At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver outstanding early years care and education.
- Company: Join Kindred, a family of inspiring nurseries with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, and generous perks like birthday off and childcare discounts.
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning employer that values career growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Location & Contract
- Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom – AL4 8BW.
- Contract Type: Full-time.
- Contract Length: Permanent.
- Hours: 40 hours per week.
- Salary: Competitive (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 will 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 would 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. At Kindred, we're more than a nursery group - we're a family.
Company Culture
- 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.
- 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.
Nursery Manager in St Albans employer: Kindred Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Kindred Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's culture and values before your interview. This way, you can show how your leadership style aligns with their mission. Plus, it’ll help you feel more confident when discussing how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your experience and ability to inspire and support your team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about their approach to staff development or how they handle parent concerns. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it's the right fit for both you and the nursery.
✨Tip Number 4
After your interview, follow up with a thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in St Albans
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 supporting your team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, organisational skills, and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Kindred family!
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 commitment to high standards and help you answer questions confidently.
✨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, managed conflicts, or improved nursery operations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support others effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations, such as dealing with a complaint from a parent or managing a challenging behaviour in the nursery. Practise your responses to these scenarios to show that you can think on your feet and maintain a calm, professional approach.
✨Engage with Your 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 helps build rapport with the team.