At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support multiple nursery settings while driving operational performance and team development.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a purpose-led, employee-owned business that values its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy an electric company car, performance bonuses, and up to 60% childcare discount.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture where your voice matters and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and multi-site management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working with travel across the Southeast region (Including Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Winchester & IOW)
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum.
Benefits: Electric company car, Performance bonus scheme, Employee Ownership Trust bonus.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe children deserve the very best start in life and that happy, supported teams create the best experiences for children and families. We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Regional Manager to support and lead multiple nursery settings across our East region. This is a senior operational leadership role where you will work closely with the Regional Director to support operational performance, leadership capability, culture, compliance and consistency across a group of nursery settings. We are looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys developing people and can confidently balance commercial awareness with genuine care for children, families and teams.
What you will be responsible for:
- Supporting and developing Nursery Managers and leadership teams
- Driving occupancy and operational performance
- Monitoring KPIs and identifying trends and risks
- Supporting wage efficiency and rota management
- Leading on performance improvement plans where required
- Supporting safeguarding, complaints and compliance management
- Supporting Ofsted readiness and action planning
- Building strong relationships with teams, parents and external professionals
- Supporting operational change and policy implementation
- Creating positive, accountable and high-performing cultures
- Working collaboratively with specialist support teams including Quality, HR, Recruitment and Finance
- Identifying concerns early and ensuring appropriate support is engaged where needed
What we are looking for:
- Experience within early years leadership and multi-site management is essential.
- Strong operational leadership experience
- Commercially aware and confident using KPIs
- Can lead with warmth while maintaining accountability
- Calm under pressure and solution-focused
- Communicates openly and honestly
- Genuinely cares about people and outcomes
- Can confidently challenge and support managers
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Thrives in a visible and hands-on leadership role
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
- Electric company car
- Performance bonus
- Employee-owned trust bonus
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
- Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website! Tops is a purpose-led, employee-owned business that genuinely cares about creating the best possible experience for children, families and teams. We are ambitious, values-driven and committed to building a workplace where people feel supported, developed and able to make a real difference. This is an opportunity to join a business where your voice matters, your leadership has impact and you can genuinely influence operational success and culture across the region.
Required:
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Regional Manager in Portsmouth employer: Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our team members. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits such as an electric company car and performance bonuses, and a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and children, we create an environment where you can thrive. Join us in making a meaningful impact across the Southeast region while enjoying a fulfilling career in early years leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Manager in Portsmouth
✨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 Regional Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Tops Day Nurseries thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you align with their mission of providing the best start for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've developed teams and improved operational performance in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance commercial awareness with genuine care for people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Tops Day Nurseries family.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Regional Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in early years settings and any multi-site management you've done. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working with children and families. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and supported teams in the past. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us what you've achieved! Use numbers and KPIs to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made a difference in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our values and culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Tops Day Nurseries' mission and values. Understand their approach to early years education and how they support their teams. This will help you align your answers with what they truly care about.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership experiences, especially in multi-site management. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams and improved operational performance. Highlight your ability to balance commercial awareness with genuine care for people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed compliance issues or improved team dynamics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company culture. Inquire about their approach to staff development or how they measure success in their nursery settings. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and genuine interest in making a difference.
