Job Description
Area Manager – Early Years (Multi‑Site Leadership) – £65k Package
Field‑Based | Regional Travel Required
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
Are you an experienced Area Manager ready to lead at scale and make a real impact?
We’re partnering with a well‑established, premium childcare provider to appoint a high‑calibre Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of nursery settings. This is a senior leadership role offering real autonomy, commercial influence, and the opportunity to shape performance across a thriving region.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
* Lead a multi‑site portfolio within a growing, well‑backed Early Years Organisation
* Take full ownership of performance, people, and profitability
* Influence strategy, culture, and operational excellence
* Be part of an organisation committed to quality, innovation, and growth
* Clear progression into senior operational leadership roles
The Role
This is a hands‑on, commercially focused leadership role where you will drive performance and inspire excellence across your region.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, coach, and develop Nursery Managers to deliver exceptional standards in care, education, and customer experience
* Own regional performance, including financial targets, occupancy, and quality KPIs
* Manage and optimise budgets and P&L performance, identifying opportunities to improve margins
* Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and quality standards
* Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across all sites
* Lead new nursery openings and acquisitions, ensuring successful integration
* Act as a senior representative in meetings with stakeholders, parents, and external bodies
Driving Culture & Quality
* Lead and embed a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, consistency, and excellence
* Drive measurable improvements in quality standards across all settings, ensuring best‑in‑class childcare and education delivery
* Challenge and support underperforming sites, implementing structured improvement plans and raising standards rapidly
* Champion a culture of continuous feedback, learning, and development across all teams
* Ensure alignment to organisational values, creating engaged, motivated, and high‑performing nursery teams
About You
You are an experienced operator who combines strong commercial awareness with inspirational leadership.
Essential
* Proven track record as an Area Manager (or equivalent multi‑site leadership role) within Early Years
* Relevant Early Years qualifications
* Strong experience managing P&L, budgets, and performance metricsIn‑depth knowledge of regulatory and safeguarding requirements
* Demonstrated success in leading, developing, and retaining high‑performing teams
Your Leadership Style
* Strategic but hands‑on, comfortable operating at both operational and strategic levels
* Results‑driven with a strong focus on performance and accountability
* A natural leader who inspires, coaches, and challenges teams
* Resilient, adaptable, and solutions‑focused in a fast‑paced environment
Location & Travel
* Field‑based role with regular regional travel across the M3/M4/South and occasional wider UK travel
* Flexibility for some home working
Additional Information
* Enhanced DBS and references required as part of a safeguarding‑focused recruitment process
* Full details shared at shortlist stage due to confidentiality
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