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- Tasks: Lead and develop nursery settings while ensuring exceptional childcare and business performance.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on early years education and childcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company uniform, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Extensive travel required; join a team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while driving business success.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience managing multiple nurseries.
We are seeking a dynamic, commercially-minded Operations Manager to lead and develop a portfolio of nursery settings across multiple locations. You will be the strategic link between senior leadership and nursery managers, ensuring each site delivers exceptional childcare while operating as a profitable, sustainable business. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines a passion for early years education with sharp business acumen. You will drive quality, compliance, occupancy and financial performance across your region—while building the capability of your nursery management teams.
What You'll Do
- Leadership & Quality - Provide visible, positive leadership to Nursery Managers across your region; ensure every setting delivers child-centred care with high standards of physical, emotional, social and intellectual development; embed and model best practice in line with EYFS and statutory frameworks; support professional development, performance management and succession planning for nursery leadership teams.
- Business & Commercial Performance - Drive sustainable profitability through effective occupancy management, cost control and revenue growth; monitor and improve financial performance across your region; identify opportunities to add value; develop and execute local marketing plans, open days and engagement activities to attract and retain families; manage regional budgets, forecasting and resource planning.
- Compliance & Safeguarding - Hold ultimate accountability for health & safety, safeguarding and regulatory compliance across all sites; ensure robust child protection procedures, staff vetting and safer recruitment practices; maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, GDPR and sector standards.
- Stakeholder & Partnership Management - Build effective relationships with external partners, local organisations and service users; represent the organisation at multi-agency forums and influence service delivery priorities; ensure seamless "front door" access arrangements and exceptional customer experience.
What You Bring
- Essential - Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent); significant experience managing multiple nursery settings or integrated early years services; proven track record of leading teams, managing budgets and delivering commercial results; deep knowledge of EYFS, statutory frameworks, safeguarding and inspection requirements; excellent communication, influencing and report-writing skills; full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (overnight stays required).
- Desirable - Degree in Early Education, Childcare or Management; additional professional qualification in children and family services; IOSH Managing Safely (or commitment to obtain); experience of TUPE transfers and business change; knowledge of out-of-school clubs and wraparound care for primary-aged children.
What We Offer - Competitive salary and benefits package; company-branded uniform provided; enhanced DBS check and update service; opportunity to shape and grow a respected early years portfolio.
To Apply Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your regional management experience and approach to driving quality and commercial performance in early years settings. This post requires a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds employer: Odin Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Odin Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the early years sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to nursery managers or industry leaders on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your love for early years education. Share stories of how you've positively impacted children's lives or improved nursery operations. This will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to childcare and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailoring your responses to reflect their mission can really impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Operations Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multiple nursery settings and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for early years education and how you plan to drive quality and commercial performance. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire teams. In your application, give examples of how you've provided positive leadership in previous roles. This will help us see your potential impact on our nursery settings.
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 our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Odin Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and any relevant statutory frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the regulations but also passionate about delivering high-quality childcare.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve driven quality and compliance, and be ready to share how you supported your team’s professional development.
✨Demonstrate Business Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing budgets and driving profitability. Have some examples of how you’ve improved financial performance or occupancy rates in past roles, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with external partners and local organisations. Be prepared to talk about your approach to stakeholder management and how you ensure a seamless customer experience across multiple sites.