Nursery Manager Location: Suffolk, IP28 8AA Working Hours: 41 hours per week (all year round)
Tuesday: 8:00 17:00
Wednesday Thursday: 8:00 18:00
Friday: 6:45 18:00 (no Deputy on site)
Salary: Starting from £43,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
The Role
This is not a standard nursery manager position.
This role is designed for a strong, experienced leader who thrives in a large, fast-paced, and well-established nursery environment, with a clear focus on people leadership, quality of practice, and curriculum, rather than admin or commercial ownership.
You will be joining a structured leadership team within a setting of 35 staff, contributing to an already established operation. Your focus will be on leading teams effectively, maintaining high standards across the EYFS, and embedding a strong, positive culture across the nursery.
The setting offers:
Five bright, engaging classrooms
An out-of-school club for primary-aged children
A designated forest school area
Extensive outdoor learning spaces
An indoor heated swimming pool
A large, established team of 35 staff
You will:
Lead and support teams within a busy, large-scale nursery environment
Drive high-quality EYFS practice and curriculum delivery
Maintain strong staff engagement and a positive team culture
Work collaboratively within an established leadership structure
Champion safeguarding, wellbeing, and child-centred practice
Support Ofsted readiness and continuous quality improvement
Integrate effectively into an experienced and structured team
Requirements
Essential
Minimum 2 years experience in a nursery leadership or management role
Experience working in larger nursery settings (30+ staff preferred)
Strong knowledge and understanding of the EYFS
Full and relevant Level 3 qualification (or above) in Early Years/Childcare
Ability to lead teams effectively in a busy environment
Strong organisational skills and professional approach
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Able to commute within 30 minutes of the setting
Commitment to safeguarding and statutory guidance
Strong safeguarding knowledge / DSL awareness
Enhanced DBS check (required prior to appointment)
Paediatric First Aid (12-hour), or willingness to obtain
Desirable
Experience supporting or preparing for Ofsted inspections
Experience working in large-scale nursery environments
Familiarity with nursery systems (e.g. Tapestry or similar)
Exposure to forest school or outdoor learning approaches
Whats in It For You
Paid lunch break
Free uniform
NEST pension scheme
Company events
On-site parking
Safeguarding Statement
Our clients setting is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at all times and expects everybody working within their setting to share this commitment.
Selection Process
The successful candidate will be subject to reference checks and a face-to-face interview as part of the selection process.
Whats next? Its easy! Click APPLY now! We cant wait to hear from you!
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