At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated early years team, ensuring high-quality learning experiences.
- Company: Join The Big Life Group, a social business committed to equity and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25-30 days annual leave, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an outstanding workplace culture that values diversity and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
About The Big Life Group
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way. We always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them.
Our values
- Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or challenges accepted wisdom.
- Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
- Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
- Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
- Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and continually learn.
- Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people offer.
Working at Big Life
At Big Life, work is more than a job – it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth and in life, and that commitment starts with how our staff. Be yourself – we want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff networks – from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more – create space to connect and support each other.
Benefits that matter
We offer more than a payslip – you’ll find wellbeing support through LifeWorks, Simply Health and mindfulness sessions, 25-30 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, flexible working, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes, cycle-to-work, free eye tests and more – little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
A culture of trust and flexibility
Our people describe our culture as relaxed and supportive. You’ll be trusted to plan your own day, take breaks when you need, and work in a way that fits with your life as well as your role.
If you’re looking for more than a job if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
The basics
- Salary: £33,699 per annum (pro-rata)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week (term-time only)
- Annual leave: Term-time only
- Base: Unity Community Primary School
- Line manager: Head of Early Years
- Closing date for applications: Friday, 20 February at 5pm
What you’ll be doing
As our Nursery Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and operation of the nursery, ensuring high-quality early years provision in line with statutory requirements and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). You will lead and inspire a dedicated early years team, ensuring children are safe, engaged and supported through rich, play-based learning experiences. Working closely with - and supported by - our experienced Head of Early Years, you will shape provision, maintain regulatory compliance, and contribute to the ongoing development and sustainability of the nursery. This is a unique opportunity to lead early years provision within a school community, combining operational leadership, safeguarding responsibility, staff development and community engagement.
Nursery Manager in Manchester employer: The Big Life group
Contact Detail:
The Big Life group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Nursery Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The Big Life Group's values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their commitment to equity and community support. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in early years settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop staff, as this is key for the Nursery Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining The Big Life Group and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and values that align with our mission at The Big Life Group.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Nursery Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in early years education and how it connects to our values of courage, creativity, and compassion.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Nursery Manager, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've inspired others in previous roles. We love hearing about innovative solutions you've implemented!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Big Life group
✨Know The Big Life Way
Before your interview, take some time to really understand The Big Life Group's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to equity and community engagement. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Nursery Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you inspire and support your team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a group or improved a situation in a nursery setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in early years settings. Practice responses to questions like how you would manage a safeguarding issue or engage with parents effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the nursery's current initiatives or how they measure success in their early years provision. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.