At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team and create inspiring environments for children's early education.
- Company: Join Kindred, a family of nurseries dedicated to enriching children's development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, and generous benefits like childcare discounts and wellness support.
- Other info: Supportive culture with clear career progression and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years management and a Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, AL4 8BW
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Length: Permanent
Hours: 40 - 42.5 hours per week
Salary: £33,012 - £35,075 per annum (plus quarterly and annual bonuses)
Benefits: Birthday Off, 6 Fully Paid Sick Days, Cashback Healthcare Plan, Retail Discounts, Recognition & Reward Scheme, 50% Childcare Discount, 24/7 Virtual GP Access, 24/7 Counselling Support, Discounted Gym Membership, Personal Financial Advisor Access, Pension Discovery, Learning Platform Access
Join the Kindred Family – Lead, Inspire, and Make a Difference
Are you an experienced early years professional with a passion for leadership and delivering outstanding childcare? At Kindred, our Nursery Managers are at the heart of our nurseries, creating supportive and inspiring environments for children and staff alike. We offer a competitive salary, career progression opportunities, quarterly and annual bonuses, and the chance to develop within a company that truly values its leaders. You’ll manage and improve your nursery, lead a talented team, and play a key role in shaping children’s early education while helping your team thrive. If you’re ambitious, driven, and passionate about early years education, we’d love to meet you.
About Kindred
Kindred is a family of inspiring nurseries and preschools with a distinct home-from-home environment. By creating days filled with unique moments and opportunities, we enrich children’s development during their early years. Our mission is creating inspiring worlds full of awe and wonder for little ones to grow and thrive in. Our values guide all we do:
- Always Learning – Continuously developing ourselves and our teams
- Inspirational – Creating magic in every action
- Family Feel – Making everyone feel part of our incredible family
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Nursery Manager, you will:
- Lead the Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, and Room Leaders to ensure high standards of Early Years care and education
- Maintain an organised, safe, and stimulating nursery environment
- Keep accurate records and ensure procedures are followed across the nursery
- Build and maintain a reputation as the nursery of choice for children and staff
- Model and monitor best practice in line with regulatory guidelines
- Inspire and support your team, overseeing inductions, mentoring, and ongoing development
- Ensure the nursery runs efficiently, meets KPIs, budgets, and targets, and is prepared for audits and inspections
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and central to every aspect of your role.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery
- Lead by example, modelling good practice and creating a shared vision
- Supervise, support, and allocate tasks to your team
- Conduct regular supervisions and performance discussions
- Manage recruitment, interviews, and induction of new staff
- Respond to complaints or concerns raised by parents or colleagues
- Conduct nursery tours confidently, promoting available spaces
- Ensure compliance with statutory guidelines, company policies, procedures, and risk assessments
Other Responsibilities
- Actively deliver and participate in staff meetings, training, parent sessions, and marketing events (including evenings or weekends)
- Support wider company projects, training sessions, and meetings at other locations including Head Office
What You’ll Need
Essential
- Proven experience in leading and managing a team within early years
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Outstanding customer service and time management
- Full and relevant Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher
- Sound knowledge of EYFS and OFSTED guidelines
Why Join Kindred?
At Kindred, we’re more than a nursery group – we’re a family.
- Supportive & Inclusive Culture – Strong relationships and team collaboration
- Career Development – Structured training, mentorship, and clear progression pathways
- Work-Life Balance – Structured hours and supportive leadership environment
- Competitive Pay & Benefits – Salary, bonuses, and generous benefits package
- Award-Winning Employer – A workplace our team proudly recommends
Our Recruitment Process
Interviews: Rolling interviews
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Our process includes:
- Video interview followed by a face-to-face interview at the nursery
- A fully supervised ‘Stay and Play’ session
- Background checks including References and Enhanced DBS in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy
Ready to Start Your Kindred Journey?
To apply for the Nursery Manager position, please click the “Apply” button, complete the application form, and upload your CV along with a short cover letter explaining your interest in leading a Kindred nursery. We aim to respond to all applicants within 2–5 working days.
Thank you for considering a career with Kindred. As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Nursery Manager employer: Kindred Nurseries
Kindred Nurseries in Goffs Oak is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment where Early Years professionals can thrive. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care, team members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative culture that values communication and teamwork. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying competitive pay and a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission before your interview. This way, you can show how your passion for early years education aligns with their goals. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired your team or improved a nursery environment. We want to hear those success stories that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your interest in the nursery by asking about their approach to staff development or how they maintain high standards of care. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Kindred family. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating inspiring environments for children and leading a fantastic team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like your Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification. We love seeing how your background fits with our values!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Kindred. Share specific examples of your achievements in previous roles and how you plan to inspire and support your team. Keep it engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, we aim to respond within 2–5 working days, so you won’t be left waiting too long.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kindred Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and OFSTED guidelines. Brush up on your knowledge of best practices in early years education, as this will show your passion and commitment to delivering outstanding childcare.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team or improved nursery operations. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate staff effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at Kindred and what they value most in a Nursery Manager. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical scenarios or case studies during your interview. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges, such as managing complaints from parents or ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
