working days.

Safeguarding Commitment

• All employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, health, and safety at all times and to participate in mandatory training.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.