Job Description
Your Company:A growing early years education provider is partnering with NET Recruit to appoint an Area Manager on a permanent basis, overseeing multiple nursery settings across South East London. This established childcare organisation operates a network of high-quality early years settings dedicated to providing safe, nurturing and development-focused environments for children. With a strong commitment to emotional intelligence, creativity and exploration, the organisation works closely with families and communities to support every child’s development journey. The group is recognised for its focus on high standards of care, strong safeguarding practices and continuous improvement across all settings. By investing in leadership development and operational excellence, the organisation strives to deliver outstanding early years education and positive outcomes for children and families. This is an exciting opportunity to join the senior operational team, working closely with Nursery Managers and senior leadership to drive quality standards, support operational performance and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple nursery locations.Your Role and Responsibilities:While in this position your duties may include but are not limited to:
* Providing leadership, oversight and operational support across multiple nursery settings within the South East London region
* Line managing Nursery Managers, supporting their leadership development and enabling them to effectively lead teams while achieving key operational and performance objectives
* Driving high standards of childcare provision, educational delivery and safeguarding practices across all nurseries within the region
* Supporting Nursery Managers with staffing, performance management, recruitment and team development to ensure strong and capable nursery teams
* Monitoring operational performance through regular nursery visits, quality audits and performance reviews
* Working with Nursery Managers to develop, review and implement nursery development plans that drive continuous improvement
* Ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory frameworks, including Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements, safeguarding regulations and Ofsted expectations
* Supporting nurseries to achieve strong inspection outcomes and maintain consistently high educational standards
* Providing guidance on safeguarding concerns and supporting investigations where required, ensuring correct reporting procedures are followed
* Acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead within the organisation and ensuring safeguarding procedures are consistently implemented across all sites
* Supporting financial and operational performance by monitoring occupancy levels, staffing stability and cost management across the nursery portfolio
* Working collaboratively with senior leadership to analyse performance data and identify opportunities for operational improvements
* Supporting the onboarding and integration of new nursery settings within the region
* Building strong relationships with parents, carers and local communities while supporting Nursery Managers in handling feedback and concerns professionally
* Participating in training initiatives, staff development activities and professional learning programmes across the organisation
* Representing the organisation at relevant meetings, training sessions and sector events where appropriate
What You Will Need To Apply:
* Significant experience within early years education, ideally within a Nursery Manager or senior leadership role overseeing childcare settings
* A recognised Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent
* Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education, Child Development, Education Leadership or a related discipline would be advantageous
* Demonstrable experience supporting or overseeing multiple early years settings or leading operational improvements within nursery environments
* Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Ofsted regulatory requirements
* Excellent understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and child protection procedures
* Designated Safeguarding Lead training and Paediatric First Aid certification would be beneficial
* Strong leadership and coaching capability with the ability to guide and develop nursery leadership teams
* Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess operational data and identify opportunities for improvement
* Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
* Confidence presenting information, supporting managers and working collaboratively with senior leadership teams
* Full right to work in the UK and willingness to travel regularly between nursery locations across the region
What You Will Get In Return: The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing, career development and professional growth. The organisation promotes a collaborative and supportive working environment where leadership development, training and continuous improvement are actively encouraged. Employees benefit from opportunities to expand their operational expertise while contributing to a mission-driven organisation focused on delivering high-quality early years education. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years professional seeking to take on a multi-site leadership role within a growing organisation committed to delivering exceptional childcare and positive outcomes for children and families.If this fantastic opportunity appeals to you then please don't hesitate to contact:Richard Quin - Director Global InsuranceM: 07961 425489E: